Nov 2013 equi ads scotland

Scotland’s longest running equestrian magazine

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November 2013

•What's in your horse feed?

Is your horse overweight?

•Digestion Matters •Healthy Bedding •Arenas & Stables •Posture Management •Mud Fever Products •Stable Rugs

Scottish News Round-up

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Local Show Reports

Next Month: Quality over quantity• Veterans•Winter Hoof Care•Saddle fitting The essential guide•Christmas Gifts•Plus news and much more besides...

Equi_Ads_Nov_Scots_rev.indd 1

28/10/2013 10:20

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Contents

Laura Grieve and Just Morse competing in the CCI* at Blair Castle International Horse Trials 2013. Photo: Eilidh Robertson Photography.

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News & Views......i-ii, 7, 11, .............19, 30, 32-34, 40-42, ....................................... 47-48 Healthcare...........iii, 2-4, 16, ................... 22, 24-28, 35-38, .................... 40-41, 43-44, 46 Livery ...............................iv, 1 Morag Higgins...................iv Legal..................................4-5 Feed ..................................5-7 Feeding ....... 9, 11, 28, 46-48 Winter Laminitis ....... 15-16 Insurance ...........................20 Horse Behaviour ....... 20-22 Digestion..................... 24-25 Training.................26-27, 36 Bedding ..............................30 Tack .............................. 34-35 Respiratory ........................38 Field & Stable ............ 49-53 Transport .................... 53-54 Tack & Turnout ........ 55-57 Results ......................... 58-59 What’s On .................. 59-60

COPY DEADLINE 10th of the preceding month Available on the 1st of the month.

Equi-Ads is published monthly by:

Equi-Ads Limited.

To advertise, please call:

07712 305258

www.equi-ads.com Please send editorial to: Email: info@equiads.net

Certificate of distribution This is to certify, that Equi-Ads average distribution is 49,000 copies every month. Average readership, excluding the website is 120,000.

Robert Griffiths, Publisher ISSN 1461-0590

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INJURED HORSE EVENTING AGAIN...

HealtH HealtHCare Care23 23––28, 28,45 45- -46 46

THE EQUI-ADS TEAM

WormIng WormIng25 25

Editorial:

StrangleS StrangleS26 26

J

pHySIotHerapy ust Morse (cover picture) is a bit of a pHySIotHerapy “comeback kid”.2828 At Blair in 2009 he was being ridden by someone else andHolIdayS ripped both 29 HolIdayS 29 his tendons (75% tear in one leg and 25% in the other). He was written off by vets and although he traInIng traInIng 29, 46- -47 will never go back to competing at advanced level,29, it46 was a47miracle he came back to eventing this year, completed Blair and stayed sound.

Well done to SCHoolIng 29 SCHoolIng 29 Just Morse from all at Equi-Ads.

bob@equiads.net 020 8302 6069 Advertising (Scotland):

aline@equiads.net 07712 305258

Contents Contents Apology Apology

SeCurIty SeCurIty30 30––32 32

Relief for the hind leg M

Sandy Shearer Equi Yard Maintenance

ASSOCIATE MEMBER

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On to Blenheim! By Olivia Wilmot

S

o that is my eventing season over for 2013, I can't believe how quickly it has gone!

Blenheim was my last event. We stayed south after Burghley to save on travelling. My dressage wasn't until Friday afternoon which meant we had a little time to do some shopping and Zebedee had plenty of time to settle in. I was really pleased with his test, I felt he tried hard and has progressed recently. He scored 42.1 so I was delighted as this is his first time at this level. There are definitely areas needing worked on.

He still finds it difficult to really carry himself and has a tendency to drop his poll. He was much better at Blenheim and just towards the end of the test this happened.

His showjumping was on the Saturday and he jumped well, unfortunately had a minor slip on approach to the last which was a double and both parts fell.

Sunday was xc day, the course was a good step up for Zebedee and he

ii | November 2013

Equi_Ads_Nov_Scots_rev.indd 2

flew round. He was a little green at some points but jumped all the direct routes so I was absolutely delighted and he finished with just six one faults and in ninth place.

Overall I'm very pleased with the way Burghley and Blenheim went, as with everything there are definitely parts to work on and improve. It seems that Axil is the only horse to have jumped double clear at both

Badminton and Burghley 2013.

My horses are currently having a short break (and so I am!) then it's back to work so 2014 is better.

They have had their end of season physio and shaitstu massage just to make sure they didn't tweak anything at those last couple of big events.

This winter I have lots dressage and showjumping training and shows planned. And we are currently breaking in our homebred three year old so watch this space he might be out and about at a few training shows next year!

I'm hoping to work on getting Zebedee stronger in himself so we can break that 40s barrier in the dressage.

I like to keep their work varied.

Last year, when my arena froze and the roads were too icy to hack on I took the horses to the beach to work.

They loved it and it's a great way to

vary their work. I found walking trotting and cantering in shallow water really helped their muscles so I think we will do more of that this winter.

I need to keep up my own fitness and core strength so I will make sure I go to my Callanetics class. Lessons on the lunge are planned to help me improve my position so that could be interesting!

The provisional event calendar for 2014 is out and I've already started to think about where I'd like to aim for. Fingers crossed Axil will aim for Badminton and Zebedee Bramham!

And I already have some booking for training days and clinics next year so plenty to look forward to! I thank my team, sponsors and supporters as really without any of them I wouldn't be able to do half of what I do. Onwards and upwards, bring on 2014!

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Equi_Ads_Nov_Scots_rev.indd 3

28/10/2013 10:20

LiveryXxxxxxxxxx • Morag Higgins

Equido – Mark Rashid returns to uk

By Morag Higgins WESI MRPCH BHSAI HNCES

I

am pleased to be able to announce that top International Trainers Mark Rashid and his wife Crissi McDonald will be returning to the UK in 2014. There will be several clinics held around the country with four two day clinics being held here at Ross Dhu Equestrian.

Like many people I first became familiar with the name Mark Rashid through his wonderful books. Having read Considering the Horse and No Good Horse is a Bad Colour, I found great value in the subtly delivered training tips that flowed through his story telling.

Reading these books is like taking

a journey of discovery, Mark is an excellent story teller and the narrative flows like any good novelist, but in between the wonderful tale that unfolds are insights into his ethos and philosophies regarding horses, their wellbeing and their training.

I find great value in re-reading his books from time to time because as my understanding and abilities improve, so does my understanding of what he is trying to teach through each chapter. I am always learning something new, seeing something with a fresh perspective so to speak.

After reading his books for the first time I did not really focus on

paused for a moment as I struggled to think of any negatives about him, I finally just smiled and said he was perfect for me and didn’t have any issues that I could think of. Mark nodded solemnly and said “That’s fine, go out and show me his walk, trot and lope” Brogan, realising that work was inevitable, manned up and wandered off with his usual responsive lightness going through his paces and stopping in front of Mark. I was asked to back up a few steps and Brogan obliged. I was then asked to canter – halt transitions which again Brogan obliged. Mark just smiled and said “He is pretty

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Mark Rashid UK Clinics 2013 - 2014 his name, but on the story he was telling, so, when in 2005 I was asked to be a demo rider on a Mark Rashid clinic in Scotland my first reaction was “yeah, but who is Mark Rashid?” After being told he was a top American Trainer I thought, “what the hell, why not, it will be fun for my horse” and so it was with this very relaxed and unfazed attitude that I turned up at the clinic in my battered old horsebox with Brogan, my Clydesdale x inside, who was not too amused that the prospect of work lay ahead.

I checked my time slot and Brogan and I sauntered into the arena where Mark was waiting. I introduced myself and Mark, with his usual quiet charm, looked at Brogan (the proverbial brick s**t house) and said, “OK, tell me about your horse and any problems he has”. I was immediately taken aback. Having been taught my many instructors for many years I was not used to having to think but was more used to being told what to do. I told the audience how long I had owned Brogan for, how he was my baby boy and then

good, light and soft, I think we can have some fun with this guy”. Mark then proceeded to completely blow my mind with the most advanced and precise work I had ever done with a horse.

I had trained a lot of horses at this point in my career but I always felt there was something more and despite being taught by some pretty impressive names, I was always left feeling empty, like a piece of the jigsaw was missing. What Mark looks for is not necessarily fancy movements or big impressive displays, but clear, precise riding and soft, light responses from the horse. Now, to define what Mark means by soft and what he means by light is this; a horse can be light, they can be sharp off the legs, obedient to aids and know how to do some pretty fancy tricks but they can be hard on the inside. That means there is an energy that borders on resentful in some horses to the riders requests, they might obey the requests but only because they have to, not necessarily because they want to. A soft horse on the other hand might not be as advanced in their

repertoire or as sharp off the leg, but they are soft inside, open to what you are asking and willing to have a go just to please you. A lot of young horses start off very soft with no knowledge and it is almost as though the more knowledge they gain the harder they become. Anyone who has ridden a horse who is soft and light will know exactly what I mean, it is very difficult to define and really has to be felt, but once you feel it you will always seek it.

What Mark wants is a horse that is open to the rider’s requests to such a degree that the rider need only think the command and the horse will respond, this is truly a partnership and an amazing thing. He focuses on precision and discipline from the rider to be able to allow the horse to work better for them and to achieve this high level of trust and willingness. He starts this training with very simple exercises for the rider because a horse in nature is born soft and light, it is when we add the rider that the hardness comes in and this is because we are often closed and hard inside ourselves.

Mark began to teach Brogan and I how to listen to each other better and how I could be clearer in what I wanted. I first learned to attach each of Brogan’s legs to a variety of different cues either by hand or leg which were as subtle as a mere shift of weight. Over the next four days we worked on refining and honing what we had learned till it was literally just a thought and Brogan would do half pass etc. Now at this point the audience were pretty impressed and one lady asked “Are you sure you are not giving just very slight aids when asking for full pass” I replied that I wasn’t sure but lets put it to the test.

I dropped my reins, crossed my left leg over the saddle horn and thought “full pass to the right” I thought Brogan’s feet where they needed to be, a clear picture in my mind as to what I wanted. Brogan happily went into a text book full pass much to the amazement and loud applause from the audience. Yes readers, this does actually work!!!

I was left with a very deep respect for Mark Rashid and knew that I could study a lifetime with him and only know a fraction of what he knows. At last I had found a true mentor that I would be happy to study with and learn from. Mark and I hit it off straight away and bizarrely found out that we were very distantly related as our ancient ancestors were uncle and nephew! We were also both martial artists and perhaps this is why I found it so easy to understand what he was teaching as I www.equi-ads.com

28/10/2013 10:20

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Goldcrest Livery at Clarkston Farm Phone us on 01555 678117 or 07831 113349

• • • • •

could relate it directly to martial arts movements. Over the years Mark and his wife Crissi have become good friends with me and my husband (also called Mark!) and I am proud to have them as teachers and friends. I have been to Colorado to train with Mark and he came to our yard in 2011 to teach the first clinics held in Scotland since 2005.

If you have ridden with Mark and been taught by him you will understand his easy teaching style and his ability to make you work out the problem by yourself (with a few well placed hints) and look for something more in your relationship with your horse. He teaches both English and Western riders at all levels and we like to have group clinics where four riders work together in the morning and four in

the afternoon over the two days. This year we are delighted to have Crissi here to give each rider a one hour private lesson to help hone the skills Mark has been passing on. This is a great opportunity to be a rider or a spectator and so much can be learned by watching others. Spaces on the clinics are limited so it is important that you get your application form in quickly. We are now offering the facility where by you can pay for your course in instalments by direct bank transfer which is very beneficial for many people.

If you would like to learn more or apply for the clinics please visit our website www.scottishhorsehelp. co.uk for full details. All dates etc are listed in the advert below this article or you can contact us direct for more information.

• • • • • • • •

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Mark Rashid UK Clinics 2013 - 2014

Professional 5* Livery Yard

We at Ross Dhu Equestrian are delighted to announce that Mark Rashid enjoyed his last visit to the UK so much he has returned!

24hr Supervision

Mark will be holding Aikido workshops for riders on 6 – 8 December 2013 and 9 – 11 December 2013 in Brockenhurst, Hants, New Forest.

Please contact Amanda Barton, amanda@amandabarton.com or see www.amandabarton.com for details.

He and his wife Crissi then plan to return to the UK in May 2014 for clinics in the South of England. Details available on www.amandabarton.com and will be with us here at Ross Dhu Equestrian to hold their legendary two day clinics on:

www.wcfequestrian.co.uk

Indoor & Outdoor Arena Horse walker Safe environment with large indoor boxes

23rd – 24th May 2014 25th – 26th May 2014 30th – 31st May 2014 1st – 2nd June 2014 For further details and booking forms please visit www.scottishhorsehelp.co.uk or contact Morag Higgins on: Tel 01698 886 492 Mob 07979741672

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horsescotland Awards 2013

T

he horsescotland Awards recognise and reward the contribution of Scotland’s equestrian coaches, volunteers, performers, clubs, equine breeders and equestrian business community.

2013 NOMINEES Club of the Year SRUC Barony Pony Club West Kype Riders Club Glenbrae Riding Club Central Scotland Highland Pony Enthusiasts Club

AWARD CATEGORIES 1. Coach of the Year This award will be made to an active coach who has made an outstanding contribution to the development of their participants at a local, regional or national level.

Coach of the Year David Harland (British Showjumping) Hamish Cameron (Highland Pony Society) Sara Smith (Riding for the Disabled Association) Susan Howard (Trekking & Riding Society Scotland) Sarah Hamilton (Riding Clubs in Scotland and British Dressage) Karon Carson (Riding Clubs in Scotland)

2. Volunteer of the Year This award will be made to a volunteer who has made an outstanding contribution to the development of equestrianism at a local, regional or national level.

3. Performer of the Year This award will be made to a performer who has achieved an outstanding result(s) at national and or international level.

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Liz Eddy - Equine Shiatsu

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Practitioner Level 7-8 September 2013 Intro Course 22-23 Feb 2014 Held at Flatfield Errol - booking essential

See www.equestrian-shiatsu.com Tel:01821 642334 2 | November 2013

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4. Club of the Year This award will be made to a club who has made an outstanding contribution to the development of equestrianism at a local, regional or national level.

5. Equine Breeder of the Year This award will be made to a breeder who has made an outstanding contribution to the development of equine breeding.

6. Equine Business of the Year This award will be made to a | February 2013 43 Scottish based equestrian business that has made an outstanding contribution to the development of 25/01/2013 13:27 equestrianism at a local, regional or national level.

Help Your Horse Move Freely & Easily

Equine Breeder of the Year Eva Smith (Pony Breeders of Shetland Association) Charles Carrick (Clydesdale Horse Society) John & Mary Turnbull (Scottish Sports Horse & Easterton Stables) Anne Mitchell (National Pony Society Scotland) Performer of the Year Jock McFarlane (Scottish Carriage Driving Association) Constance Newbould (Scottish Endurance Riding Club) Business of the Year Robinson & Varini Farriers Volunteer of the Year Scottish Carriage Driving Association A Team (Scottish Carriage Driving Association) Fiona Chisholm (Lochside Arena) Jean Paterson (Riding Clubs in Scotland and Pony Club) Yvonne Learmonth (Trekking & Riding Society Scotland) Duncan Cameron (Highland Pony Society)

Louise is a fully qualified and insured veterinary physiotherapist and a member of the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists (NAVP). She is based in Glasgow but will travel throughout Scotland. Louise treats both horses and dogs.

0790 4017913 louisevetphysio@gmail.com louise docharty veterinary physiotherapy

www.equi-ads.com

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Xxxxxxxxxx Healthcare

Veterinary physiotherapy – optimising equine performance

Case study series written by ACPAT Scotland members

T

ed is a seven year old Highland Pony who has been with his current owner since being a yearling.

He initially presented to his Veterinary Surgeon with a four week history of intermittent left forelimb lameness and underwent a full lameness examination.

He was subsequently diagnosed with a chronic annular ligament injury, confirmed by ultrasound scan. In consultation with the owner, a conservative, rather than surgical, approach was decided and Ted was referred by his Veterinary Surgeon for physiotherapy.

In devising any treatment plan, the affected structures and underlying pathology has to firstly be considered. The annular ligament is a fibrous band that wraps around the flexor tendons, forming a passage for the tendons to travel over the back of the fetlock (Image 1). The tendons normally glide through the band smoothly with each stride. Thickening of the annular ligament may or may not involve the digital sheath and associated structures.

Injury, particularly when chronic inflammation is present, means the gliding movement through this passage becomes constricted. Lameness then results due to the limitation of normal free movement.

If we then consider tissue healing in very basic terms, it occurs in three overlapping stages: • Inflammation to trigger the whole healing process • Repair of the damaged areas, replacing with scar tissue • Remodelling of the repair, enabling the new tissue created to do its required job When an injury is chronic, the healing process remains in one, or more, of these stages. Treatment for a chronic complaint is therefore aimed at reactivating the process with the intention, in this case, of producing an end result of a functional annular ligament.

Fortunately in Ted’s case, the tendons were deemed unaffected, but he was still demonstrating lameness due to the thickening of the ligament. As characteristic with thickened annular ligaments, there was also a swollen contour of the back aspect of his affected fetlock. Having considered his presenting problems, the treatment plan devised incorporated several aspects of rehabilitation.

Edinburgh, Lothians & Central Scotland Digital Radiography, Ultrasound Video Endoscopy Personal Service Experienced Clinicians Matt Hanks MRCVS Malcolm Corsar MRCVS

0131 664 5606 www.centralequinevets.co.uk

Mobilisation Deep friction massage was performed to the annular ligament, with the aim of inducing an inflammatory reaction, as well as mobilising adhered scar tissue. Therapeutic ultrasound was also applied to both control and to direct the process of tissue healing. To prevent further adhesions being formed, as the tissue repaired, Ted’s owner was shown a regime of passive movements and controlled exercises. With agreement from his Veterinary Surgeon, Ted was allowed restricted paddock rest rather than remaining on box rest. It was felt that this gentle movement would also encourage normal gliding of the tendons beneath the annular ligament, and so limit any possible secondary tendonitis caused by ongoing constriction.

Due to the initial presence of lameness, compensatory muscle tension through his latissimus dorsi and triceps muscles was apparent and required intermittently releasing through the use of manual techniques.

Proprioception Following any injury, retraining of the awareness of the body in a given space is required. This is more formally known as proprioception and is an aspect often overlooked, resulting in re-injury being more likely to occur.

Think of the commonly sprained ankle in people whereby no balance exercises were performed as part of the recovery. How many complain (continued on page 4) www.equi-ads.com

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November 2013 | 3

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Healthcare Xxxxxxxxxx • Legal

HORSE THOUGHTS Let Your Horse Talk Group or Private Psychic Readings

By Lindsay Watt

Get All The Answers Call 07577 270691 Find us on Facebook horsethoughts@mail.com (continued from page 3) of suffering recurrent sprains?

As part of Ted’s rehabilitation, proprioceptive exercises were introduced, and he performed daily pole exercises, gradually adjusting and progressing as able.

He also undertook in-hand work over varying surfaces and terrains including traversing slopes to provide some side to side stress to the fetlock and surrounding soft tissues.

Strengthening The final aspect included general strengthening and conditioning work as well as exercises specific to tendon-muscle functioning. A phase of muscle work known as eccentric (pronounced e-centric) movement provides a braking mechanism for muscle and tendon groups. It is considered that through eccentric training, greater protection from injury or re-injury can be gained and so eccentric exercises were also incorporated into Ted’s recovery. Specific pole exercises and utilising natural slopes around the yard provide this retraining.

Throughout the above process Ted was closely monitored by his Veterinary Surgeon with ultrasound scans at four weeks and then again at

ten weeks into treatment. This was pivotal in the decision for dictating the rate of progression of treatment and exercises. The 4 week scan showed a 50% reduction in ligament thickening, while the following scan demonstrated a further 30% improvement, confirming a positive outcome of the conservative approach. Although recovery is not yet fully complete, Ted is continuing with his rehabilitation, now progressing under saddle.

Hazel Potter Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist BSc(Hons) Physiotherapy MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy MCSP, ACPAT Cat A Tel: 07892 679393 E-mail: hazel.potter @thevetphysio.co.uk Web: www.thevetphysio.co.uk Facebook: Hazel Potter – Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist Based in Alnwick, covering Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and Borders For more information on Veterinary Physiotherapy or to find a Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist in your area go to www.acpat.org

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Equi_Ads_Nov_Scots_rev.indd 4

So you have finally decided to buy…

Y

ou have finally persuaded your partner/parents that buying a horse or pony is a good idea. You were persuaded months ago. What do you do now?

I cannot give you sound advice. You need to get help from someone who has experience of horses, and knows about them. I cannot do that. I can only bring out the legal aspects of buying a horse, so that along with an experienced friend, you have the tools necessary to make a wise decision at the end of the day.

It is not always possible, but the best way to purchase a horse or pony is to know it well beforehand. Even then there are some things you need to be aware of, such as when the contract is formed, and when the risk of loss or injury passes from the seller to the buyer.

A contract is a contract written or verbal Most people think contracts are only formed when you sign a form, but that is not the case. Almost anything – and certainly horses – can be bought and sold by word of mouth. You can sometimes even buy things without saying anything. Try it next time you visit a supermarket. Put your goods on the conveyer belt, and when the total comes up on the till, pay it. You may have completed a contract without saying a word. Please now be civilised and say “Thank you” to the checkout assistant. You need to be careful that you don’t finalise the contract to buy your horse by accident before you done everything you want to protect yourself.

A contract is formed when an offer is accepted. After the contract has been created, you cannot include new terms, such as “I’ll have to have my vet looked at him”, or “is the tack included in that price”. So there is a world of difference between you saying “I’ll offer you £800” and “£800 seems a fair price”. Make sure you understand the difference, and avoid committing yourself until you are ready.

Purchasing decision The classic rule used to be that when buying something, the “buyer had to beware”. That is still the case if you are buying from an auction (not recommended) or from a private individual. If you are buying on condition the horse or pony is suitable for a beginner, or had no vices, or has to be checked by your vet first, then those conditions need to be part of the offer you make, and the seller has to accept them. More important, you may need to prove they were incorporated into the contract, and the best way of doing that is to have something in writing, even though it is just an informal letter setting out the conditions you incorporate into your offer.

One thing you should think of is the risk of injury or death of the horse or pony before it reaches you. The legal position is that the risk of loss transfers to the seller to the buyer when the contract is made – not when the pony arrives at your field. You can change that, by specifying when the risk transfers to the buyer – particularly if the seller is delivering the pony to you. You can stipulate that risk only transfers to you once the horse has been safely delivered. Injury during transit is always a possibility. If you are taking out insurance over the horse, it should be effective from the time the risk passes to you, and you may choose to make it effective before then “just in case”.

Compensation Another common feature of buying a horse or pony from a private seller is paying a deposit, particularly if you are taking it on loan for a short period before buying. Deposits can be for one of two reasons. They can show the seller that the buyer means business, and has the money to proceed. They can also be paid on the understanding that if the buyer does not proceed with the purchase, the deposit is forfeit to the seller as a form of compensation. Don’t confuse the two, and preferably make it an amount you can lose if your vet tells you the horse has some fault or illness that means it cannot be ridden.

Sale of Goods Act The law treats a horse or pony in the same way as it treats a transistor radio. It is a piece of “corporeal moveable” property. In other words it can be touched (unlike copyright, which is still property, but cannot be touched) and it can be moved (unlike a house). The Sale of Goods Act applies to all sales of corporeal moveable property and this includes horses. The Act incorporates certain conditions into contracts of sale, but differentiates between private sales, and sales in the course of a business.

In private sales, where you are buying a horse from an individual, rather than a business, there are two “guarantees” that are incorporated into the contract. The first is that the seller has a right to sell the horse. The second is that if the horse is sold “by description”, then it should match that description. www.equi-ads.com

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Xxxxxxxxxx Feed • Legal breach of contract, and you may be able to return the horse and get your money back. It is much easier to establish that a horse is not of “satisfactory quality” or “not fit for purpose” than that it does not match its description, and so a purchase from someone in business (I think this would include a riding school) may be safer than a purchase from an individual.

“Description” is more about appearance than characteristics, but if the horse was described in an advert as “placid”, but was obviously not, then this may be a ground for seeking return of your money, but it would be difficult.

Is the horse fit for purpose?

If you buy from a seller “in the course of a business” then two other guarantees are built in.

The first is that the horse must be of “satisfactory quality”. This term has been defined through many court cases. It usually means that one substantial problem may be involved but the lack of “satisfactory quality” may also be as a result of several minor problems combined. It will all be a matter for the judge to decide in each case.

The second guarantee is that the “goods” will be suitable for the purpose they were bought.

So if you ask a business for a horse suitable for a beginner, and the horse is a bit wild, then the guarantee had been broken, and the seller is in

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Be aware of court costs No one wants to go to court, but if you have bought a horse that is wrong in some way, then if it is worth less than £3000 you can use the Small Claims Court at the Sheriff Court to make your claim. In the Small Claims Court, the use of solicitors is not necessary, and is actively discouraged. If you lose a normal court case, you have to pay the winner’s solicitors fees, which can be a very large amount. In the Small Claims Court, if you lose, you will only be required to pay expense up to a maximum of 10% of the value of the case. This means that if someone employs a solicitor in a small claim, then they will not recover the cost from the other side if they win, and will have to pay the solicitor’s fees themselves. The Scottish Courts website has good booklets telling you how to start up a Small Claim, and most courts have volunteers who are willing to help you draw up the documentation.

Finally, if you hand over a horse to someone else without a price being paid, then this is the contract of gift. Horses are sometimes gifted to the SSPCA when the owner is no longer able to look after them, and the SSPCA try to rehome them. Horses are often gifted at the end of their working life to others to act as a companion to another horse. The contract of gift transfers ownership just as effectively as sale.

So when a horse is transferred from one person

to another it is a good idea to leave some written trace of whether the contract is one of loan, sale, or gift, so that you don’t have to try to establish this in any court action afterwards.

Buying a horse is not the same as buying a transistor radio. On checking, I discovered that our family has, over the years, bought eight horses.

In only one case was the horse well known to (my daughter) beforehand. One was bought after our advert to buy a pony was answered by a farmer who had someone abandon their horse on his farm. We bought him for £50, and learned so much from him. In several cases we were convinced that the sellers were genuine, and fortunately we were right.

We have been very lucky, and enjoyed the company of some wonderful companions. Four are no longer with us, and putting them to sleep was only done with sadness when absolutely necessary. A young colt we bought mated with our mare and produced a foal, who is now about 3 years old, and graces the paddock behind our house. But only this week I heard about someone who has bought a horse which she cannot ride, and will probably have to be put down because of a serious medical problem.

Buying a horse is not the same as buying a transistor radio. You will have to engage your instincts, and those of the experienced friend who comes with you. You may choose to ignore some of the precautions I have suggested, but do so through choice, and not through lack of knowledge. I sincerely hope you have as good fortune as we have had, and find a companion to share your summer days with, and to keep you company in the darker days of winter.

Next month Lindsay will discuss passport regulations. If readers have any particular questions to put to our legal expert just email bob@equiads.net

November 2013 | 5

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Xxxxxxxxxx Feed

Craigengillan Fun Ride Established 1858

3

TOWN & COUNTRY SPECIALISTS

Specialist knowledge and a friendly service.

6 riders took part in the latest BHS Ayrshire fun ride at Craigengillan Estate in Dallmellington. Some brought their own horses and others hired horses from the stables. We had great fun riding over some beautiful tracks in the estate and covered approximately 10 miles with plenty of opportunities for the horses to stretch their legs! A great time was had by all!

Friendly, helpful and professional staff with expert product knowledge of our extensive equestrian, farm and pet supplies. www.alexanderstownandcountry.co.uk

Dripps Mill, Waterfoot Row, Waterfoot, Glasgow G76 8RL Tel: 0141 644 2558 Email: enquiries@alexanderstownandcountry.co.uk

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Present this voucher at any Millers Town & Country Store throughout the month of November 2013 to receive 15% off* your rug purchase or shop online at www.rhmiller.co.uk and enter Voucher code: OFFNOV at the checkout.

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*Offer excludes sale items.

www.rhmiller.co.uk 6 | November 2013

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• Feed • Supplements • • Mud Fever Products • • Horse Treats •

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Stirling Equine & Pet Supplies for affordable riding equipment for horse and rider New and Used equipment and clothing in stock Stockists of NAF and Equimins Stirling Agricultural Centre (Next to Dobbies) FK9 4RN Open: Monday - Friday - 9.30 - 5 Saturday - 9.30 - 1.30

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www.equi-ads.com

28/10/2013 10:20

Xxxxxxxxxx Feed

Scotia Town & Country Animal Feeds Hoofs, Paws & Claws Open Monday to Saturday Tel. 01505 610400 Manswrae Yard, Kilbarchan Road Bridge of Weir, PA11 3RH

Equine Grass Sickness Fund T

DRUM FEEDS DRUM FEEDS

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he 2013 EGSF Christmas Cards feature a beautiful winter Main EventMain Event Sponsor of Sponsor of scene ‘Snowy Day’ Edinburgh Edinburgh

by Teresa Vecere. £5 Riding of the Riding of the Marches Marches plus £1.50 P&P per pack of 10 quality cards in one design 1/2 price Sale RailLIKE US ONLIKE US ON with envelopes, size 121 x 172mm.

•• BAILEYS • D&H • SPILLERS D&H • SPILLERS • SUPPLEMENTS • BAILEYS Greeting inside reads DENGIE • SILVERMOOR • SUPPLEMENTS • DENGIE •• SILVERMOOR • NAF • REDMILLS ‘Best wishes for • REDMILLS • HORSLYX• HORSLYX • CLOTHING• •NAF • CLOTHING COTTAGE CRAFT • SHIRES Christmas and the New Year’, with EGSF details on the reverse. Kindly • RUGS• RUGS COTTAGE• CRAFT • SHIRES • HORSEWARE • EQUIMINS • HORSEWARE • EQUIMINS sponsored by United Coloured Stud. Available, along with other gifts, at • TACK• TACK • FOOTWEAR • FOOTWEAR • WEATHERBEETA • WEATHERBEETA www.grasssickness.org.uk or 0131 445 6257 (Mon to Fri 9am-2pm).

New Spring Stock New Winter of Rugs and Stock Clothing In NowNow In Store

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BHS Grampian AGM O

ver 30 local equine enthusiasts attended the BHS Grampian AGM held at CabinEC, Inverurie.

Following a summary of the years events and accounts there was a performance from Strathorn Farm Stables Clydesdale Drill Team who this year were showcasing ‘Strictly Come Clydesdales’ a musical ride set to popular dance themed music.

The Clydesdales were an amazing sight and quite literally made the www.equiads.net earth move as they thundered past!

Thanks must go to all at Strathorn for such a captivating display accompanied by amazing costumes.

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SHOP OPENING SHOP OPENING HOURS HOURS Monday Friday 9am-6pm • • Monday•to Friday to 9am-6pm • Sunday 9am-1pm Saturday Saturday 9am-2pm9am-2pm • Sunday •9am-1pm

Thanks were given to Jillian Christie who has stepped down as Treasurer and has moved on to new ventures. Thanks were also given to Sally McCarthy who has stepped down as chairman following a busy and successful two years. During this time membership has risen and BHS CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA Grampian now has the most On the weekend of 30th November and 1st December members of any region in Scotland.

Loads of amazing offers, feed deals etc.

Get set for Christmas at knock down prices Sally will stay on as riding schools Loads of gift ideas representative and has taken over January as editor of the newsletter and2013 BEST RANGE OF FEEDS, SUPPLEMENTS, BEDDING, TACK, BHS Grampian welcomes Amy RUGS, COUNTRY CLOTHING & RUTLAND ELECTRIC FENCING. • BRIDLEWAY STOCKISTS Wolfe, who was previously Press Larbert Mill, Stirling Road, Larbert 19/12/2012 16:27 Officer, as their new chairman.

01324 555535 email: russells.cs@gmail.com ALSO AVAILABLE - DELIVERY SERVICE, BULK & TRADE DISCOUNTS

November 2013 | 7

28/10/2013 10:20

News Xxxxxxxxxx & Views

Is it a treat? Is it a supplement? No- it’s Rockies (and it’s both)!

D

o you see licks as a treat, a way to break boredom or as a way to supplement the horse’s diet? The good news is that if you choose the right lick, it can be all three of these!

Supplements are most commonly supplied in the form of a liquid or as a powder or pellet. These are easy to mix in with the horse’s daily feed… but what happens if your horse

doesn’t have a bucket feed? How can you provide him with the vitamins and minerals he needs? Licks hold the answer!

Of course, licks can be used even when horses have a concentrated hard feed, helping them to top up on salt and vital minerals as they need them. Not only are licks really simple to use (you just put them in a lick

Do you want to see yourself on the newly designed Equi-Ads website?

Pop over to our website www.equi-ads.com and see your photographs published live on our site.

Send your photographs to instagram@ equi-ads.com and we will have them put on our website.

Follow us on Facebook for all our up to date news and competitions.

Have you got an Equestrian property for sale?

Advertise a property for sale advert in Equi-Ads and get a free advert on the newly launched Equi-Homes website.

Telephone 07712 305 258 for more information 8 | November 2013

Equi_Ads_Nov_Scots_rev.indd 8

holder or tie in a sheltered position), but they are also very cost effective, can be used by more than one horse and they can occupy the horse too.

Rockies’ licks are all offered in a free access manner, which means that the horse takes on what he needs, not what the owner thinks he does. As salt is self limiting and most of the range is calorie free, there’s no need to worry that he’ll eat too much, even the Field & Stable Block with its light molasses coating has been created with inbuilt hardness to prevent excessive intake.

The Rockies range allows you to supplement your horse’s diet how you want. If you already feed conventional supplements or full rations of a complete mix, a Baby Salt

lick could be perfect for you. If you don’t feed full rations of a complete feed or you’re concerned your horse isn’t receiving all he needs, look at Health Licks and the Field & Stable Block. The latter contains vitamins too, so really is a valuable ally when it comes to feeding horses that don’t receive anything in a bucket. Licks can also supplement for specific issues, such as Magnacalm that’s been made to help calm, Laminshield that can be fed to horses prone to or at risk of laminitis, and Bug:go! that contains garlic to help repel biting insects.

To find out more about the Rockies range and to see which lick is right for your horse, see www.rockies. co.uk or call 01606 595022.

Horse Riding with Confidence Scotland Expert help with all your confidence issues For riders at all levels and in all disciplines Using hypnotherapy, psychotherapy and NLP to help you to achieve your aims and fulfil your potential.

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• Positive Motivational Coaching for the for riderthe Then put Positive Motivational Coaching • Unlock your fearfear.

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Unlock your Banishyour youranxiety anxiety • Build Build confidence. confidence Get • Get back in the saddle back in the saddle.

Get the tools to achieve your Get the tools to achieve your goals and stay focussed goals and stay focussed 1 to 1; Group sessions

1 to Group sessions:contact Telephone support For1;more information Margaret For 07832 more information contact 232 009/01475 529Margaret 756 Email:-232 info@raecoaching.co.uk 07832 009/01475 529 756 Website: www.raecoaching.co.uk Email:- info@raecoaching.co.uk Website: www.raecoaching.co.uk www.equi-ads.com

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Xxxxxxxxxx Feeding

Dressage rider Roger Gregory joins Blue Chip’s sponsored riders B lue Chip sponsor a huge variety of riders, from grass roots level up to Olympic medallists in a wide variety of disciplines. The latest rider to join the illustrious Blue Chip sponsored riders team is dressage rider Roger Gregory. Roger has competed to Grand Prix level and runs Comanche Stables near Tenbury Wells. Roger’s top two horses are Comanche Wodan, who he has owned for 10 years and is now working at Grand Prix level, and Comanche Thopan, who Roger bought as an abused and mistreated 7 year old and is now also enjoying his Grand Prix work.

Roger uses Blue Chip Pro, Blue Chip Original and Blue Chip Joint RLF and told Equi-Ads “We started using Blue Chip products as we needed a

balancer that contained good levels of Selenium and Vitamin E, after a blood test revealed a deficiency in one of our horses that was very lethargic. The other issue we found before we used Blue Chip was that the horses struggled to keep weight on during the transition from summer to winter. Blue Chip Pro and Original help maintain the weight as well as keep the healthy glow of their coats.”

Rogers top two tips are; “Make sure your horse has a proper balanced diet suitable for the work they are doing” and “Don’t lose sight of why you started dressage, and make sure you and your horse enjoys it.” Roger has qualified Comanche Wodan for the Inter 1 and 2 at the National Championships at Stoneleigh .

What’S IN YOUR HORSE’S FEED ... (AND YOURS?)

Dr Derek Cuddeford, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh

T

he basic feed of horses is forage and what is in it depends on its age. For example young spring grass is mostly water (~85%) and the bulk of the remainder is soluble carbohydrate and protein with little indigestible fibre so it has a high feed value. As the plant material ages the protein and water content decline whereas the indigestible fibre (lignified cell wall material) increases; there is a reciprocal relationship between protein and lignified fibre. Whether it is grass in the field or hay or silage, the age of the crop materially affects the feed value of the forage. Forage high in lignified fibre will have a low energy value as well as low nutrient status.

Soluble carbohydrate levels fluctuate enormously as they depend on ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

High levels of sunshine mean that grass in the field will have high levels of soluble carbohydrate in the afternoon. This is why grass is often cut after noon when making silage/ haylage to ensure plenty of substrate for an effective fermentation and

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thus good preservation of the grass. Laminitis-prone animals will be more at risk when grazing in the afternoon although forage conserved as silages/haylages at this time should be safe to feed provided there has been an effective fermentation that “uses up” all the soluble carbohydrate.

Horses that have energy requirements in excess of maintenance may obtain enough energy and nutrients from quality forage but even this will be inadequate for lactating early foaling Thoroughbred mares, racehorses, etc. These animals with high requirements must receive a combination of forage and concentrate. The concentrate portion can be straight cereal as in the traditional way of feeding horses but this is rarely done nowadays. However some owners still like to feed some straight cereal but usually in combination with a balancer. This is to avoid any shortages of protein, minerals and vitamins that are likely to arise

when just cereal and forage are fed. Thus, the majority of horses are fed a combination of forage and manufactured feed, the exact proportions dependent on the animal’s needs.

In terms of manufactured feed, what is in your horse’s feed is basically the same that is in your feed but, you get lots of other goodies in the form of E numbers!

Human food manufacturers respond to the needs of the consumer who generally, is much less willing nowadays to rely on fresh food but rather to consume heavily processed food. The latter is convenient, made appetizing, stores well for long periods, requires minimum preparation, is often relatively cheap and marketed vigorously and often the subject of BOGOF (Buy One and Get One Free!). To achieve a lot of these goals involves the use of feed additives. For example sodium nitrate (or sodium nitrite) is used as a preservative, a colouring and flavouring in bacon, ham, hot

dogs, lunch meats, corned beef, etc. Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame (E951) or high fructose corn syrup are commonly found in diet or sugar-free drinks, sugar-free gum, drink mixes, etc.

Monosodium Glutamate (E621)) is used as a flavour enhancer in soups, salad dressings, chips, etc whilst Butylated Hydroxyanisole and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (E320) are preservatives that are found in cereals, chewing gum, potato chips, and vegetable oils. Another often used preservative is Sodium Sulfite (E221) that is used in wine-making amongst other things whereas Sulfur Dioxide (E220) is found in beer, soft drinks, dried fruit, juices, cordials, wine, vinegar, and potato products. Hydrogenated fats/trans fats are used to enhance and extend the shelf life of food products but have received a lot of bad publicity recently since they have been shown to increase Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol is bad as it leads to atherosclerosis) and reduce High Density Lipoprotein (HDL cholesterol is good as it reduces risk of heart disease).

Artificial food colourings such as Blue1/ Blue2 (E133), Red 40 (E124), Yellow 6 (E110) and Yellow Tartrazine (E102) are in common use. The latter is well known for causing hyperactivity in children and some of the other additives have been linked to much more serious conditions. It seems to me that horse feed generally is healthier than a lot of human food and does not contain a plethora of potentially harmful additives!

Another major difference between human and horse food is that the latter contains no animal materials.

Thus, the raw materials that go into horse food are vegetable protein sources such as sunflower and soya meals together with cereals such as maize, barley and wheat. You can check which raw materials (continued on page 11) November 2013 | 9

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Xxxxxxxxxx Feeding • News are included in your horse’s feed by looking at the bag label. The traditional cereal oats are rarely incorporated into compound feeds because of their scarcity and cost and are more likely to be imported (from say Finland or Canada) and fed straight, particularly to racehorses.

Cereal by-products that arise from the baking, milling, brewing and distilling industries are valuable inclusions in horse diets providing in some cases additional protein, fibre or vitamins. Vegetable oils such as those derived from soya beans, linseed or rapeseed are often incorporated to provide additional energy and essential fatty acids.

Vitamin and mineral pre-mixes are used to ensure an appropriate supply of micronutrients. The European Union regards yeasts and amino acids as additives which are often used to improve the quality of the diet but do not compare with the type and number of additives that are used in the human feed industry. Furthermore, it is worth remembering that amino acids are

essential nutrients. Industriallyproduced propionic acid, a naturally occurring end product of fermentation that is formed in the rumen of a cow and the large intestine of the horse, is sometimes used as a preservative in horse diets to extend their shelf life. Propionic acid like the other volatile fatty acids acetic and butyric acids that are also produced in the large intestine, are important energy substrates for horses. Compound feeds combine raw materials in such a way as to provide a “ready meal” that is balanced with respect to protein, fats, minerals and vitamins and targeted to meet the needs of particular horse types (mares, foals, racehorses, eventers, etc). The balance of any diet is made up of carbohydrates that contribute both fermentable and non-fermentable fibre together with highly digestible carbohydrates such as starch. Usually, cereals are cooked either by micronising or steamflaking to improve their availability to the horse. The energy needs of the horse will govern the size of the

“ready meal” and how many are fed per day. Although the energy density of compound feeds varies, say from between 9.5 to 13.5 MJ digestible energy, the majority of horses satisfy most of their caloric need by eating more or less of a compound feed.

Obviously, those with the greatest need will be fed the most energydense diet.

The format of horse feeds vary and this can have an impact on what is in the feed. For example, many people prefer to purchase coarse mixes because they can see, more or less, the actual raw materials that have been used although the mix will usually contain at least one pellet which will be the vehicle for the vitamins and minerals which would otherwise “fall out” of the feed mix.

Coarse mixes are highly palatable but may be prone to forming some dust as a result of handling and thus, some molasses or wheat syrup may be used to stick any stray particles together. In the US these mixes are often heavily molassed

and are known as “sweet feeds”.

In conclusion, you might reflect on what you are eating sometimes.

Many human breakfast materials resemble coarse mixes (muesli) and others, compounds such as some of the well-known cereals presented as flakes, biscuits or extrusions. Other horse foods that you eat are best exemplified by carrots and of course, human forages are represented by salad leaves, cabbages, etc. Unfortunately, sugar is added to so many foods nowadays. For example, a “healthy” cereal bar may contain the equivalent of 3.5 sugar cubes whereas a healthy adult cereal serving might only supply the equivalent of one sugar cube.

Contrast that with the 9.5 sugar cube equivalents in one can of a well-known drink. The horse or pony faces a laminitis risk from the intake of forage soluble carbohydrate whereas you face the risk of Type-2 Diabetes from the excessive intake of sugar contained in fizzy drinks and processed food!

FaMILY aFFaIR by Emma Sumbler T he Turner-Stephenson family swept the board in the Show Jumping at Hall Place annual show, Reading winning five challenge trophies. Youngest, Katie age 13, was the winner of Novice Rider Jumping with the spotty pony Smartie Pants and also took first place in the pairs with eldest sister, Leanne, riding Dizziee Rascal. The Novice Pony Jumping and Intermediate Open was won by sister Georgie Turner-Stephenson riding Nye Beauty and Cloudy. The girls are regular competitors at Hall Place, coming from local stable, Hardwick Stud. Leanne is manager of this livery yard and organises the training programme for the family and their ponies.

There were 14 ridden showing classes.

Brothers Freddie Cloke, age six, and Archie Cloke, age eight, from Streatley, were the winners of the Lead Rein and First Ridden.

Archie riding Afan Sunshine was presented with rosette and trophy by class sponsor Mrs Doreen Morrissey. The winner of the Pony Club Pony was Exmoor Pony, Maisie Mouse, ridden by 11 year old Mayan Northway-Young from Beenham. This is a new partnership who are members of the South Berks Pony Club and Berks County Riding Club.

Luke Skywalker, ridden by Sarah Adams,

In Hand Champion – Mrs T Morgan & Tireve Talisman www.equi-ads.com

Equi_Ads_Nov_National_Rev2.indd 11

took first place in the Ridden Veteran class.

Luke, a 17 year old warmblood cross, competes Elementary dressage. They train with Fiona Harter and their next challenge is ‘Dressage to Music’.

Tom Cobley, ridden by Holly Mills from Woodley, took the ribbons in Coloured Horse and Competition Horse. This winning couple went on to become Ridden Champion judged

by Miss N Janik and Mrs J Sedaline.

The In Hand showing classes were well attended – Jackie Bailey with Colliyers Caress was delighted with first place Best Condition Grass Kept. ‘I can’t believe we were first out of 19 in the class! We show In Hand as I no longer ride due to a back injury but hope to carry on competing for a few more years yet!’ First in Best Condition Stable Kept was Broughton Renown, stable name Percy, with Kirsty Loach. Kirsty, from Bracknell, owns Percy with her sister. They recently qualified for Equifest and Royal London 2014 and aim to compete at Royal Windsor and HOYS. The winner of Youngstock and Mountain & Moorland Large Breeds was Tireve Talisman.

This stunning thgree year old Welsh Section D went forward to become In Hand Champion with Mrs T Morgan from Eacher. This championship was co-judged by Mrs D Bonner and Miss L Good.

Hall Place Supreme Champion 2013 was awarded to the Hunter Champion Casper Van Overis Z ridden by Jasmine Kearey. Casper, an eight year old Zangersheide with Jasmine, 21 from Tadley performed an excellent display.

The championship was kindly sponsored by McGonnell and Gillatt Equine Veterinary Practice with RLW Trophy and prizes presented by judge Mr R Oliver.

The Hall Place Show Manager, Kate Turner, was delighted with the success of the show and would like to thank all the sponsors, stewards and competitors. Hall Place Equestrian Centre 01189426938 or email info@hall-place.com

Supreme Champion – Jasmine Kearey & Casper Van Overis Z Novice Rider Jumping – Katie TurnerStephenson & Smartie Pants

November 2013 | 11

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28/10/2013 10:12

Xxxxxxxxxx Winter Laminitis

High sugar levels could trigger attack!

by Dr Carol Michael; PhD

T

raditionally spring and the autumn with its spurt of lush grasses, have been the most predictable times when incidences of laminitis, caused by sugar overload, are at their highest (45% of all laminitis cases). Recently however farriers are reporting a significant increase in the numbers of laminitis due to sugar overload, occurring all year round. This includes more cases of prolonged and chronic laminitis. This month is no exception with the possibility of high sugar levels in grass affected by the frost; with a higher proportion being stored at the base of its stem to protect it from frost damage and ensure survival.

It seems unusual for a naturally occurring, and fairly short lived event, to cause such an episode of a life threatening disease; especially at a time of year when an extra supply of energy ought to be considered a good thing. There also seems to be an ever expanding and complicated set of management systems designed to ensure that vulnerable horses are not exposed to a set of circumstances which may trigger an attack.

Perhaps it would be useful to examine the events surrounding and preceding the frosty morning attack.

The term endocrinopathic laminitis is applied to an episode of this type of laminitis and is the final outcome of many horses diagnosed with Equine Metabolic Syndrome and Cushing’s disease. Both of these syndromes are on the increase, equine metabolic syndrome is a consequence of being overweight and as 55% of the UK horse population is now considered to be obese and the figure is set to rise over the

next five years this has become a significant management issue.

The problem with horses/ponies affected by metabolic syndrome is that the nutrients they receive are in excess or are of the wrong type to what they require to remain in good health. There are a high number of horses and ponies who require far fewer calories than they receive, with the excess then being stored as adipose tissue. The main problem is the amount of glucose/sugar which when ingested must be cleared from the blood as soon as possible. Glucose is toxic and will destroy vital organs including the brain, if allowed to linger, therefore the body has a strict policy on glucose control and it is either used or stored as quickly as possible by a transport system (GLUT 4) under the signalling of the hormone insulin.

Continuously high levels of insulin in the blood stream when suddenly topped up by a single incidence of sugar overload (frosty grass) and the consequential response of a fresh release of insulin will cause a laminitic attack, though the initial problem is not the frosty grass but the abnormally high circulating levels of insulin.

The UK horse population has a high number of native breeds and cross breeds as well as breeds such as Arabs which have been bred to survive in the harshest of environments, this is achieved as their endocrine signalling system transmits a different set of information about how to survive and live than does say the endocrine system of a thoroughbred racehorse.

To achieve this homeostasis the endocrine system will relay a whole series of messages about food consumption and storage, energy transmission, suppression or increase of appetite, depression of energy expenditure, coat growth, hair thickness and the time to shed the excess hair. Part of this system is circadian in nature (around a 24hour period) and relies largely upon light, but part of the system relies on seasonal temperatures and nutrient availability.

The problem with modern horses/ponies affected by metabolic syndrome is that the nutrients they receive are in excess of the nutrients they require and this is compounded by the fact that horses are no longer expected to, travel long distances in search of food, cope with extreme or variable temperatures, or grow thick winter coats and shed them at least four times throughout the four seasons of the year.

Thirty years ago most ponies and many horses were roughed off at the end of the school holidays, turned out at grass to grow a thick polar bear like coat, which occasionally had the mud brushed off (a job that could take up most of the day) for a weekend ride or days hunting, and then come in around the beginning of March looking ‘ribby’ for the spring before putting the weight back on through the summer in a natural yo-yo dieting fashion.

Winter coat growth, hair loss and shedding use a metabolic energy (AKT) pathway which involves both insulin and glucose, this means lowering (continued on page 16)

     

     

        

 14 | November 2013

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www.equi-ads.com

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AdvAnce complete poWdeR 1.2kg £13.55 · 2kg £22.65 4kg £42.40 · 10kg £101.50 AdvAnce complete pellets 2kg £23.25 · 4kg £43.25 · 10kg £104.30 2KG UP TO 33 DAYS SUPPLY / 4 KG UP TO 66 DAYS SUPPLY / 10KG UP TO 166 DAYS SUPPLY

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The average horse will require 60 grams per day which means that a 4kg tub will last 66 days and cost just 64p per day.

Available in powder and pellets.

Look at our spec on the website, nothing else comes even close to Advance!

When used in conjunction with Equimins Cooked Linseed, little or no other bagged feed will be required.

Be amazed at the condition of your horse, it will be much healthier without lots of extra hard feed and will utilise its forage to the best advantage.

A full money back warranty comes with Advance if you are not delighted with the results.

cooked linseed 3kg bag £9.75 – UP TO 42 DAYS SUPPLY 5kg bag £14.75 – UP TO 71 DAYS SUPPLY 10kg bag £25.95 – UP TO 142 DAYS SUPPLY

28/10/2013 10:12

Winter Laminitis Xxxxxxxxxx • Healthcare (continued from page 14) circulating levels of plasma insulin and use of an excess store of energy.

Long periods in the stables during the winter/autumn/early summer months will deprive them of the ability to use up this excess glucose and fat storage.

The increased problem of a horse with equine metabolic syndrome is that the fat deposits of adipose tissue contain an independent endocrine signalling system with at least four hormones governing weight loss, energy output and weight control.

Most importantly; homeostasis of weight maintenance and appetite is governed by a balanced set of signals given out both by the adipose tissue and the gastrointestinal tract. In obese horses with large adipose deposits particularly in the neck shoulders and tail area there will be an increased volume of adipose hormones released, which easily outbalance the hormones released from the gut and the vital homeostasis of appetite and weight control is compromised and further weight gain is the result.

As well as hormones of weight

control and appetite, adipose tissue also releases a whole series of inflammatory chemicals which put the physiology of the horse into a pro inflammatory state, disrupt the normal circulation of the foot and together with circulating insulin play a major part in the onset of many disease states including laminitis.

Therefore the most important goal is to control adipose tissue gain in order to limit the abnormal and high volumes of signalling hormones that disrupt appetite, influence weight gain, circulation and gastrointestinal function,

raise circulating insulin levels and eventually result in an episode of laminitis.

Obviously it is impossible for the majority of many horse owners to go back to rugless winter turn out as a method of adipose tissue control and this is why we as a company in conjunction with three leading bioscience universities are actively involved in the development of compounds from native plant species to diminish adipose tissue and its detrimental effects on the health and well being of the horse.

Dr. Carol Michael PhD

Keeping Calm on Bonfire Night

B

onfire night and the surrounding period can be a cause for concern for horse owners.

Finding out any information about displays in your area is the best way to plan ahead, so you know when the majority of the fireworks are going to be let off. You will need to decide whether your horse is going to be stabled for the night or left in the field. It is recommended that your horse stays in its usual routine to prevent further stress, however if you know your horse will be happier in a stable or with greater freedom in the field then this is advisable.

Unfortunately fireworks are not limited to 5th November and they can stretch out for a week or more either side of the date. Feeding a fast acting, highly absorbable liquid calmer, such as Blue Chip

16 | November 2013

Equi_Ads_Nov_National_Rev2.indd 16

Karma is the perfect solution to keeping your horse or pony settled during this period. Even the most sensible horse or pony can become stressed and agitated, with the possibility of harming themselves or others. Horses are ‘flight’ animals and their natural instinct is to ‘flee’ from a stressful/frightening experience, unfortunately this can mean going through fences or over stable doors in an attempt to get away, even if this is not part of their ‘normal’ behaviour.

Blue Chip Karma is a highly palatable liquid based calmer that includes a superior form of watersoluble magnesium, L-tryptophan and Vitamin C. Karma is 100% natural and is safe to be fed to all horses, including competition horses, pregnant mares and foals. It is recommended to introduce Blue

Chip Karma 6 days before fireworks may start at a dose of 50ml per day, this can then be reduced to 25ml daily until fireworks have finished. For particularly ‘stressy’ horses the dose can safely be kept at 50ml during the whole period and even increased to 100 ml on 5th November.

If your horse or pony is usually quiet and settled, Blue Chip’s instant action calming syringes, CarrotCalm and AppleCalm are the ideal solution for peace of mind. Available in the highly palatable flavours carrot and apple, these syringes contain three ‘measures’ of the same active ingredients as Blue Chip Karma, in a concentrated form. It is recommended to give one ‘measure’ an hour before fireworks are due to be set off, with an additional measure to be given if necessary.

For more information on keeping your horses and ponies calm during the firework season visit www.bluechipfeed.com or call 0114 266 6200. www.equi-ads.com

28/10/2013 10:12

karma_

KEEP CALM YOUR HORSE

Keep your horse calm this fireworks night with the Blue Chip calming range. If you have a particularly nervous horse buy a bottle of Blue Chip Karma, feed 50ml per day in the week leading up to fireworks night and on the night itself feed 100ml an hour before the fireworks are due to start. With less-nervous horses feed just one measure from the triple-measure Carrotcalm/ Applecalm syringe on the day of the fireworks.

0114 266 6200 | info@bluechipfeed.com | www.bluechipfeed.com | facebook.com/bluechipfeed | twitter.com/bluechipfeed karma_fireworks.indd 1 Equi_Ads_Nov_National_Rev2.indd 17

12/9/12 16:27:19 28/10/2013 10:12

AP Ad_Calm_210x297_27.2.13_Layout 1 16/04/2013 09:53 Page 1

This

horse shines with Condition

Andrew Bowie and Jenny’s Prince – Winners of the Overall Hunter Championship at the Royal Highland Show, 2011 and 2012

Calm & Condition®– Part of the Barley & Molasses Free Range “We were looking for a feed that gave condition without the fizz – very very happy.

The results speak for themselves!” – Mr and Mrs A Bowie and Jenny’s Prince

Calm & Condition® ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Barley Free – Low Starch, Molasses Free – Low Sugar* For horses and ponies at rest to hard work Ideal for horses and ponies that need to put on or maintain condition Highly digestible with high fibre energy sources Balanced with essential vitamins and minerals – no need to supplement** ✓ Contains Ceregest GLC 1, a unique pre and probiotic for good digestive health

Winners of the 2013 HAYGAIN Nutritional Helpline of the Year Award, for excellent advice and customer service

QUICK SOAK less than

10

minutes!

PLEASE NOTE: To get the best results from Calm & Condition®, please make sure that you do not feed any other products that contain barley or molasses. Many traditional feeds contain barley and/or molasses which can cause excitability in some horses. Even horses that do not become fizzy as a result of these ingredients can benefit from a low starch and sugar feed* such as Calm & Condition®.

For friendly and helpful advice, contact our award-winning nutrition helpline today on 01362 822 902, email helpline@allenandpage.co.uk or visit www.allenandpage.com *

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When compared to traditional diets with comparative energy levels.

**

When fed at recommended levels. Quote Advert: Calm592

. Ad

28/10/2013 10:12

News

n

Equi-ads at arena UK Festival A

rena UK in Grantham held their 2013 Senior Show Jumping Festival September 23rd – 29th. The sun shone and the atmosphere was terrific.

Arena UK staff and officials all worked hard to make the show the success it was. Put the dates in your diary for the 22nd - 28th of September 2014!

Some interesting facts from this years festival : They jumped 6011 in first rounds, filled 1,200 stables and paid out £150,000 of prize money. Visitors ate 4580 portions of chips and drunk 24 big bottles of vodka!

The 2014 Festival will be Arenas 10th anniversary and it promises to be bigger than ever with the Major Grand Prix boasting a first place prize fund of £20,000 (up £3k on this year).

Breath when you ride!

R

emote Coach has released its latest free download…all about the importance of breathing when you ride.

“We all know how important breathing is, but how many times has your instructor shouted ‘breath’ when something starts to go wrong or you’re approaching a fence?” says Fiona Dearing from Remote Coach.

“When something frightening happens or we’re worried, we have a tendency to hold our breath, but that’s not all that helpful when you need to be on your game- you need to breath. I know this is a common issue, so I decided to put together a free audio download providing exercises to help and extra info to help you understand your reaction and what holding your breath can do to the horse.”

Remote Coach provides audio downloads that can be used when you ride, to help improve certain aspects of your riding, master movements, inspire schooling sessions thanks to the RemoteRide series of lesson plans or even boost confidence using the RemoteConfidence series.

Prices start from around £3.81 (depending on the current exchange rate between AU$ and £) To download the free Remote Coach download ‘Breathe’, just go to https:// app.box.com/s/7ohvh34r9h4q1dzodk7f and download or listen online.

To find out more, go to www.remote-coach.com

allen & Page’s Calm & Condition

C

alm & Condition is a soaked feed for horses who need to put on or maintain condition and is successfully used for competition horses who are working hard.

Formulated without barley or molasses, it is suitable for horses with a true intolerance to these ingredients. For some horses, normally nutritionally sound ingredients appear to cause unexpected and unwanted reactions.

Individual horses react differently, often through physical symptoms such as lumps and bumps, www.equi-ads.com

Equi_Ads_Nov_National_Rev2.indd 19

but feed intolerances can also result in unwanted behaviour.

Calm & Condition is low in starch when compared to traditional conditioning feeds, high in fibre and contains good levels of linseed and soya oils.

Balanced with vitamins and minerals Calm & Condition also contains premium grade herbs to help promote optimum condition.

For more information on feeding call Allen & Page’s friendly, award winning, nutritional helpline on 01362 822 902 or visit www.allenandpage.com

New look for Sumo Muscle Builder

F

ollowing increased demand Rowen Barbary Horse Feeds have launched new packaging for the popular conditioning supplement Sumo Muscle Builder. Launched over 15 years ago Sumo Muscle Builder contains a unique blend of good quality protein sources that provide essential amino acids to help encourage overall muscle tone and development. The mare, Paradiese D, is still featured on the front of the Sumo Muscle Builder, which is available in 20kg bags that will last a 500kg horse approximately 40 days.

For more information on Sumo Muscle Builder please contact Rowen Barbary Horse Feeds on 01948 880598 or visit www.rowenbarbary.co.uk

November 2013 | 19

28/10/2013 10:12

Insurance • Horse Behaviour

HORSE BEHAVIOUR -

50 years of excellent service

Another happy ending...

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Speaking the language part 17

A series by SUSAN McBANE explaining equestrian and scientific terminology in relation to equine behaviour and psychology, and its effects on horses and training (THIS series is based on a glossary of equestrian and scientific terms presented at the First International Equitation Science Symposium, 2005, and an updated version published in ‘Equitation Science’ by McGreevy and McLean, 2010. The glossary description is given in quotation marks, followed by Susan’s discussion.)

B

LOCKING: ‘(a) Preventing a horse performing appropriately in any given gait by the application of simultaneous rein and leg pressure [aids]. This can result in conflict behaviour. (b) The deleterious effects of the simultaneous application of two intense cues [aids] such that neither will be learned (Hull, 1943).’

IT takes a thinking, considerate human to look at horses’ lives from their point of view and evolution, and treat them accordingly rather than applying human ideas and logic to horses’ brains and actions. Quality research into equine physiology, biomechanics, psychology and behaviour has increased greatly over recent decades but its results have not always found their way into the wider horse world. When they have, they have often not been accepted.

The founding of the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) roughly ten years ago came not a moment too soon. There had been rumblings and outcries from knowledgeable and caring horse people around the world about the increasingly irrational, inappropriate and harsh methods of training and riding which had developed over the previous few decades. ISES set out to promote logical, ethical and effective techniques for training horses based on evidence from scientifically rigorous research into how they move, think and perceive the world.

What has this to do with Blocking? It is important because, from what I see, almost everywhere in the westernised horse world riders are taught to do exactly what is described in the description at the beginning of this article. Therefore, they naturally admire and aim for a way of going, achieved by blocking techniques, that is alien and potentially harmful to their minds and bodies.

‘I WANT THAT HORSE!’

Humans were initially attracted to horses as food animals but soon harnessed their useful qualities of speed, strength and endurance. Watching them cavorting about, tossing their heads, shaking their flowing manes and arching their long tails must have created a desire to be mounted on such an impressive means of transport.

There are many different ways of training horses. The principles of horsemanship developed over the six thousand years since horses were first tamed and, even today, there are many different methods – some good, some bad, some kind, some cruel, some effective and some less so.

Horses are ridden using pressures from our legs, seat, hands (via the reins and bit or noseband) and voice, those being the means our bodies provide us with. Good, early training teaches a horse that pressure on his sides from both his rider’s legs means ‘go’ and pressure on both sides of his mouth or on a noseband means ‘slow down’, ‘stop’ or ‘go backwards’. It is amazing how readily a horse will obey us if he understands what we want.

He soon learns that pressure from one leg means ‘move sideways away from the pressure’ and pressure/a pull on one side of his mouth (‘direct rein’ aid) means ‘turn towards the pressure’. Before long, he learns that pressure on his neck from one rein means ‘move your forehand away from the pressure’ (‘indirect rein’ aid).

A LITTLE SCIENCE

Good trainers know, sometimes instinctively, what equitation science has recently shown, and what the best horsemen and classical trainers have always done - that as soon as a horse has done what we’ve asked the pressure/aid must be stopped or the horse will never learn to connect or www.equi-ads.com

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Xxxxxxxxxx Horse Behaviour associate it with what he did in response to it. The cessation or release of the aid tells the horse he has done the right thing to stop the pressure. If the aid does not stop, he will keep trying various moves to get the pressure to stop.

Whatever he was doing the instant (not two or three seconds) before we stopped the aid is what he will associate with that particular feeling.

This is why we must learn to think as quickly as a horse – like lightning – in order to release an aid the instant he responds correctly. If we consistently do this, we shall become successful and humane trainers.

If we release late, and the horse is already trying some other move, we confirm that move as the one he thinks we want, and he is already on the path to confusion and anxiety. This sounds harsh on us, but it’s not really. We just need to be on the ball and in the moment. Quick and adaptable as horses are, he will soon start responding quicker and we can make our aids lighter. This is learning by ‘classical conditioning’, coming up later in this series.

Also, once the horse is doing what you want don’t keep asking him to do it, as riders are often taught to do: this, too, will confuse him and that’s the first step to his becoming anxious and fearful, which in turn can cause violent reactions or ‘conflict behaviours’ (called ‘resistance’ by the ignorant) or dull and resigned because he ‘can’t do right for doing wrong’ so gives up. My classical trainer of the 80s, Dési Lorent, used to say, by way of explanation: ‘Don’t keep asking for the salt once you’ve got it’.

The good science referred to earlier has revealed beyond doubt that horses, like humans, get upset when asked to do two opposing things at the same moment, such as ‘slow down’ with

the bit and ‘speed up’ with the legs, which is what ‘blocking’ means. Horses cannot ask us to clarify our muddling instructions, so if their rider applies bit pressure (slow/stop/back) and leg pressure (go) at the same moment, they react to (try to remove) the strongest pressure. If they feel even, of course they become even more confused.

THE LOOK

We all know that horses look wonderful when they are loose in the field, prancing along with a spring in their step and arching their necks and tails. This is the very Look that we want our horses to produce under saddle, and certainly when we want to display them to an audience, usually judges. What is not generally known today, because it is not widely taught, is that the ‘round’ neck and head carriage involved comes naturally as a result of correct work and allowing the horse to go independently in his own balance so that he can develop the correct ‘riding muscles’. The exercises needed are correctly performed bending exercises (initially large curves, then loops, serpentines and circles) and transitions between gaits and within them (shortening and lengthening of stride within the horse’s natural rhythm).

What so often happens today to achieve the Look quickly and with as little effort as possible is that horses are put, with more or less coercion, into the required outline and worked in that shape, either on the ground in ‘training aids’ (called by a client of mine ‘equine bondage’) or under saddle with a hard, unrelenting bit contact, rather than having the posture developed through good work.

The head is often held in firmly, squeezing the throat area, with the horse usually going in one

of the ‘behind the vertical’ ways, and the neck consequently shortened so the whole forehand is cramped, while the rider’s legs are strongly and persistently squeezing, kicking and maybe spurring, or a lungeing whip is being used ‘overenthusiastically’ to cause activity and unnatural and excessive lift by the legs.

Instructions heard during this process are such as: ‘Ride him into your hand’, ‘Drive him up to the bit’, ‘Get him between hand and leg’, ‘More energy/activity’, ‘Ride him forward on to the contact’, all of which mean ‘make him go and stop him at the same time’ – blocking him, in fact.

With all the confusion, distress and anxiety swirling around in his head because of this highly pressurised way of riding, it is clear that the horse is neither going to learn what any of the aids mean nor associate work with pleasure and confidence stemming from trust and joy in his own body. Forcing a way of going can cause a horse pain, injury and fear, with the behavioural results described earlier. By having to use muscles and other tissues in ways for which they are not designed, the horse develops the wrong musculature and insidious injuries not always recognised. The artificial Look which results is not considered wonderful or beautiful by truly knowledgeable horsemen and women.

DOING IT RIGHT

As good training progresses, horses, as mentioned, respond faster to increasingly lighter aids. They are strengthening up and developing correctly, and are calm, enthusiastic and cooperative. It is very rewarding to rehabilitate a horse who has been worked in the wrong way.

So, how should you apply the aids so that you are (continued on page 22)

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Horse Behaviour Xxxxxxxxxx • Healthcare not blocking your horse?

Bit aids: Forget about sending your horse with your legs up to a restricting bit aid at the same moment because, of course, this will block him.

Keep your legs still down his sides, touching him but not applying pressure.

To slow down, stop or rein back, apply steady, fairly light pressure to both sides of the bit. If the horse does not respond within a couple of seconds, vibrate the contact a little with both hands rather than increasing the pressure.

Also, use your seat appropriately for the new movement, gait or speed, and use your voice to give a single command that he understands, making it the same every time. The voice is a valuable help in training and can, if necessary, be dispensed with as the horse becomes reliably responsive to physical aids.

To turn, in early training, give a light, maybe vibrating contact with the inside, open rein, asking the horse to look where you want him to go. The old classical aid of turning your wrist so that your fingernails face the sky is most effective in turning. Keep your outside rein still on his neck and open the fingers of your outside hand a little to allow his neck to turn to the inside.

Fairly soon, you can start using sideways pressure on his neck just in front of his withers with the outside rein as well, gradually allowing it to take over from the inside, direct rein. Turning with the outside, indirect rein aid creates a more balanced turn, with a guiding effect on the forehand. You can also put a little weight on your inside seatbone and move it forward slightly, also stepping down a little into your inside stirrup.

Keep your upper body upright - no leaning!

Leg aids: It is clearer to the horse if you give aids in different places on his sides for different purposes so he learns the difference and responds correctly, confidently and quickly. Keep your bit

contact lightly in touch.

To move up a gait, give a squeeze with both legs with the upper, inside calf, vibrating if necessary. To ask for more activity or power within a gait, use the inside lower calf or ankle.

To turn the hindquarters, use the leg away from the direction required, that is, right leg to move left. Move it back a few inches, ideally moving the whole leg back a little from the hip joint if you can, and squeeze, vibrating if necessary.

These basics will set you on a road that is clearer to your horse, resulting in better performance. With any aid, keep giving it till you get your response. If you stop before this, you will have ‘rewarded’ the horse for not giving the correct response. This causes confusion, especially when you ask again. Also remember that where you put your weight (via your seatbones) and where you look, your horse will go unless you are giving him conflicting, blocking aids, such as asking him to turn right but pulling the left rein, looking left or having more weight on your left seatbone than your right. If you are not used to seat weight aids, sit centrally with equal weight on both and in your stirrups until you can practise with someone good at them.

Alison Averis, 6 Stonelaws Cottages, East Linton, East Lothian, EH40 3DX.) SUSAN McBANE has an HNC in Equine Science and Management, is a Classical Riding Club listed trainer and Gold Award holder, cofounder of the Equine Behaviour Forum and a Practitioner Member of the International Society for Equitation Science. Author of 44 books, she is a co-publisher of ‘Tracking-up’ (see advert this issue). For lessons in and near Lancashire, ring 01254 705487 or email horses@susanmcbane.com.

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ade from the highest quality waxy, nubuck leather, the Gaucho Boot was made to provide a durable piece of footwear, built to last long-term. With sealed stitched seams, perfect for rain, mud and puddles, when dog walking or at the yard.

Available in adults sizes 4-12, in Brown only. RRP £133.95 Check your local stockist.

FURTHER INFORMATION: The Classical Riding Club (www.classicalriding.co.uk), the International Society for Equitation Science (www.equitationscience.com), EquiSci for the UK (www.equitationscience.co.uk), the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre (www.aebc. org.au) and the Equine Behaviour Forum (www. equinebehaviourforum.org.uk). Also, follow up the links and publications on each site.

(The Equine Behaviour Forum published the full glossary in its magazine ‘Equine Behaviour’.

For your copy, send a cheque for £3.50 payable to ‘Equine Behaviour Forum’ to the Editor, Dr

Winter Hints for Health

F

ollow these helpful tips from natural health care specialist, Ruggles & Stopitall Ltd, to keep both you and your horse at your best throughout the coming winter.

• If your horse suffers from mud issues, opt for a natural product that does not require the legs (or back) to be kept dry, e.g. Ruggle-it. The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties within the soap-free shampoo and 100% natural vegetable oil blend help as a barrier, but also to cleanse, soften and lift the scabs naturally without any harsh chemicals and irrespective of how wet your fields are.

• If your gateways or hay areas get poached in winter, try some grass re-inforcement mats. They are not expensive and ensure mud-free zones. If they stand in cold mud, it softens the skin which then leaves them vulnerable to mud issues, softened soles and even circulation challenges.

• Cold weather makes elderly horses, ponies and donkeys feel stiffer so choosing an intensive Omega 3 supplement such as Maxavita Pernamax Green Lipped Mussel, can help the body better manage inflammation, bone health, the immune system and general wellbeing. With no cereal fillers, each crushable tablet offers bodies multiple benefits for no extra cost!

22 | November 2013

Equi_Ads_Nov_National_Rev2.indd 22

• If your horse is showing signs of arthritis or struggling to keep weight on, provide plenty of bedding to ensure it’s warm and comfortable when he lies down and to assist him getting up. Minimal bedding atop mats will not help matters. Don’t leave him stabled for prolonged periods as this encourages more stiffness, and watch he doesn’t become overweight as this puts more pressure on joints.

• Cold weather and dark nights mean that both you and your horse need to be at your best to cope. After all, if you’re not feeling up to the mark, everything is such hard work! Supplement your horse’s diet with a probiotic supplement (cereal and filler-free) such as Protexin Equine Premium Gut Balancer, and choose the 14-strain Protexin Bio-Kult for yourself (or your pet) – ‘pure’ probiotics help maintain a healthy gut which in turn manages such a huge percentage of immune strength.

Those found within bags of feed are useful but rarely at sufficient intensity. Helping bodies ward off challenges is better than having to ‘fix it’ once a white flag has been hoisted!

• Thanks to global warming, mites are now a year-round problem and frequently invisible! But the Ruggle-it vegetable oil blend and no-rinserequired shampoo will help deter, calm and cleanse itchy skin, whilst telling mites and eggs to ‘get lost’. Both products can be sprayed on which saves bathing in cold weather – they leave a residue in the hair follicles that mites detect and hate.

For further information on all the Ruggles & Stopitall Ltd product ranges of naturally-inspired products or to shop online, please visit www.karenruggles.co.uk or call 01823 259952. www.equi-ads.com

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Xxxxxxxxxx

Healthcare • Digestion

Healthy Digestion Verity Beaton BSc (Hons), Product Manager, T.E.N. Supplements

T

he saying ‘you are what eat’ is just as true for horses as it is for us.

When you see top competition horses they have bright eyes and coats so shiny you can almost see your face in them! While we’d all love our horses to look like Valegro though, providing the best nutrition money can buy is only beneficial if your horse digests his feed efficiently.

The digestive system of the horse has evolved to process a regular trickle of high fibre food gathered through almost continuous grazing. When horses are kept in a natural habitat, grazing grass or hay most of the time, the majority of the calories are supplied via fibre digestion in the hind gut.

Horses have an amazing relationship with beneficial microbes in the hind gut which break down the fibre to provide energy. The stomach and the small intestine digests starch, proteins, fats, vitamins and some minerals using enzymes.

Tummy Troubles

The stomach contains gastric juice, which is made up of acid and enzymes.

The lining of the lower portion of the stomach is protected by a covering of mucus and the acid levels are regularly neutralised by food entering the stomach. If the horse’s ability to protect itself from this acid is reduced then gastric ulcers are more likely to form. Risk factors for ulcers in horses are: • Feeding routine: horses that go for long periods of time without eating may get acid build up.

• Intensive exercise: may be due to the fact that during hard exercise blood flow is diverted away from the stomach and acid is more likely to come into contact with the upper part of the stomach which is not as well protected as the lower portion where the gastric juices normally sit.

• Stress: stress can come in many different areas of a horse’s life and it has been linked to an increased chance of ulcers.

• Medication: Some medications can increase the risk of ulcers.

Horses who have gastric ulcers may have any of the following signs; poor appetite, colic, weight loss, poor condition, behavioural issues (irritability, biting when being groomed/tacked up, refusing to go forwards when ridden).

If you suspect your horse has an ulcer then it’s important that you consult your vet, who can advise you on medication and management changes. It’s also a good idea to check your horse’s diet with an equine nutritionist and consider a supplement to help maintain a healthy stomach.

There are ingredients that may help to reduce acidity in the stomach such as fructo-oligosaccharides, sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate.

You can also use herbs that are known for their digestive properties such as liquorice root, peppermint and fenugreek. Then there are ingredients that can help support the cells which line the stomach and help to produce the protective mucus such as threonine and apple pectin.

Hind gut challenges (loose droppings, colic, worm damage)

The horse’s hind gut is a great example of symbiosis – that is where two or

T

here are too many horses and not enough homes says leading horse charity World Horse Welfare as it launches its urgent rehoming campaign with HRH The Princess Royal leading the way as she rehomes charity horse, World Horse Welfare Annie.

24 | November 2013

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Healthcare • Digestion

Golly, winter kit!

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olly Galoshes collection, not only help to keep your horse’s legs & boots clean and dry, but their reflective and fluorescent properties, also offer excellent visibility when out hacking!

Golly Galoshes are both breathable and waterproof and can be worn comfortably over your horses existing horse boots or exercise bandages, helping to prevent your horse’s protective legwear (and legs) getting soggy and muddy/sandy (in the rain) or dusty and gritty (in the dry).

Top professional riders such as MBE and Multi Gold Medallist Natasha Baker (pictured) and top eventer Victoria Bax use them for greater visibility out hacking and to help keep their boots and bandages pristine, clean and dry.

Also available in smart Navy and Black for training and lunging, the gaiters feature a secure hook and loop fastenings, fulllength zip with protective fleece lapel and a generous reflective strip as standard.

Prices start from £25.99 per pair Miniature Pony through to £34.99 for horse sizing. www.gollygaloshes.com

more biological species live in harmony with each other. The horse provides a great home and food for bacteria to live and in return they convert fibre into volatile fatty acids for the horse to use as energy. This is all great until something upsets the colony of bacteria which can be quite sensitive; (they like a steady environment) if anything does disrupt the hind gut, this can sometimes lead to issues such as colic, loose droppings, weight loss, poor condition (dull coat etc.) and laminitis. To keep your horse’s digestive system healthy follow these rules of feeding: • Allow access to fresh clean water at all times.

• Feed concentrates on a ‘little and often’ basis. Hard feed should be no more than 2kg per feed for horses and less for ponies.

• Feed by weight not volume. Weigh your scoop for chaff, nuts and mix as they will all weigh different amounts.

• Use high quality feeds. Do not feed dusty, mouldy or old feed.

• Feed according to body weight of the horse.

• Make any changes to the diet gradually to reduce the risk of digestive upset. This applies to hard feed and forage.

• Delay exercising after feeding - allow at least 1-3 hours after feeding before working the horse. Horses can have ad lib forage until they are worked even if this work is hard work.

• Keep to a routine. Feed at the same time each day. Horses are creatures of habit and like a settled routine.

• Increase the level of work gradually. Do not feed in anticipation of the work the horse is about to do.

• Feed plenty of fibre (at least 50% of the total diet).

• Ensure teeth are regularly checked by an equine dentist or vet.

You may follow these guidelines and still have a horse that has digestive challenges in which case you should consult your vet. You might also find that a supplement to support good digestive health will help. Probiotics, which are live bacteria or yeasts, can be fed to horses to help colonise the hind gut. Prebiotics, such as fructo-oligosaccharide, can help promote a healthy population of gut bacteria and amino acids such as threonine help support the gut lining cells. B vitamins are produced by the bacteria in the hind gut and therefore if there is a disturbance your horse may benefit from some extra dietary B vitamins.

Even if your horse is not showing obvious symptoms of digestive upsets or gastric ulcers, feeding digestive supplements can be great for general health much like we are encouraged to eat probiotic yoghurts and drinks.

For more information on the T.E.N. digestive supplements check out our website – www.tensupplements.co.uk or contact us on advice@tensupplements.co.uk or call 01908 311010 (Mon-Fri 9am5pm, excluding bank holidays). www.equi-ads.com

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Xxxxxxxxxx

Healthcare • Training

Maintaining cross country fitness By Jenny Richardson BHSAI

N

ow that the cross-country season is drawing to a close, some people will choose to let their horses down for a short holiday, while others may wish to continue to maintain full fitness, which can be achieved in several ways.

HACKING

Road work is essential to maintain muscle strength and strong tendons.

Walking and ‘jog trotting’ [a slow trot] two or three times a week is ideal with hill work if possible; if the ground is suitable, use the bridleways and byways for a ‘pipeopening’ canter whenever you can, to improve circulation and keep your horse fresh.

HUNTING

Hunts are very welcoming and the odd hunt or mock hunt will be

most enjoyable for you both. You will encounter many of the usual type of cross-country obstacles and ditches, but without the competition element. Remember to choose suitable meets with good going, and do call the Secretary in advance. Half days may be ideal, and not over-tiring.

BEACH RIDES

Over the winter, the authorities are far more relaxed about horses at the seaside – the most suitable are those with miles of firm, golden sands and shallow water. It is essential to call the Coast Guards of all beaches in advance, to ensure the best time to ride, as high tides are dangerous and must be avoided at all cost.

If the going is excellent and your horse is safe, you will be able to enjoy fast canters, and the sea water

Why Wet Fields Make for Naughty Horses!

W

inter usually brings out the worst in even the most honest of horses, but in most cases there is an easy solution.

If you are fortunate enough to still have grass in your fields, it is probably still very wet, and you may have noticed the grass taking on a yellow tinge. This happens because the grass cannot absorb magnesium from water logged soil (magnesium is needed for the plants energy production unit, chlorophyll, which makes grass green).

To compensate for a lack of grazing, most horses will be receiving more hard feed to maintain their condition. These feeds are high in other ions such as calcium and potassium, which increases any relative lack of magnesium and also makes it harder for magnesium to be absorbed.

Then add that your horse is under more stress from cold weather, extra stabling, bangs, blusters and a less consistent routine. Stress burns off magnesium, so most horses need more in winter, but they are receiving less.

Combine these factors and it is likely that your horse is no longer getting all the magnesium his body needs, and this will leave him more sensitive to stress, more reactive and often difficult.

Nupafeed’s unique magnesium formula, MAH® has been developed for human medicine and is simply the best magnesium you can buy.

MAH® contains absolutely no other ingredients, and works not by suppressing your horse’s ability to react, but by correcting the imbalance that is so often at the root of behavioural problems.

For more information or to purchase, please contact us: Tel: 01438 861 900 Email: info@nupafeed.net www.nupafeed.co.uk

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Training • Healthcare

dressage competitions will give you an outside opinion on your work. As these run all year, if you are planning future one day events, this would be a very good chance to invest a little time and effort on improving this phase of your goal.

SCHOOLING AT HOME

is a fantastic therapy for your horse’s legs and muscles. There will be plenty of room for a large group to go together, which may bring travel costs down and ensure an enjoyable day out with friends.

WINTER SHOWJUMPING

Most centres run showjumping all year round, and will run winter series with classes of all heights, usually indoors, which will keep your horse jumping fit. It is very good for him to see coloured fences as an option to natural fences, and many centres now offer Indoor Eventer Trials, which is another incentive to keep up interest levels out of season.

DRESSAGE

It is important to keep your horse’s flat work at a good standard, ensuring he is fully responsive and an easier ride and, as well as practising at home; some small

FIRST

Xxxxxxxxxx

Set aside some time for practise work at home or in a hired arena.

Flatwork can always be improved for obedience and suppleness.

Use your show jumping poles for creating some of the more unusual obstacles like stiles, fences at angles, mock ditches, fans, bounces, etc.

Look at the winter months as a time to practise and improve your partnership. If you are able to ride your horse on a regular basis with as much variety as possible, fitness will be easily maintained, ensuring you are well-prepared for next year’s cross-country season.

If you need XC practice, consider a training break at a leading venue. Jenny Richardson BHSAI is Equestrian Centre Business Manager at Ireland’s Castle Leslie Estate, a venue that offers luxurious equestrian riding holidays and training breaks in the heart of Ireland. The team welcomes riders of all abilities and age groups and offers expert tuition, gentle hacks and exhilarating cross-country rides over an extensive XC course. Visit www.castleleslie.com

AID FOR YOUR HORSE

!

E RE

F

with ge the a d m an p b se fro ge a r a W h a c e r n Sur ry pur Care ists. eve ound ting stoc.k W ipa ply artic s ap At p

Term

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WOUND CARE

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Healthcare Xxxxxxxxxx • Feeding

heel to hoof Soothing Cream

We want to hear about your:

U

NEWS RESULTS EVENTS

Send your news articles over to Equi-Ads and see them published.

Please contact bob@equiads.net Tel: 020 8302 6069 Want to advertise and promote your business?

Give us as call and see your company advertised in the magazine.

Ha W th Re M

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News Xxxxxxxxxx • Bedding

Burghley to Blenheim

S

o that is my eventing season over for 2013, I can't believe how quickly it has gone.

Blenheim was my last event. We stayed south after Burghley to save on travelling. My dressage wasn't until Friday afternoon which meant

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we had a little time to do some shopping and Zebedee had plenty of time to settle in. I was really pleased with his test, I felt he tried hard and has progressed recently.

He scored 42.1 so I delighted as this is his first time at this level. There are definitely areas needing worked on. He still finds it difficult to really carry himself and has a tendency to drop his poll. He was much better at Blenheim and just towards the end of the test this happened.

His showjumping was on the Saturday and he jumped well, unfortunately had a minor slip on approach to the last which was a double and both parts fell.

Sunday was xc day, the course was a good step up for Zebedee and he flew round. He was a little green at some points but jumped all the direct routes so I was absolutely delighted and he finished with just 6 one faults and in 9th place.

Overall I'm very pleased with the way Burghley and Blenheim went, as with everything there are definitely parts to work on and improve. It seems that Axil is the only horse to have jumped double clear at both Badminton and Burghley 2013.

By Olivia Wilmot

My horses are currently having a short break (and so I am!) then it's back to work so 2014 is better. They have had their end of season physio ans shaitstu massage just to make sure they didn't tweak anything at those last couple of big events.

I don't like to jut rough them off straight after a big event I like to let them down gently so they normally have 5-7 says complete rest then a few days going on the walker and then a few days of light exercises such as a nice hack out or a little bit of stretching and suppleness work in the school. I like to do this so I know how they feel after each big event.

This winter I have lots dressage and showjumping training and shows planned. And we are currently breaking in our homebred 3 year old so watch this space he might be out and about at a few training shows next year!

Fibre Fuel

I'm hoping to work on getting Zebedee stronger in himself so we can break that 40s barrier in the dressage. I like to keep their work varied and last year when my arena froze and the roads were too icy to hack on I took the horses to the beach to work. They love it and it's a great way to vary their work. I found walking trotting and cantering in shallow water really helped them muscle so I think we will do more of that this winter.

I need to keep up my own fitness and core strength so I will make sure I go to my Callanetics class.

Lessons on the lunge are planned to help me improve my position so that could be interesting!

The provisional event calendar for 2014 is out and I've already started to think about where I'd like to aim for. Fingers crossed Axil will aim for Badmiton and Zebedee Bramham!

And I already have some booking for training days and clinics next year so plenty to look forward to! I have to say thank you to my team, sponsors and supporters as really without any of them I wouldn't be able to do half of what I do.

Onwards and upwards now bring on 2014!

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Eilberg’s at Your Horse Live A

re you a dressage diva? Do you want to train your horse to be disciplined and composed in the art of dressage? Well here’s you’re chance to learn how from the very best at Your Horse Live as Michael, Maria and Ferdi Eilberg take centre stage in the Countrywide Main Arena.

Held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on November 09 and 10, Your Horse Live promises to be an action packed two days, with incredible shopping, celebrities and brilliant demonstrations from a range of equine disciplines.

The Eilberg family are set to wow the crowds with their take on training the dressage horse to the very top level. Together they’ll be showcasing their talents and how they train at home riding some of their very best horses.

Based in Worcestershire, the Eilberg family run their hugely successful dressage yard at Pink Green Farm and also work closely with the Woodlander Stud producing young horses for the dressage arena.

Michael has continued to reach new heights of stardom with his superstar horse Farouche and his stunning grey Half Moon Delphi. He made reserve rider for the British Olympic dressage team at London 2012 and is now a member of the BEF World Class Performance Squad.

His sister Maria also has plenty of major wins under her belt, including winning the National Grand Prix Title in 2008, team silver at the Europeans in 2009 and also at WEG in 2010 all on her legendary horse Two Sox. She continues to impress her fans riding future stars such as Woodlander Rockstar and new ride Royal Concert, proving.

Father Ferdi has years of experience in the dressage world and knows what it takes to get to the top. He was a leading British dressage rider originally from Germany and has a British European team silver medal, a win at Aachen and multi-national championships under his belt before becoming a hugely successful trainer.

This is set to be one demonstration you won’t want to miss and an incredible opportunity to see how these two growing stars in the dressage world train their horses for success.

To book your tickets in advance and save money visit www. yourhorselive.co.uk or call 0844 581 0770. Hotline closes at midnight on Monday 4th November.

Elim-a-Net T

he unique Inner Net Design utilised in the Elim-a-Net encourages our horses to trickle feed their hay by slowing down consumption, resulting in longer lasting haynets. This compliments the natural digestive system of the horse offering a healthy, practical way to feed whilst limiting the risk of your horse suffering from digestive problems such as gastric ulcers or colic. www.equi-ads.com

28/10/2013 10:13

News

Xxxxxxxxxx

Cassie and amoo Prove Invincible

C

OMBINING her passion for horses and Showing with her job at Black Country Saddles, Cassie Hartley has been in superlative form this season.

The 20-year-old from Stafford has hit top form this summer with her Intermediate Show Hunter Pony, Acheval Boutique Amadeus, owned by Faye Hesketh and produced by the Staffordshire-based Katy Carter Show Team.

At Area 2a in Cheshire, the talented duo took home the Supreme of Show Award and this great result set them up for a further winning-time at the BSPS Summer Championships at Arena UK. Cassie and the eight-year-old bay gelding were certainly in triumphant mood when taking the honours in a number of classes.

The Show started with wins for Cassie in the Experimental Show Hunter, Classified Intermediate Show Hunter and the Open Intermediate Show Hunter categories before she took the Reserve Championship Award in the Champion of Champions!

The haul continued with second in the Premier League Red Division, third in the Blue Riband Intermediate Show Hunter and HOYS Intermediate Show Hunter before taking the Reserve Supreme Intermediate Championship.

Said Cassie: “Amoo, as he is known at home, is a superstar and we have had a brilliant season including an amazing time at the BSPS Summer Championships.

“I ride him in a Black Country Classic Show Saddle and consider myself fortunate that I can fit in my Competing alongside my roles in sales both in the office and on the stand at the various shows we attend.

“Soft leather makes the Black Country Classic Show Saddle Cassie comfortable to ride in from day one Hartley and and the design and craftsmanship Acheval help to put you in the correct Boutique position to produce the perfect Amadeus winning picture.”

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28/10/2013 10:13

Tack • News

Posture Management in the Saddle A

s riders, we are always looking to improve our technique and performance in the saddle. However, it is all too easy to develop bad postural habits which affect our position in the saddle. The Society of Master Saddlers has carried out research to establish if physiotherapy can positively affect rider asymmetry and balance in the saddle.

The Test

A number of semi professional riders were assessed by BEF World Class Physio Andy Thomas for any imbalances and weaknesses in their posture, especially in the pelvic area.

Each rider then sat on a Pliance seat mat on a saddle which was placed on a static wooden horse.

Handiwork C

Pressure readings were taken and biomechanical data was taken at four main areas; the head, shoulders, knees and toes.

Russell Guire of Centaur Biomechanics explained that it is common to see riders who are crooked, riding over to one side or gripping up with their knee more on one side than the other. These small misalignments can have a significant effect on how your horse moves and can cause him to become crooked too.

Half of the riders were then selected randomly and given simple exercises to do by Andy to help correct their imbalances. Following this the Pliance and biomechanics data were taken again to see if this

hoose your riding gloves with care, depending on what you want to do in the saddle this season.

Hands have a particularly tough time during winter riding because they’re carried out in front of you and are more exposed to the elements.

If winter hacking is on the agenda then invest in a pair of riding gloves that offer comfort, breathability and warmth.

What to consider

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34 | November 2013

Equi_Ads_Nov_National_Rev2.indd 34

had made any difference.

The Results

Those riders who received exercises from Andy significantly

In order to offer maximum comfort, your riding gloves should be able to keep out winter weather, such as rain and wind, and also prevent heat from escaping, so that your hands and fingers stay dry and warm. Materials like GoreTex are waterproof and breathable and just like finding the right riding jacket, you’re ideally looking for warmth without too much bulk.

It’s also important to look at grip, especially when it’s raining. Many riding gloves offer extra

Emma-Jayne Holder and Carnsdale Kativa Dumbledore with John Hartley of Black Country Saddles

improved their postural stability by reducing sideways movement.

The control group, who did not do any exercises, did not improve their stability measure.

grip around the areas where the gloves come into contact with the reins and this can prove really crucial in terms of keeping your horse under control when the weather is far from dry.

Remember to ensure your gloves are a comfortable fit and that you can move your hands and fingers freely in them. While British weather is so unpredictable, you may also wish to invest in a lighter weight pair of riding gloves for milder days in the saddle this winter.

Rider of the Year Award A

delighted Emma-Jayne Holder won the Black Country Saddles Rider of the Year Award at the BSPS Summer Championships.

Guildford-based Emma-Jayne and the 15hh Show Hunter Pony, Carnsdale Kativa Dumbledore, owned by Dawn Weston, qualified earlier in the season and won their section at the show to put them through to the final at Arena UK, near Grantham.

The Award is one of the highlights of the show, with the presentation taking place during the Saturday Evening Performance when Emma-Jayne won a bespoke Black Country Saddle as her prize.

Emma-Jayne (20) told Equi-Ads: “Andy is a star. He is only fouryears-old but copes with everything so well and we couldn’t have asked for more.

“I actually qualified 10 for the Black Country Saddles Rider of the Year Award so had plenty of horses and ponies to choose from and originally brought Abbey’s Finale to take part in the Small Hack sections. www.equi-ads.com

28/10/2013 10:13

Tack • Healthcare At all four points of the biomechanics testing it was noted that those who had taken part in the exercises were sitting up straighter in the saddle.

The Pliance testing correlated with this in terms of improvement measured in pressure. However, if a rider was sitting more to the right, the pressure mat recorded a larger contact area on the right but higher pressure on the left. This would imply that the rider is ‘hanging on’ with their left side.

The riders who exercised were significantly more symmetrical showing pressure readings that were much more even on both sides when tested again.

Tips for Perfect Posture

Improving core strength allows other muscles to work more efficiently, reduces fatigue, helps prevent injury and improves technique.

Improving your overall fitness and suppleness is very important; it

is not all about strength.

A strong pelvis helps riders to absorb the forces of their horse’s movement without losing control of their arms and legs.

Try some hip and knee exercises with resistance bands to help strengthen the legs and pelvic area.

Upper body exercises such as ‘upper body’ press ups can help stretch and strengthen the lower back and core muscles.

Exercising two to three times a week can help significantly improve your posture in the saddle and hopefully help improve your riding too.

Most importantly you need to make sure you are exercising correctly and not encouraging a bad posture. If in doubt make an appointment with a physiotherapist for a personalised exercise programme.

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For more information on research carried out by the Society of Master Saddlers visit www. mastersaddlers.co.uk

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“After winning her class and taking the Reserve Championship in the Hack section she got colic so Dawn was kind enough to suggest I ride Andy in the Rider of the Year Award.

“It was only his fifth show so to win the championship was just brilliant he really is a star for the future.”

Emma-Jayne and her mum Gayle have had 19 horses and ponies to produce this year and have had an excellent season.

Qualifiers for the Black Country Saddles Rider of the Year Award took place at shows all over the country with the final open to riders who have been awarded a Best Rider Card in the following classes: Open Lead Rein and First Ridden, Open Lead Rein Hunter Type, Open Show Ponies, Open Show Hunter Ponies, Open Cradle and Nursery Stakes, Open WHP, Open Intermediate, Open Heritage Lead Rein and First Ridden, Open Heritage Ridden and Open Heritage WHP classes.

At the championship the competition was divided into six categories, with each winner receiving a Black Country Saddles jacket.

The sections were Lead Rein Rider of the Year, nine years and under, 11 years and under, 14 years and under, 17 years and under, and www.equi-ads.com

Equi_Ads_Nov_National_Rev2.indd 35

25 years and under.

The classes and championship were judged using a two-phase system with marks accrued from a freestyle individual show before a second individual show with set movements required.

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Healthcare Xxxxxxxxxx • Training

Digestive Health P

oor digestive health is becoming more widely recognized as the cause of many different problems for the horse, including poor nutrient absorption, loose droppings, scurfy skin, a staring coat and even laminitis, amongst many others. Feeding a diet to suit how the horse’s digestive system has evolved is incredibly important, and can help to prevent problems such as diarrhoea, gastric ulcers and colic.

The horse’s diet must be nutritionally balanced with regards

By Sarah Butler BSC (Hons) Blue Chip Feed Limited

to vitamins and minerals, and these should be available in an easilyabsorbable form, so the horse can efficiently utilise them. The best way to ensure this is by feeding a Blue Chip balancer.

Feeding a superior quality balancer, from the Blue Chip range that includes probiotic and prebiotic digestive aids, will not only help the horse to make the most of their diet, but can also help to soothe the digestive system and can double the digestibility of fibre, meaning they will get twice as

much from the fibre in their diet. It is important that the correct forms and quantities of these digestive aids are fed, to fully benefit the horse.

All the balancers in the Blue Chip range contain a probiotic yeast to aid gut metabolism, and promote the optimum functioning of the gut. This probiotic will also stimulate the growth of the beneficial bacteria involved in digestive processes, therefore aiding the breakdown of fibre, nutrient absorption and ‘mopping up’ of unwanted acids.

Feeding a Blue Chip balancer that contains a high level of a probiotic yeast will ultimately reduce the need to feed as much concentrate feed, as the horse will utilise fibre much more efficiently, helping to reduce feed bills.

There are two types of prebiotics commonly used in equine diets; FOS and MOS. FOS is a long chain of sugar molecules, providing a feed-source for the beneficial micro-organisms in the gut.

However, if the digestive system is already compromised and there is

How to find a good riding instructor

I

f you’re having trouble getting the right help, here are some ways to find a good instructor who will get the best out of you and your horse.

1. Ask friends and on forums for recommendations of who’s good and why. Once you have some names, check them out for yourself – either look at their website or get in contact to ask more about their way of teaching.

2. A good instructor will be someone who gets the most out of you. Some riders need a softer approach, whereas others prefer their trainer to be firm and make them get on with it.

3. Keep a diary of your riding so that you can monitor whether you are progressing or not.

Give it a few lessons and if you don’t feel you’re any better, it could be time to try someone else.

4. After your lessons think back to what went on. A good instructor will ask you questions, explain the exercises he or she was getting you to do and will have made some improvement by the end of the session.

5. How do you feel at the end of your lessons?

If you feel happy and buzzy then that’s a positive sign. Lessons shouldn’t leave you feeling despondent.

6. Does your horse seem happy? While getting a horse going well requires effort, a good instructor will not advocate harsh treatment or bullying of any kind.

7. Are your lessons good value for money? You usually get what you pay for, but the most expensive instructors are not necessarily the best.

8. Video your lessons so you can watch them afterwards. This often shows up a lot of positive – or not so positive – signs that you are on the right track.

9. A good riding instructor will take you slightly out of your comfort zone and push you to do just a little bit more each time.

10. And finally, don’t fall into the trap of liking your instructor because he or she tells you what you want to hear. A good instructor will be honest and if something’s not good, they’ll tactfully say so and show you how to make it better.

Which type of horse suits you best?

Are you and your horse perfectly matched? Or perhaps you’re about to buy a horse and you’re not sure what to go for? Here are some thoughts.

36 | November 2013

Equi_Ads_Nov_National_Rev2.indd 36

credit: Chloe Windle

Q. I want to show jump.

A. At the higher levels, warmbloods are still the preferred choice and are dominating the competition world. However, any horse can take part at the lower levels and Irish Sports Horses do well in this discipline, too.

Get a great jump position

Q. I want to do a bit of everything and enjoy some fun hacks. I want a horse that’s easy to do and can live out if necessary.

A. Consider a cob type or, if you like something a little narrower, how about going for a pure or part bred native pony? Cobs and natives are not only versatile and fun, but on the whole they are hardy and will stand up well to the colder weather.

Q. I want to do dressage and work up the levels.

A. A warmblood is still the favoured choice for dressage riders, although there are other breeds doing very well, too. Iberian horses have proved they can take on the warmbloods in the last few years and Irish Sports Horses do the job well, too.

Q. I am a bit of an adrenaline junkie and want to go hunting, possibly event and go for plenty of really fast hacks.

A. Go for something with plenty of Thoroughbred blood if speed is your thing.

Ex racehorses can be fun to own and there are plenty in need of new homes. Remember not to go too mad when you’re out and about so you stay safe.

Start preparing for next year’s show season now by perfecting your jump technique.

The correct jump position is important because it puts you in the most effective position in the saddle, keeping it safer for both horse and rider. Explained simply, the rider should have their weight down into their heels and fold at the hips, so that their bottom goes towards the back of the saddle and their upper body folds forward.

A great exercise to help stabilise your jump position is to ride in trot or canter with a forward seat, keeping your weight down into the heel. If you lose balance, hold onto a neck strap or the mane to help you.

As you ride into a fence, ensure you have enough impulsion as you make your turn and then sit quietly and allow the horse to find his way over. Riders who interfere too much will have more disasters than good jumps, so remember less is more.

For those horses who want to fly into fences at 100mph, there’s a temptation for riders to grab hold of the reins in an attempt to stay under control. However, often you’ll find that when you let go, the horse has to balance himself and will usually slow himself down after a few attempts.

Strengthen your lower leg at home by standing over the edge of a stair and gently push your weight down into one heel and then the other.

And of course Pilates and yoga are very good for balance, so if you want to be up there with the best, do everything you can.

Q. I am quite nervous and need something completely bombproof.

A. If you’re small enough, why not go for a pony? Being smaller they are closer to the ground and will tend to make you feel safer.

For larger/taller riders, cobs or even part Shire/ Clydesdale types can be gentle. What’s more, as your confidence grows, they’ll be able to do more, too. www.equi-ads.com

28/10/2013 10:13

Xxxxxxxxxx Healthcare a large population of bad bacteria, whilst the ‘good’ bacteria may start to thrive, the harmful bacteria will still cause an unhealthy gut and negatively affect the general health of the horse.

The MOS prebiotic mimics the cursor that the harmful bacteria bind to on the gut wall; once the harmful bacteria have bound to the MOS, they cannot be released, and so they are rendered useless and ‘flushed out’ of the digestive system – this promotes the overall health of the digestive system, so the beneficial bacteria can thrive. Blue Chip Pro and Blue Chip Lami-light both contain MOS prebiotic.

Horses did not evolve to receive large quantities of hard feed; they are trickle feeders that require a large proportion of their diet to be fibre. Ad lib forage should ideally be provided, and hay can be soaked for 12+ hours if the weight of the horse or pony needs to be controlled. Soaking hay for this length of time will ensure that they still receive the necessary fibre for a healthy, functioning gut without providing excess calories.

Never forget that horses evolved to be trickle feeders, so don’t starve overweight horses or ponies as this can cause more problems, and don’t

put too much in one feed if you are trying to increase a horse’s weight.

A horse will put weight on much more quickly with four or even five small feeds per day rather than two large ones, which is why feeing a small quantity of a nutrient dense balancer such as one from the Blue Chip range will benefit your horse so much.

Many cases of laminitis are thought to be caused by toxicity in the gut and this is where the diet can play a vital role in the rehabilitation and ultimately help to prevent re-occurring bouts of the disease; feeding a low calorie, low sugar, low starch, diet feed balancer, such as Blue Chip Lami-light, alongside a high fibre diet, can help to ensure the horse or pony is getting all the required vitamins, minerals and nutrients required when on a restricted diet, without encouraging weight gain.

When a horse has a healthy digestive system he will be more settled, easier to ride, generally happier and his coat will glow with well-being. If your horse has a digestive problem please contact Blue Chip to see how one of the balancers from the range can benefit them on 0114 266 6200 or visit www.bluechipfeed.com

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28/10/2013 10:13

Healthcare Xxxxxxxxxx • Respiratory

H

Healthy Stables – Respiratory

by Richard Knight BVetMed MRCVS on behalf of Peter Fenton Equine Vets

W

ith winter fast approaching (if not already here in the North West!) it is time once again to prepare your stable to keep your horse happy over the next few damp, cold months.

There is a lot more to consider though, than simply emptying a couple of bags of shavings on top of some rubber mats, preparing large numbers of feed buckets and trying not to grumble as muck out yet again!

This article will address some of the changes you can make to you horses’ stable environment to help prevent, or treat, commonly encountered respiratory problems through the winter months.

Horses have huge lungs, designed over millennia to allow increased athletic ability through greater airflow and oxygen exchange.

Horses are “Obligate Nasal Breathers” meaning they only breathe through their noses.

As the horse inhales, the Diaphragm (a muscle in between the thorax and abdomen) and Intercostal Muscles (found between the ribs) contract. These actions increase the internal volume of the thorax and draw air in through the nose.

This air then moves into the lungs through the Trachea (windpipe) and then Bronchi and Bronchioles.

The Bronchi are smaller airways which extend from the trachea into

each lung lobe, they have rings of cartilage which surround them which prevent them from collapsing as large volumes of air move through them.

The Bronchioles are tiny airways, which eventually lead to the Alveoli (or air sacs) in which oxygen is exchanged for carbon-dioxide.

The Bronchioles and Alveoli do not have cartilage rings and can collapse or become obstructed in certain diseases.

As the lungs are a major site of interaction between the horse and their environment, with large numbers of potentially harmful bacteria and particles being breathed in every day.

To try and prevent infections from occurring the lungs have developed a highly specialised set of defences to minimise the chance of foreign material reaching the tiny alveoli and bronchioles.

These defences include; Tiny hair-like Cilia, which project from the walls of the upper respiratory tract. These continually

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38 | November 2013

Equi_Ads_Nov_National_Rev2.indd 38

move in a wave-like fashion to move inhaled particles up, out of the lungs, to the throat where they are coughed up, or swallowed.

Mucous producing cells, which secrete a sticky layer of mucous to trap particles, this mucous is then moved up out of the lungs by the Cilia.

Despite these defences respiratory diseases in horses are relatively common, ranging from dust allergies to viruses such as Influenza.

One of the most common diseases to affect horses is Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO). RAO occurs when horses develop an allergy to an inhaled particle. These particles are frequently pollens, dusts or mould spores.

Once inhaled the immune system detects these particles and responds excessively, causing the muscle in the walls of the small bronchioles to constrict, reducing their diameter and dramatically increasing the resistance to airflow in the lungs.

This means that affected horses need to breathe much harder than normal, giving the disease it’s alternative name of “Heaves”.

As the disease process worsens the lungs become inflamed, producing excessive amounts of mucous and further restricting the flow of air.

This mucous can be seen as a clear/ white nasal discharge.

This build-up of mucous needs to be removed from the lungs, which is why almost all horses with RAO will develop a cough, either when exposed to the causative dusty environment or when they are exercised.

The initial signs of RAO are sometimes very subtle. Normal horses will cough occasionally, much the same as we humans will all occasionally cough, but a regular cough is the one to watch out for!

If the horse continues to be exposed to the causative irritating particles their breathing will become more laboured and their ability to exercise may be reduced.

Horses who are struggling to breathe will begin to use their abdominal muscles for respiration in addition to the Diaphragm and Intercostal muscles. While this can be quite difficult to spot, long periods of increased breathing effort will lead to over-development of

the abdominal muscles, and the appearance of a “Heave Line” along the flank of the horse.

In severely affected horses the respiratory distress can be severe.

Horses will wheeze audibly, stand with their elbows out (to increase the volume of the chest), flare their nostril and display marked abdominal movement.

These horses require urgent veterinary attention to reverse to inflammation and dilate their constricted airways.

While the worst case scenario above is sometimes unavoidable, there are numerous actions that you, as owners can take to reduce the likelihood of such an event occurring.

When bringing your horses in for the winter carefully observe them for any evidence of a regular cough or excess nasal discharge. Allergies can develop at any time, so just because your horse’ didn’t suffer last winter it doesn’t mean they won’t this time!

If you are concerned in any way, give your vet a ring!! They will be happy to take any questions you may have, as well as give advice of how best to approach the situation.

If you suspect your horse may be susceptible to RAO then management of their turnout and stable is the key!

RAO can be improved, or even completely prevented, by removing the horse from the allergen they react to. Obviously the best place for this is the middle of their field, where the air is free from such particles.

Some horses however will have their RAO caused by pollen grains, a disease called Summer Associated RAO. These horses will need to be kept in during the day when the pollen count is higher, but they can be turned out at night. While this is the opposite of traditional RAO the theory is just the same, removing the horse from causative allergen.

On most yards all-year-round turnout is normally difficult to arrange so a compromise between turnout and stable-management needs to be made.

Stables are fairly horrid places for the respiratory system.

They are quite commonly dusty, dark and sometimes damp buildings, often with inadequate airflow.

Stables should always be well ventilated, with either windows or doorways providing a constant supply of fresh, clean air. Often stable buildings house many horses, and while those towards the ends of the barn have quite (continued on page 40)

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How Equi Life helped Fergie “In June 2009 we bought a twenty three year old Welsh pony, Fergie, for our daughter to start to learn to ride.

Fergie had a cresty neck, so needless to say I didn’t take any liberties with her for fear of her getting laminitis.

In Dec 2009 she went down with laminitis in cold snowy weather. We blood tested her, she had an insulin level of 237µIU/ml (normal is less than 40µIU/ml). My vet, Claire Devitt, said that she had insulin resistance and Cushing’s Disease. We kept her shut up as part of her treatment. By Feb 2010, she was still shut up, we weren’t really getting on top of the laminitis. She was having bouts of it about every three weeks. We blood tested her again only to find her insulin levels had gone up to >330µIU/ ml. Still in her box, she was getting much worse and gaining weight. We even had a period of about ten days of her looking extremely laminitic first thing in the morning and walking around her box more easily by late afternoon.

By 25th March 2010 her insulin levels had rocketed up to 873µIU/ml.

We were absolutely stuffed. I couldn't move her out of her box to help her metabolism because of the laminitis. We really needed to find the right button to press to bring the levels down. I had seen an article in a magazine that mentioned NoMetSyn. I spoke to my vet about it and she duly got in touch with Mr Eustace, he advised us to use NoMetSyn, Vitex4 Equids and Formula4 Feet.

The results of the new regime were spectacular! Eight days after receiving these supplements she started 'head tossing' and having a roll followed by a buck! The change in her was so obvious after all the months of her stuck in her box looking half dead. We blood tested her thirty eight days after she started her new supplements and incredibly her insulin levels had gone down to 48.7µIU/ml. We had X-rayed her feet and found there to be mild pedal bone rotation: my farrier Jim Hayter provided expert corrective farriery. She was finally turned out on the 15th May 2010 and we started working her gently a month later.

Two years on we still have (hang on wood) a sound, slimmer pony that has enjoyed some Pony Club outings this winter. We have kept her on the three supplements, combined with regular exercise and careful management. Long may it last.

14/06/2013; Hi Sue, hope you are well. Thought you might like to see these photo's of Ellie and Fergie at their first show. Ellie was 2nd in her best rider class and dearest Fergie won the veterans and was joint champion with the hunter in the championship! A great day was had by all. I have told Ellie to make the most of it as you don't get days like that very often!! Fergie's weight has remained stable; she is very slim but I think she looks pretty good. She has had the most amazing dapples up her neck and shoulders all the winter and my farrier Jim is really pleased with her feet. Best wishes Jane, Ellie and Fergie Gingell.”

Fergie is just one of the many ponies that Equi Life has helped

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November 2013 | 39

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Healthcare • News Xxxxxxxxxx good ventilation, those in the middle have quite stagnant air.

If you think that your horse suffers from RAO, in a stable with bad ventilation it is probably worth a quick ask around to see if you can move to a better box, or if the building can be modified to improve the airflow.

Bedding is a big contributor to the stable environment as it can be a huge source of dust and mould spores. While straw is cheap, it is often the worse bedding possible for horses with respiratory disease. It is true that very good straw can be dust free, but this is often not what is available on farm.

Bedding materials such as rubber matting, shavings (which can be specifically “Dust Extracted”), recycled paper or cardboard are far better for these horses as they contain far fewer dust particles.

It is important to note that if your horse suffers badly from RAO, you will need to ensure that the stables adjacent to theirs are also as dust-free as possible.

Particles can travel a long way in a barn environment and all of your hard work can be undone if the overall environment is still dusty.

Stables should be kept free of muck and urine. If left on the floor the urine will decompose, producing ammonia. This is a gas which is very irritating to both the eyes and lungs, and the constant dampness will promote the growth of funguses and moulds.

Horses should not be

present when their bed is mucked out as this will quickly create a dusty environment, so tie them up outside until the dust has settled.

All hay contains some mould spores which become airbourne as horses pull at their net. Soaking hay for a minimum of 30 minutes will prevent these spores from being released, but the hay must still be damp when fed!

It is also best if hay and bedding are not stored in the same place as your horse is stabled, so use a separate barn for these.

Feed buckets are another very common source of mould spores, and should be washed regularly with clean water and a mild disinfectant. It is also important that you store your hard feeds in a dry environment. If you pour your bags of hard feed into bins or storage containers these should be regularly completely emptied and cleaned as they are a breeding ground for dustmites and various moulds.

As you can see there are large number of small changes that can be made to help improve your horses’ stable environment and minimise the frequency of RAO attacks. While not all of these changes may be possible on your farm, the higher the number you can make the better your horse will be for it!

If you still have some questions about RAO or how to improve your stable environment, then give your veterinary surgeon a ring!

Break through boredom W

ith fewer daylight hours approaching, most horses have less access to grass and spend more time in their stables. Here’s how to keep your equine friend occupied during winter.

There are more and more equestrian products on the market these days and retailers really have thought of everything, with the equine toy range being no exception to this rule. Toys are designed to keep horses happier and healthier when they may be confined to smaller areas of turnout, so check out these ideas.

Licks. Licks are palatable stable or field toys which are designed to give relief from boredom while providing horses and ponies with essential vitamins and minerals at the same time. They should always be fed at the right amount (see packaging for daily recommendations) and removed from any packaging that could cause harm to your horse. They tend to come in various flavours, such as apple,

carrot or mint, or you can choose from different types which are designed to offer protection against certain issues, such as garlic for flies or respiratory to boost the respiration system.

Balls. There are numerous balls on the market and some are designed for your horse to play with in the field, while others hang from the ceiling of the stable and have holders for licks to be inserted. These can provide hours of fun and the latter will allow your horse to trickle feed due to the fact that he’ll spend more time trying to get to the lick than actually eating it.

Make your own. If you’re on a tighter budget then consider tying vegetables that your horse likes to a piece of rope and hang this from the ceiling of his stable. Try swedes, turnips and carrots, for example.

You can also place apples in your horse’s water to encourage him to drink as well as providing a challenge as he tries to fish them out.

Riding Henry! Emma Sumbler reports ‘H

enry’ the Mechanical Horse and Hall Place Equestrian Centre went to the Royal County of Berkshire Show to promote riding in September. Instructors from Hall Place offered everyone the free opportunity to climb into the saddle and experience the feeling of riding with about 300 new riders having a go over the weekend!

Henry was part of the Sports Zone organized by Get Berkshire Active to encourage interest and participation in new sports. Hall Place have funding for new riders age 11 to 25 from Sportivate. They were also promoting the British Equestrian Federation HOOF initiative, a nationwide scheme called ‘Take Back the Reins’ – committed to getting riders into the saddle to rediscover their passion for horses. It is part of the 2012 Olympic Equestrian Legacy to get more people riding. HOOF is a course of seven lessons finishing with a dressage test or ride out.

World Class Sporting Champions also visited ‘Henry’ to inspire new riders. Paralympic Gold Medalist Dressage Rider Sophie Christianson visited the stand on Saturday. Bronze Medalist Team GB Hockey Player, Hannah Macleod and Para Dressage Rider, Nicky Thompson put Henry through his paces on Sunday. The Hall Place team and Kate Moore from BEF were delighted that the athletes participated helping to spread their enthusiasm.

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Xxxxxxxxxx Healthcare • News

Banish Winter Skin Issues Naturally!

O

nce mud issues take hold, not only can they be slow to clear but they can quickly escalate into an immune system weakness.

But keeping legs dry in winter is almost impossible. So, enter Mother Nature’s clever Ruggle-it, which adapts to the wet and requires no scab-picking!

Top Tip: Ideally, do not clip the hair (or feathers) as Mother Nature put them there for protection and for warmth – you may need to work harder by retaining them but in the long run it will be better for your horse.

Step 1: Bathe the area in the pioneering soap-free Ruggle-it shampoo which not only does not strip the skin, but also contains no harsh chemicals such as Parabens, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate or Tea Tree as these can sting and irritate.

What’s supp?

S

ometimes our horses and ponies need a little extra help with their diet, so ensure you’re choosing any supplements wisely.

There are numerous supplements on the equestrian market but some of the most commonly chosen ones for horse owners are those which aid in joint flexion, improve the production of healthy hoof horn and skin, help to keep horses calmer and boost the respiratory system.

Whatever your horse’s needs, it’s important to choose your products carefully, so first and foremost, choose a reputable company where you know that formulas have been carefully researched to ensure only the best ingredients are included, without causing any harm to your horse.

Many companies offer a free advice line and it’s certainly worth calling to seek help on the matter before you part with your cash.

It’s also essential that you avoid any banned substances if you’re out competing, so read packaging carefully before administration.

While good quality equine supplements can make a huge difference to your horse, there’s no point wasting your hard-earned money, which is why buying the right products is so important. Keep a note of when you start to feed the supplement and monitor any differences over a set period. By calling one of the advice lines you should get an idea of how long your supplement will take to show a noticeable difference, so bear this in mind and ensure you are seeing good results for your money.

Lessons on the mechanical horse continued the following week at the centre in Tilehurst, Reading. For lesson information www.hall-place. com and for bookings contact Reception 0118 9426938.

Sophie Christianson with Henry & new riders

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It gently cleans, soothes, and encourages scabs to lift. NEVER pick scabs…this delays healing and leaves the ‘immature’ skin vulnerable to attack.

Step 2: Apply the Ruggleit 100% natural vegetable oil blend (with its antibacterial and antifungal properties) to any affected areas – it also acts as an excellent moisture barrier. Despite not needing to dry the legs first, the unusual Ruggle-it routine consistently delivers great results.

Another tip: As mud issues often stem from mite damage, Ruggle-it can simultaneously deal with them too for no extra cost! Simply by using the products differently, e.g. for mites, flies, fleas, midges, head lice, fungal issues etc, Ruggle multitasks – one product for 18 issues affecting animals (large and small) and humans.

For further information or to purchase online visit www. karenruggles.co.uk or call 01823 259952.

‘THE WHOLE THING’S FASCINATING’ wrote a reader of ‘TRACKING-UP’ published by In our current issue: THE DANGERS OF LATERAL FLEXIONS, Anne Wilson: ‘GROUND-TYING’ YOUR HORSE, Lynda C. Thompson: SAFETY AND BEHAVIOUR IN THE RIDDEN HORSE: Staying On, Alison Averis: INTRODUCING CANTER, Anne Wilson: THE CONQUERING YEARS, Stuart Hastie, MRCVS: WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?, Lesley Skipper: ATTITUDES AND ETHICS, Margaret Aspinall: STRETCHING TO FLEX: Starting the Work, Charles de Kunffy: WHEN LIGHTNESS IS A HOLLOW WORD pt 2, Lisa Scaglione, also losing weight, preventing heat exhaustion and dehydration, lameness, Shire Horse flat race plus book extracts and reviews.

‘Tracking-up’ is available quarterly for £5.17 per issue or £18.70 for a 4-issue subscription. Clearly print your name, address and ‘TUA20’ on the back of your cheque payable to ‘Tracking-up’ and post it to Anne Wilson, Park End House, Robins Folly, Thurleigh, Beds., MK44 2EQ.

Do you want to see yourself on the newly designed Equi-Ads website?

Pop over to our website www.equi-ads.com and see your photographs published live on our site.

Send your photographs to instagram@ equi-ads.com and we will have them put on our website.

Follow us on Facebook for all our up to date news and competitions.

November 2013 | 41

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Popular in stables V

erdo Horse Bedding is a heat-treated wood pellet product, specifically created for equine use and whilst it’s rapidly becoming more and more to the modern horse owner’s tastes – it’s certainly not to your horses!

Whilst the bedding, before water activation, vaguely resembles pony nuts, once activated the majority of the pellets are transformed into a soft fluffy dry bed and the few pellets left intact will naturally break down with use.

Even with known offenders who habitually munch on their bedding, Verdo Horse Bedding has succeeded in curbing this habit where other bedding has failed! Some horses will try a mouthful then spit the unpalatable bedding back out and not bother again!

Manufactured at their own production

plants in the UK 364 days a year, Verdo Horse Bedding is a new generation of horse bedding pellet which not only contains less than 1% dust, making it the ideal choice for horses with compromised respiratory issues, but also absorbs three times its own weight in liquid. This not only helps maintain a dry environment, but also reduces ammonia, which again helps ensure that your horse is happier and healthier in the stable.

This in turn not only reduces your muckheap but also the amount of bedding taken out, saving you time and money in the long run!

RRP: £5.00 - £5.65 Per 15kg Bag To find out more information and to view a demonstration video, please visit; www. verdohorsebedding.co.uk For stockist enquiries: 01264 342 009

Redbridge Tiny Tim wins £1,000!

T

he sun shone on the beautiful Lincolnshire showground, for the annual Blue Chip and IDHS £2000 Challenge. Entries were high, with an exceptional standard of horses being presented for all classes. After a difficult decision from the judges the eventual winner

From Left to Right: Martin Bielby, Will I’Anson, Charlotte Bird, Gail Bird, Kirsty Loveday, Stephanie Davies, Jennie Daniels, Eleanor Rycroft, Janet Rycroft, Paige Staff, Jodie McGregor, Rebecca Wright, Dr Tom Shurlock, Cathy Wright, Sandra Labrum and Liz Hesketh

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Xxxxxxxxxx Healthcare of The Blue Chip and IDHS Challenge out of 54 entries was Charles Le Moignan and the superb heavyweight Redbridge Tiny Tim. Charles has only had Timmy since last October when he was bought from Ireland by Mrs Harrod for Charles to ride. Charles says “Mrs Harrod kindly flew my wife Hilary and I to Dublin last October to see Redbridge Tiny Tim fresh after his Champion 4yr old and Reserve Supreme of Show at The Dublin Horse Show, It only took a matter of minutes before we fell in love with him and Mrs Harrod bought him there and then.

He arrived at my yard in South Yorkshire and we set about getting to know him and schooling him through the winter ready for the 2013 season. He has a wonderful temperament but due to his young age and height of 17.3hh we struggled to put the condition on him we needed for the show ring coupled with the fact he is not a greedy horse and almost a little picky with his food!!

We found Blue Chip Original which he loves and the condition has built up slowly without making him

fat and over- loaded through his shoulder, Tiny Tim has been fantastically successful in this his first season here, winning Champion Novice Hunter at The Great Yorkshire and Champion Heavyweight Hunter at The Royal International . At the beginning of the season we sat down and worked out what our goals were with Timmy and the one Mrs Harrod and ourselves all agreed on was the Blue Chip Challenge at the IDHS. We had never been before and I am a lover of the breed and also am now so grateful that the Blue Chip product is playing its part in Timmy’s success. So it goes without saying how delighted we ALL were when we were lucky enough to actually win it! It really was a very high standard.”

Photo shows Sarah Butler from Blue Chip Feed presenting the cheque to Charles Le Moignan.

Blue Chip will continue their sponsorship of the Blue Chip and IDHS £2000 Challenge for 2014.

For more information on how Blue Chip products can help your horse or pony visit www.bluechipfeed.com or call 0114 2666200

Supporting vitality & digestive health T

hink Pink from Brinicombe Equine is a powdered concentrated feed balancer which offers unbeatable value and includes a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals, specially selected probiotics to support a healthy digestive system with added linseed oil for coat condition.

Forage plays a staple part of the horse’s natural diet which is digested in the horse’s hind gut by bacteria which reside within the caecum and colon; the products of this fermentation provide the horse with an energy source. Probiotics help to increase the digestibility of fibre which means that the horse can utilize more energy from fibre thus reducing the demand for additional concentrates which is healthier for the horse and the owner’s pocket.

Think Pink contains a specially selected, protected live yeast which enables more of the live yeast cells that are ingested by the horse to reach the hindgut making it much more effective at supporting the health of the digestive system than other strains of yeast.

Think Pink is a versatile feed balancer that doesn’t add any bulk to the horse’s diet and can also be used as a short term pick me up when extra support is needed for maintaining condition through the winter. Fed everyday, Think Pink will help to maintain the natural micro-flora of the gut for optimum digestion and provide essential nutrients to help promote natural condition from within. It is suitable for all horses and ponies including broodmares and youngstock and even those prone to laminitis.

It can be fed in conjunction with a forage only diet or in cases when less than the recommended amount of concentrate is fed to top up the nutrient content of the diet. Think Pink is available in a 2Kg and 10Kg tub which is priced at £12.99 and £52.95 respectively.

For further information please visit www.brinicombe-equine.co.uk or call 08700 606206.

My arab gelding has particularly sensitive skin during the winter.

How does your Think Mud work and should I feed it all year round?

Aimee says...

“Our Think Mud is a daily supplement designed to help maintain skin integrity during wet and muddy conditions.

It contains a unique combination of nutrients and natural ingredients that work from the inside to support the immune system and maintain condition of the skin and hair. Think Mud can be fed just through the winter months when conditions are more challenging or you can also feed all year round as a nutritional support for healthy skin and hair.”

For more health and nutrition advice contact the EquiClinic on

08700 606 206

(Monday-Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm) www.brinicombe-equine.co.uk www.equi-ads.com

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Xxxxxxxxxx Healthcare

Think Mud M

ud fever is probably one of the most frustrating winter ailments and a condition which looks fairly harmless to start with but can rapidly become inflamed and painful, requiring stable rest and expensive veterinary treatment. One of the ways in which you can help is by supporting your horse nutritionally by feeding Brinicombe Equine’s, Think Mud. It’s a nutritional aid that works naturally from the inside to support skin integrity when at risk from the harmful bacteria present in mud whilst maintaining a healthy immune system and circulation. This complex supplement combines both herbal and highly available nutrients for a simple and mess free alternative to topical products and can even provide support in cases where mud fever has already taken hold, helping to reduce the cost of expensive treatment.

Available in 1.5kg & 4kg tubs priced RRP £30.95 and RRP £65.95 respectively. A 1.5kg will last a horse for up to 50 days and a four kg will supply one horse for most of the winter providing over four months of support.

For further information please contact Brinicombe Equine on 08700 606206 or visit www.brinicombe-equine.co.uk

STOP IT Naturally... |

Beat .HEALTH issues ...naturally equine • pet • farm • plant • human

● Vitamin D ● Joint Care/Ageing & Skin (Fish/Flaxseed Omega 3 oils, Maxavita OM3 Green-L-Mussel) ● Hoof, Gut, Immune, Stress, Cold/Flu (Protexin Probiotics) ● Superfood Green Barley ● Skin Issues, Insects, Bugs (Ruggle-it) See web for masses of Testimonials for animals & humans

.Ruggle-it 1 product - 18 issues equine • pet • farm • plant • human

NO Tea Tree/Harsh Chemicals 100% Natural Oil Mix + Ultra Mild Shampoo ● Mud & Fungus Issues ● Mites/Lice/Ticks/Fleas ● Stamping/Leg Rubbing ● Midges/Flies/Mossies ● Itchy Pet Paws/Ears/Body ● Bites ● Mystery Itching (animal/human) ● Mane/Tail Rubbing ● Hair Loss ● Scurf ● Crusty Lumps ● Minor Cuts ● Plant Aphids ● Head Lice... ●“Horse stamping, mites & mud scabs gone”●“It saves me a fortune”●“Spray-shampoo - ideal in winter”●“Great for dog's hair loss, itching, fleas”●“Your products & approach are unusual - but results impressive”●“Fly rugs rarely needed”●“Ruggle-it beats the Scottish Midges!” Used by Vets

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Avante 300 Fixed Neck Stable Rug

COMPETITION

Turnoutmasta 100

WIN A MASTA WARDROBE

THREE winners will receive the Zing 350 Fixed Neck turnout, Turnoutmasta 100, Avante 300 fixed neck stable rug and Zing Exercise Sheet.

The Zing 350g Fixed Neck turnout, is an ideal heavyweight rug to keep any horse snugly this winter. The rug is waterproof and is fully breathable to keep your horse comfortable and dry in the unpredictable winter weather. Made from 600 denier polyester ripstop fabric, the rug features shoulder gussets, rear darts and a self righting pattering with no back seam to prevent rubbing and slipping. Filled with 350g filling and lined with soft polyester for extra warmth the rug also features buckle and clip easy front fasteing system with rear leg straps and tail flap. Available in navy check and purple, in sizes 4’6 to 7’6, the Zing 350 Fixed Neck turnout retails at around £94.50 The Turnoutmasta 100 from Masta is a must this season for the rug’s durability and comfort with the horses’ needs in mind. The lightweight rug is waterproof and breathable with 600 denier ripstop polyester outer for added strength and 100g of thermal insulating filling for warmth. Made to a generous S-shaped self righting pattern with should gussets, for improved freedom and fit. Featuring buckle and clip front fastenings, cross surcingles, 3 rear pleats, extended gussets tail flap and removable rear leg straps, making this rug user friendly and tidy. This turnout rug is ideal for the cooler weather and is available in Navy, offered in sizes 4’6” to 7’3” priced at around £74.99.

The Avante 300 Fixed Neck Stable rug is ideal for keeping your horse warm. It is made from 210 denier polyester with a plain Oxford weave. The generous part diamond quilted design with 300g polyfill and soft feel polyester lining is ideal for warmth and comfort. It also features adjustable cross surcingles and twin surcingle front fastenings for a secure and comfortable fit. Available in the sizes 4’6” to 7’3”, in the colours Black and priced at around £56.99.

Zing Exercise Sheet

QUESTION

What colour is the Masta Avate 300 fixed neck stable rug?

To be in with a chance of winning these fantastic Masta prizes, please email your answer to the above question to kirsty@equiads.net or post it with your name, address and telephone number to Masta Competition, Equi-Ads Ltd.,126 Derby Road, Long Eaton, Notts. NG10 4LS.

The new Zing Exercise Sheet is ideal for for keeping your horse warm and dry during exercise. Made from 600 denier ripstop waterproof and breathable outer and soft polyester inner lining. With webbed girth straps and reflective strips. Available in navy check and chocolate check, in sizes S, M, L, XL and priced at around £46.50.

For further information please call 01274 711 101 or visit www.masta.co.uk

Zing 350g Fixed Neck Turnout

This Competition is open to anyone over the age of 18 and resident in the UK . The winner will be picked from all correct entries. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into with regard to entries or the selection of the winner. Equi-Ads cannot be held responsible for any entries that for any reason fail to reach us before the closing date. Entries close on Friday 29th November 2013.

Winners will be published in the January, 2014 issue. If the product is not available a suitable alternative will be provided.

Equi_Ads_Nov_National_Rev2.indd 45 BOB_Masta_Competition.indd 1

28/10/2013 21/10/2013 10:13 09:32

Feeding Xxxxxxxxxx • Healthcare

topSpec Launch New Joint Feed Balancer T

he New TopSpec Joint Feed Balancer is a very palatable ‘Non-Heating’ feed that combines the benefits of a top specification conditioning feed balancer with a joint supplement.

It contains a multi-supplement including the levels of micronutrients and digestive aids normally only found in high quality specialised supplements.

Using TopSpec Joint Feed Balancer will support the maintenance of healthy joints plus

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promote muscle development and topline, optimise bone strength, greatly improve hoof quality and produce a supple skin with an exceptionally shiny coat.

TopSpec Joint Feed Balancer contains:-

• The veterinary recommended rate of glucosamine in a daily quantity of feed to support healthy joints. This rate is 10 grams of glucosamine/500kg horse/day.

• Joint Feed Balancer is rich in the building blocks for hyaluronic acid (HA) and chondroitin.

• Optimum levels of all the micronutrients needed to balance feed and improve its utilisation.

• Powerful levels of vitamin E and selenium to act as anti-oxidants, neutralising the harmful presence of free radicals and, together with high quality protein, optimising muscle development and function. Vital for horses on high oil diets and those prone to muscle problems.

• The level of biotin (15mg/500kg horse/day) that is scientifically proven to improve hoof quality, plus optimum levels of all the other nutrients known to benefit hoof quality.

• Effective levels of protein, vitamins, minerals and trace elements to maintain strong bone.

• Raised levels of Copper, Zinc, B vitamins and associated nutrients to optimise haemoglobin levels

in blood.

• Generous levels of B vitamins for efficient energy metabolism.

• Two yeast products to promote fibre digestibility and maintain a healthy immune system.

• Organic chelated minerals for improved availability.

• Many factors to help calm certain horses.

• Linseed, a source of Omega 3 fatty acids.

• Good quality protein, but only low levels of sugar and starch.

TopSpec Joint Feed Balancer is available in 15kg sacks, RRP £35.50.

For further information please contact the Multiple Award-Winning Helpline on 01845 565030 or visit www.topspec.com

An approved feed material which removes toxins from the horse’s system, safely and naturally.

Improves Health, Behaviour & Performance.

Guards against Ulcers, Colic, Wind-sucking, Crib Biting and Lameness. Very effective and economic to use. www.finefettlefeed.com or call 01600 712496

‘Think twice before using wormers’ * WESTGATE LABORATORIES

* BVA advice

me based on worm counts Get it right with a simple program healthcare season pack Be organised with a 4 count |

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y All you need for four tests in a hand zipped wallet n, no Now with postage paid sample retur need to stamp Economical, easy to follow with free qualified advice. s, Services for yards and individual please enquire

‘Testing should be the cornerstone of worming’

www.westgatelabs.co.uk or call 01670 791994 - more than just a worm count.

Order online now

46 | November 2013

Equi_Ads_Nov_National_Rev2.indd 46

www.equi-ads.com

28/10/2013 10:13

Xxxxxxxxxx Feeding • News

Supporting Digestive health T

he overall health and performance of a horse is greatly influenced by its digestive system The horse has evolved to require a minimum amount of dietary fibre as a food source for the micro-organisms located in the caecum and large intestine, collectively called the hindgut.

Disruption of normal hindgut function by less than adequate dietary fibre or excess dietary starch often reduces the ability of the hindgut to maintain a near-neutral pH, which can lead to acidic conditions, often referred to as acidosis.

Supplementation of the horse’s diet can

Speedi-Beet – Quick Soaking Beet Pulp Flakes

S

peedi-Beet is a highly nutritious micronized (cooked) sugar beet pulp feed which provides an excellent source of digestible fibre and is approved by The Laminitis Trust.

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

Feed either cold, or as a warm mash in winter to help raise core body temperature.

RRP is around £10.95-£11.90.

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

be useful to help maximise the energy and nutrients coming from forage and help beneficially modify the hindgut environment.

Following the successful launch of the original Lifeforce Formula supplement, Alltech has developed Lifeforce Focus and Lifeforce Elite to form the Lifeforce range.

Each supplement delivers a combination of natural ingredients to optimise digestive health to horses of a specific lifestyle.

The Lifeforce Range consists of three all natural daily nutritional supplements: • Lifeforce Focus –for leisure horses and horses in low activity.

Philip Spivey claims the 2013 Equestrian Clearance. com Senior Newcomers Championship

A

delighted Philip Spivey captured the EquestrianClearance. com Senior Newcomers Championship at the Horse of the Year Show.

Suffolk-based Philip, who is no stranger to collecting Championship titles at the Horse of the Year Show, previously took the Horse & Hound Foxhunter Championship in 2005 with Romanov.

But this year it was the turn of Smirnov when claiming the EquestrianClearance.com Senior Newcomers Championship title.

Smirnov is the son of his previous HOYS champion, Romanov who has gone on to be a big winner all over the world.

Seven-year-old chestnut gelding, Smirnov, owned

by Charlotte Briggs, beat off 23 other horse and rider combinations proving to be a very worthy winner.

Said Philip: “Smirnov is a home-bred horse, who was then sold to my groom, Charlotte. He’s a lot like his father, who www.equi-ads.com

Equi_Ads_Nov_National_Rev2.indd 47

• Lifeforce Formula – for breeding horses and leisure horses in moderate activity.

• Lifeforce Elite – for competition horses and those in high activity.

Alltech are title sponsor of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy, France. The Lifeforce range is the cornerstone of the Alltech Equine Advantage series, developed to benefit horses at every stage of life, from breeding stock to pleasure and performance animals.

For further information please visit www.lifeforcehorse.com or telephone 01780 764512

went on to become a successful international horse and is now being competed by Ireland’s Bertram Allen.”

Philip and Smirnov produced a perfect double clear and a quick, corner cutting jump off finishing on 35.60 seconds.

This proved to be unbeatable. Second placed Anna Edwards and Croklund survived a rub at the last fence but just missed out on the winning time.

Lorraine Meadowcroft, Managing Director and Katie Farmer, Marketing Manager of EquestrianClearance.com were there to present the prizes which saw Philip and Smirnov collect their Championship Rug. Horse of the Year Show – EquestrianClearance.com Senior Newcomers Masters

1st Philip Spivey & Smirnov – 0/0 – 35.60 seconds 2nd Anna Edwards & Croklund – 0/0 – 35.98 seconds 3rd Richard Howley & Sebastian VII – 0/4 – 33.93 seconds November 2013 | 47

28/10/2013 10:13

News Xxxxxxxxxx • Feeding

From an also-ran to a champion

12

months ago Vicky Edinborough visited the sales and came home with a 6 month old foal called Elvis.

Looking very poor Vicky described Elvis as ‘ready to give up’ as he stood with his head hanging down so decided to start him on ReadyMash Extra.

The high fibre content in the ReadyMash Extra is very well suited to horses such as Elvis that require a diet that is sympathetic on the digestive system, with the high level of oils and milk powders helping encourage weight gain and condition. As Elvis was feeling very run-down the glucose powders found in the ReadyMash Extra were also vital in helping to supply an excellent energy source aiding the return to health.

In December, just 2 months later his condition had improved so much that Vicky decided to take him to his first show where he took 1st and Champion Foal. Vicky’s run of good results continued as Elvis grew stronger with numerous placings throughout the summer, always coming home with a rosette. At 18 months of age Elvis is now a confident youngster with a great future ahead of him.

If you would like to read the full story of Vicky & Elvis visit www.rowenbarbary.co.uk or for further information on how ReadyMash Extra could help your horse contact Rowen Barbary Horse Feeds on 01948 880598.

Fibre-Beet – The Super Fibre Conditioning Feed

F

RDA meet at the Haven Centre

O

ver 80 members of the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) from across the South East converged on the Haven Centre in Crawley Down yesterday for the region’s Annual Conference. This year, delegates heard from two inspirational guest speakers in Tim Puddifoot, Corporal of the Horse for the Household Cavalry (talking on Training the Military Horse) and David Hamer, Coordinator for the World Class Development Para-Equestrian Dressage Programme (talking on Training Opportunities for Talented Riders).

David Hamer outlined the selection process and training programmes behind the fantastically successful para-equestrian dressage teams that continue to dominate the international arena post the Paralympic Games.

A key element is the need to ‘learn how to win’ where first riders are taught how to lose.

“Once you have truly overcome your fear of losing, then you’ll win” he said. But talent is not enough and he told of the host of other factors that help shape and contribute to a champion.

Tim Puddifoot gave an insight into the training programme required for a military horse (and rider) to meet the ceremonial duties of royal and state occasions. He ended with his top tips on winning a horses’s trust sufficiently to train it to lie down. This feat is now only used in displays but dates back to when wars were fought on horseback and they had to hide themselves before an attack.

In addition, delegates heard from an

48 | November 2013

Equi_Ads_Nov_National_Rev2.indd 48

informative panel discussion tackling the issue of fundraising and featuring representatives from the RDA’s South East corporate sponsor Cowan Architects, Sainsbury’s and RDA National Office. As each RDA Group is run as a separate charity, fundraising is essential to finance the valuable work that they do on the ground (or in the saddle).

Phillip Mumford, Managing Director of Cowan Architects (who sponsor the RDA across the region) suggested Groups “try to approach companies that already might have a natural synergy with them” He used Cowan Architects as an example. “One of our particular specialties is in the care market, transforming living spaces for people with disabilities - so obviously we are a good match and readily committed to the RDA’s wonderfully inspiring work”.

Sally Pointing from Chichester RDA was awarded the coveted Tora Bray Perpetual Trophy for her tireless contribution to the running of the group that went ‘above and beyond’ the normal. As one of the many group volunteers to nominate her put it “Sally has endless patience. She brings out the best in riders and inspires them to achieve. She never concentrates on what they can’t do but what they can do”.

There was also the opportunity for delegates to meet runner Sam Cooper, who’s raising funds for the region by competing for the first time in the London Marathon in April.

ibre-Beet is a formulated blend of Speedi-Beet and high quality Alfalfa for optimum condition, and to provide quality protein for muscle tone and function.

Fibre-Beet has added biotin for hoof quality and is approved by The Laminitis Trust. It can also be used as a forage replacer. Soaked and ready to feed in only 45 minutes in cold water, or 15 minutes in warm water.

The RRP is £11.95£12.90.

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

The WALTHAM® Laminitis Consortium

T

he Laminitis Consortium, the research body initiated by The WALTHAM® Equine Studies Group who provide the science behind SPILLERS®, has published the results of four more laminitis associated research projects. The new work represents important progress in the Consortium’s mission to advance the understanding, prevention and management of laminitis.

The four separate studies, two of which were funded

by The Laminitis Trust, have shed new light on: The role that grass fructan may have in the development of laminitis The important influence of water temperature when soaking hay to reduce the water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content.

A possible link between recurrent laminitis and reduced anti-inflammatory capacity.

The potential anti-inflammatory benefits of exercise.

Clare Barfoot RNutr and the research and development manager at SPILLERS® said: “These four new studies give further evidence to support some of the established management practices we advise for horses and ponies prone to laminitis.

These include the importance of feeding a balanced diet alongside appropriate forage, grazing restriction and regular low intensity exercise whenever clinically possible. We are very grateful to The Laminitis Trust for their generous funding of two of the projects, helping us to learn more about this critical condition. www.equi-ads.com

28/10/2013 10:13

Field Xxxxxxxxxx & Stable

Distributors and Stockists Wanted Dust Extracted Animal Bedding 100% Recycled Environmentally Friendly Highly Absorbent Fast & Easy Mucking Out Warm & Insulating Hygenic & Clean Bio-degradable SPECIAL RATES FOR YARDS AND RIDING SCHOOLS Freshbale can be delivered to your yard or collected from 10-12 Muriel Street, Barrhead, Glasgow, G78 1QB See our website: www.freshbale.co.uk Email: contact@freshbale.co.uk Tel: 0141 881 6622

For more information and rates: Check us out on Facebook at Woodshred Horsebed Call Stuart on 01505 323939 or Email: budgetpalletco@gmail.com

www.woodshredscotland.co.uk

Woodshred Scotland Ltd offer a highly competitive priced woodfibre product which is proving very popular as a substitute to shavings and straw. Similar in appearance to wood shavings our product is made from shredding recycled timber down to a 10-15mm sized chip which we can deliver loose, bulk bagged or, for larger stables of 20 or more

www.equi-ads.com

Equi_Ads_Nov_Scots_rev.indd 49

horses, our Equi-Pod system, this is also terrific if there is no indoor storage or space is at a premium.

We can deliver bulk bags which hold approx 180-200kg from as little as £20.00 delivered... check those savings against straw or shavings.

Woodfibre is an easy use and handle product which has been in use by hundreds of horse owners for many years...

250kg tote bags of Woodshred Horse-Bed now available for collection and delivery from our Johnstone yard £25.00 per bag or £20.00 per bag for 10 or more bags.

November 2013 | 49

28/10/2013 10:20

s Field & Stable

Advanced Roller Doors (E.K.) Ltd

Proud

Domestic sponsors of Olivia Wilmot & Drumclog Retail Horse Trials Industrial Commercial Agricultural Fire Protection

01355 239 502 enquiries@advancedrollerdoors.com www.advancedrollerdoors.co.uk Specialty Equine Products Ltd

Perfect Present A

re you looking for that perfect present for birthday or Christmas? The Randols Antique Western hat from EquestrianClearance.com would make a great present for anyone who loves all things equestrian and being outdoors.

The Randols Antique Western hat uses supple brown cow split leather and features a three-hole vent and soft edges with a memory wire in the brim for shape and elasticated PVC chin strap with stopper.

Available in sizes X-small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large and XXLarge, and retails at £27.99. www.equestrianclearance.com

A

ll Tayberry wellingtons are available in sizes 3-8. Non-gloss versions have a RRP of £35, with Antonia having a RRP of £40. See your local stockist.

BEDTIME for horses Quality, dust-extracted chopped straw bedding with lemon-scented tea tree oil for a lasting fresh smell, and as an insect repellent.

T

he Hiho Prowling Fox Necklace…created in collaboration with top jewellery designer Alex Monroe. It is supplied on a fine linked chain with lobster claw clasp and measures 2.5cm long. It was launched at this year’s Burghley Horse Trials.

The necklace has a RRP of £156.

Easy and quick to muck out, highly absorbent, economical, and bio-degradable. 20kg bales .

For more information, contact Annette on 07830660698

J.LOW AGRI-SERVICES LTD Agricultural Parts Supplier

Unit 15a Elgin Industrial Est 54 Dickson Street Dunfermline KY12 7SN TEL: 01383 625310 MOB: 07989 859602

Stockists of electric fencing and trailer accessories for your equestrian needs

info@jlowagriservices.co.uk

www.jlowagriservices.co.uk

Cosy Stables & Field Shelters W

ychwood Stables are a manufacturer based in Aberderdeenshire capable of building to your design. Tell them your requirements for your building and they will make it to suit your situation whether for small Ponies, Large Horses, Sheep, Alpaca, Dogs or Log Cabin.

Being an Independant company, each unit is made to specific requirements, this means that the customer can control the materials design and therefore costs to suit your pocket.

Based near Turriff in Aberdeenshire the company can deliver to most parts of Scotland. If local there are units that can be viewed. If required units can be erected for the customer and if not then the units can be put together by anyone with basic DIY skills Timberwork can be fitted to pre-prepared concrete base or, groundwork and concrete work can be carried out by the company. Please ask for a quote if required.

Weatherboard is 5th Scandinavian Redwood. For further information and prices. Contact on info@wychwoodstables.com 07887 641954

Wychwoodstables.com King Edward, Aberdeenshire Stables & Field shelters Timber Buildings made to your requirements

07887 641954

50 | November 2013

Equi_Ads_Nov_Scots_rev.indd 50

info@wychwoodstables.com

www.equi-ads.com

28/10/2013 10:21

Field & Stable

High Quality Steel-Framed Buildings Groundworks, Foundations, Erection, Design & Planning Services Ask about our affordable, high spec.

Indoor Riding Arenas

CURRENTLY ON SPECIAL OFFER!

Recently completed Indoor School

Email: info@nobleconstr.co.uk Tel: 07717 414 697

Original Dust Extracted Cardboard Bedding available across Scotland at your local stockist or see www.hillmeadow.co.uk for more information

Compact 20kg packs 5-7 leafs per bag Natural product Consistent quality Competitively priced

NEW LOWER PRICE

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Equi_Ads_Nov_Scots_rev.indd 51

November 2013 | 51

28/10/2013 10:21

Field Xxxxxxxxxx & Stable

For more details telephone 01738 479233 or 07765574478 www.strathearnstabling.co.uk Email: sales@strathernstabling.co.uk

Riding for the Disabled - Scottish Dressage Competition A report by Gillie Drapper

T

SAN Patersons 88x2.qxd

13/10/08

09:31

Page 1

Paterson Equestrian Buildings & Decking Contractors Fencing Contractors & Manufacturers Mono Blocking & Paving

ALL TYPES of timber buildings including stables and fieldshelters.

Bespoke Building Specialists

Call for a free brochure or visit us at: Kersie Bank, Kersie Terrace, South Alloa, Stirlingshire, FK7 7NJ (Open 7 days) tel: 01324 831 033 mob: 0777 057 4461

www.patersonsgardenbuildings.co.uk 52 | November 2013

Equi_Ads_Nov_Scots_rev.indd 52

he September weather held for riders from the Highlands, the Borders, Ayrshire, Stirlingshire and Argyll & Bute who arrived at the beautiful Bannockburn RDA Centre to take part in the Scottish Dressage Competition.

The judges, Mrs. Gordon, Mrs. Young and Mrs. Kallow presided over 16 classes that included Championship tests in walk, walk and trot, and walk, trot and canter and rides to music, as well as non-championship tests in walk and walk and trot. There was something for everyone.

Valerie Roy, from Highlands & Grampian and I, were delighted to hand out very well earned rosettes and awards to all the riders that had worked so hard. Families and friends revelled in their success too.

Thanks must go to the team who organised the competition, everyone who supported, trained and transported the riders and of course the riders and their horses for wonderful displays of dressage riding.

The Scottish Dressage Competition is growing in strength, with RDA dressage riding, and we look forward to seeing more groups coming along and having a go.

I happened to be beside one rider as she dismounted having just completed her first ever dressage test, with a beam across her face she simply said “I just love the RDA!�

Results: Best Senior was Gwyneth Hume from Equibuddy RDA Best Junior was Emma Carr from Gareloch RDA If you are interested in volunteering or want to loan a pony to your local RDA contact: Gillie Drapper on 01360 860 243 www.equi-ads.com

28/10/2013 10:21

Field &Xxxxxxxxxx Stable • Transport

Lochore Meadows expanding

Lynn Browne reports

L

ots of new and exciting changes at Lochore Meadows Equestrian Centre as we continue to expand and improve.

It's been a really busy year and we have made so many changes to the centre.

We have nearly completed all the work so thought we would give you a wee insight to what we have been up to and what’s on for winter 2013 New Member to the gang - Fiona MacIntosh is now based with us here,

running her own Equine Sense clinics, Fiona holds regular natural horsemanship coaching sessions.

Fiona also hosts educational and interesting demos, showing you how she trains her own horses.

Also Allison Binet of Binet Bespoke Saddlery is now based with us at Lochore Meadows Equestrian Centre. Ali is a qualified and very experienced saddle fitter, and makes and repairs all items of leather work.

Browns Equestrian Tack shop is going from strength to strength, situated at the main entrance to Lochore Meadows Equestrian Centre they pride themselves in stocking unique brands that you and your horse will love, and is fully stocked for the winter season. Browns Equestrian is proud to (continued on page 56)

Horse Box Maintenance

CALL 07843 018674 email: abservices@sky.com Shuttlehall, WEST CALDER EH55 8QZ Find us on Facebook

We have purpose built facilities which are conveniently situated in West Calder, West Lothian just a couple of minutes from Livingston.

MOT Preparation • Servicing • Maintenance and Repairs • Pre purchase inspections anywhere in the UK • Leisure Battery charging systems • Generator Repairs • Vehicle Collection and Delivery

We are horse people, so we know about moving horses

Horse Box, Trailer and 4x4 Specialist

Expert advice Fast, drive in service Established 18 years Great value Large stock

www.tyrefair.com • 01577 865656 • Unit 11 Bridgend Industrial Estate, Kinross Opening times: Mon-Sat 08.30am - 5.30pm • Sundays 10.00am - 4.00pm • Closed Sundays in July and August www.equi-ads.com

Equi_Ads_Nov_Scots_rev.indd 53

November 2013 | 53

28/10/2013 10:21

Sonic, Endeavour, Trail Treka M, Sonic,Treka L Show Endeavour, Trail Treka M, Show Treka L

H O R S E B OX S COT L A N D West Drums Farm, Brechin H O R S E B OX DD9 S 6STCOT L A N D West Drums Farm, Brechin DD9 6ST

Xxxxxxxxxx Transport

Also agents for Cheval Liberte trailers and Nugent Engineering Also agents for Cheval Liberte trailers and Nugent Engineering

Trot On Equestrian Transport Riding Club, Hack, Competition, Vet, Beach, instruction, Relocation...

Brand New Equi-Trek Sonic Horsebox & Driver for Hire Superior Private Transport for You and your Horse Phone DAWN for details & availability on 0797 442 0438

www.trotontransport.co.uk DEFRA Authorised Transporter

• We are distributors for Terra-vac • 2 demonstrators available • We are distributors for Terra-vac Agents for Nugent Engineering (Flatbed Trailers, Toppers etc) including Spirit 25 Trailers other Quality Trailers and Horseboxes • 2anddemonstrators available IN STOCK:

Agents for Nugent Engineering (Flatbed Trailers, Toppers etc) including Spirit 25 Trailers , Cheval Liberte, and other Quality Trailers and Horseboxes andEqui-Trek other Quality Trailers and Horseboxes Also available - Showjumps and other equine IN STOCK: Andrew Maudsley 7.5T - Leyland Daf 7.5T products Nugent Spirit 25Call - 2 xor Cheval Gold Aluline - Cheval X Line Call or website see website forPullman discounts see for discounts 2 x Cheval Gold One Pullman V2 - Equi-Trek Space Treka M - Iveco 18T Five Horse Full range of new and used horseboxes and trailers available to suit all Andrew Maudsley 7.5T - Leyland Daf 7.5T budgets For Further contact John Steel Call or seeinformation website forplease discounts Telephone 01356 623893 or 07801 802260 Full range of new and used horseboxes and trailers available to suit all www.horseboxscotland.com Email: info@horseboxscotland.com budgets For Further information please contact John Steel Telephone 01356 623893 or 07801 802260

West Drums Equestrian Centre & Livery Yard West Drums Equestrian Centre West Drums, Brechin WestA few Drums Equestrian & Livery Yard Centre Livery vacancies now available.

West Drums, Brechin Excellent facilities - indoor and outdoor arenas & Livery Yard

Equine Express Fife Happy Horse Transport Karen Bell New Super Sonic Equitrek Horsebox For Hire with Driver Give us a call for moving yards, shows ,vets etc Loyalty cards available

www.equineexpress-fife.co.uk Tel: 07809549036 Email: karenbell40@hotmail.co.uk

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Clinics with Sandra Low - Mitchell and Alex Hargie

West Drums, Brechin

TO FIND OUT MORE CONTACT JOHN - 078 0180 2260 OR ASHLEY LIVERY) - 078 9465 1377 TO FIND OUT MORE CONTACT JOHN - 078 0180 2260 OR ASHLEY LIVERY) - 078 9465 1377

54 | November 2013

Equi_Ads_Nov_Scots_rev.indd 54

Licensed Licensed Horse Horse Transporter Transporter Sara SaraBainbridge-Craig Bainbridge-Craig Available for short or

long journeys

Following Followingthe thesad sadpassing passingofofJim JimCraig Craigthe the business businessisisbeing beingcontinued continuedbybyhis hiswife wifeSara.

Sara.

• Vet College • 24hr Service Available Availablefor forshort shortororlong longjourneys journeys••Vet Vet ••24hr Short Notice College ••Short College• 24hrService Service ShortNotice Notice Telephone TelephoneSarah Sarahon on01563 01563525675 525675 oror07721 07721583952 583952

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28/10/2013 10:21

Tack Xxxxxxxxxx & Turnout

Product Focus IV Horse Easy Catch Safety Headcollars N

ow that winter nights are drawing in and for some owners, catching horses can sometimes be a problem as you get them used to stabling again, then IV Horse safety headcollars are a great piece of kit.

Originally designed by leading equine vet Alasdair Govan from Montrose, (also well known for his winning team of Clydesdales) and in conjunction with IV Horse, the headcollars were made for training young foals and horses to accept a headcollar without fuss or danger.

They also proved to be a great success for use when worn out in the paddock and with lightweight nylon and Velcro fasten system can safely be left on the horse whilst grazing. The secret is in the Velcro fastening system- strong whilst leading, but works in such a fashion that it easily breaks free if caught, avoiding any potential disaster, both in the stable or paddock. The system also allows for re-use, if the headcollar does come off, without replacement parts.

Priced economically at around £7-8 & in sizes wee pony to large horse and a wide range of colours. Available at all good retailers or listed online retailers Horsehalt, Jet Set Saddlery & Scottish Horse & Pet Supplies via the 4 Horse web site www.4horse.co.uk

www.equi-ads.com

Equi_Ads_Nov_Scots_rev.indd 55

Indoor and outdoor arenas Off road hacking In 1200 acres of scenic parkland Specialist coaches in dressage and showjumping On site tack shop and feed supplier Regular unaffiliated competitions Chapel Farm Road, Lochore, Fife KY5 8LY 01592861596 / 07530497176 www.lochoremeadowsequestrian.co.uk Lochore Meadows Equestrian Centre @browns_ec

ONLY 5 MINS DRIVE FROM EAST KILBRIDE, HAMILTON AND STRATHAVEN (JUST OFF A726)

Winter 2013 Ranges At Clearance Prices!

All the latest Rugs & Winter Clothing from Weatherbeeta & Saxon just arrived Keep your horse warm for less ££££ this winter with the Weatherbeeta Original 1200D Combo Medium Shop online or buy in store at the same great price. www.speedyequestrian.co.uk

ROSS BLADE SHARPENING

RRP £79.99

Our Price £66.95

Mobile or postal clipper blade sharpening service

I sharpen horse, cattle, sheep & dog clipper blades plus scissors & kitchen knives Mobile within 70 miles of Linlithgow for a viable number of blades

Ian Ross: 07896 892321 or 01506 845961

(continued from page 53) sponsor junior rider Louise Calder from Dunfermline with her three ponies competing in show jumping Coming in to winter every horse owner is looking for reliable supply of horse feed, we now supply all the popular brands for you to choose from and with a new pre- order service you can be sure to never run out of feed or bedding. The coffee room has been a huge attraction to the centre, and is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a cuppa.

The Livery Barn provides full and DIY livery for competition riders and pleasure riders alike, with fantastic indoor and outdoor facilities, and with the added bonus of being in the country park the hacking is superb too.

Clinics and demonstrations have become a regular part of our events calendar. Offering progressive coaching sessions to riders in our area and further a field the opportunity to train with top professional coaches in dressage, showing, and show jumping.

The indoor arena has been completely refurbished and with a second outdoor arena now under

Lochore Meadows Equestrian Centre

construction we plan to hold even more shows and clinics.

Our unaffiliated shows have been a huge success this year. They are open to everyone and we aim to always run classes for riders getting their first experience of competing, to gain confidence, and also for young horses needing to gain experience.

Lochore Meadows Equine Team has been running for three years, with over 40 members it is unique in Scotland offering members regular training and support at shows. And this year has also been raising funds for entry fees in national and team competitions. The first to benefit from this was Leah Johnson age 15 from Kirkaldy who had qualified for Scope 2013 in the 1.05 adventurer class. The team aims to continue to promote and assist riders in their chosen disciplines and has high hopes for their riders for the winter season.

With members now branching out on some exciting new horses our teams are competing in dressage, show jumping, showing, cross country and working hunter.

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Scottish schoolgirl triumphs in British Vaulting Championships A

Clackmannanshire schoolgirl has triumphed once again after clinching three medals at one of the toughest equestrian competitions of the season.

Rebecca Norval impressed judges with her horseback acrobatics at the British Vaulting Championships where was competing for the first time in a senior event.

The 16-year-old, a pupil at Kilgraston School in Bridge of Earn, helped her team to a gold medal victory after three hard fought rounds.

Alongside partner and team mate Andrew McLachlan, Rebecca retained the British junior title in the Pas de Deux (pairs) category and also claimed a bronze medal in the highly contested junior female individual class held at Bury Farm Equestrian Centre in Buckinghamshire.

The sixth former finishes the season on a high after last month being crowned Scottish junior champion in both the individual and pairs events.

As a member of the British junior team, Rebecca clinched a silver medal in Europe this summer and has now set her sights on the World Equestrian Games in 2014.

The secret to her success, she says, is hard work and never missing a day’s training.

“I started vaulting at the age of nine and there’s never been a day when I’ve not wanted to train,” she said. “As I’ve got older it’s become more challenging to balance my training with schoolwork and school

sport where I’m in the first team for both hockey and netball. I’ve learnt the importance of time management and personal organisation.

“I board at school several nights a week. Boarding helps me to cope with my work. I live an hour away from school so not having to travel as much helps me to get my study done and frees me up to go home to train one night a week and at the weekend.

“There’s a lot of fitness involved in vaulting. I love both gymnastics and riding so I’m glad to have found a sport that combines the two.”

Fellow Kilgraston sixth former, Olivia Morison, is also celebrating after also being chosen to take part in a prestigious national equestrian competition.

The 17-year-old has been selected to ride for the Scottish junior eventing team in the British Championships later this month at Weston Park in Shropshire.

Pauline Stott, director of sport at Kilgraston, said: “Both Rebecca and Olivia have wonderful individual talent and dedicate so many hours to their events. We are fortunate here at Kilgraston to have our own Equestrian Centre on campus which has allowed Olivia to come and train with her horse Billy on a regular basis. We’re delighted for both girls.”

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November 2013 | 57

28/10/2013 10:21

Results Xxxxxxxxxx • What’s On

We want to hear about your: NEWS RESULTS EVENTS

Send your news articles over to Equi-Ads and see them published.

Please contact bob@equiads.net Tel: 020 8302 6069 Want to advertise and promote your business?

Give us as call and see your company advertised in the magazine.

Please contact aline@equiads.net Tel: 07712 305 258

Inchcoonans Working Hunters did well A

fter the early morning fog we all woke up to the sun came out for us as we held our last show of the summer season working hunter show league. The gates opened at 9am. In came the trailers and lorries - what a great start to our Saturday morning. We started off with our poles on the ground rustic clear rounds. This class is great for the youngsters who are used to the trailers and lorries and have not been at any different venues it’s also good for first the riders who haven’t had any experience with their ponies and horses, great learning curve. Class 2 was the cross poles rustic clear round jumping with the maximum height of 50cm. This class had an entry of eight and they all went clear. Class 3 was the Inchcoonans 50cm clear round training class which again is a very good class for beginner’s riders and horse’s, this was well supported with an entry of fourteen.

Class 4 was the first of our league classes started at 11am with the 60cm with an entry of fifteen, in first place was Ami Conchie on Teddy with a score of 92% with a very good clear round and showing. Second was Scott Coyle with 91%. In third was Julie Spiers on Monty with a score of 90%. This was a very close class and also the last one of the summer season working hunter league, this was a close win by one point by Ellis Watson and her pony Louis with 71 points and second was Ami Conchie and Teddy with 70 points. Well done to everyone who was in this league, it was a battle to the end.

Class 5 - 70cm with an entry of seven was won by Scott Coyle and the delightful Clyde with another good score of the day 88%, second was Ellis Watson and Louis with a score of 87%, in third was Arianne Holland and Nocona Black CIK with a score of 84%.

Class 6 - 80cm with an entry of four was won by Bryce Robertson with another high score for the day 91%, second was Lynn Clark on Brego with a score of 84% followed by Jackie Robertson riding Lady with 84%.

Class 7 – 90cm league class was Jackie Robertson riding Lady with a score of 86%, second was Laura Rennie with 75%.

It was a really good day for all our working hunter enthusiasts with most of the marks being over 85%. This was the last of our working hunter show of the season, however so as not to disappoint anyone our Power Cross events started on Saturday 9th October. The Woods & Track are available now so you can all put in some practice in beforehand. Please remember if you need any further information please phone or go to our website to view our calendar. This is the start of our Winter Leagues 2013 – 2014 so good luck everyone!

PowerX write up, 12/10/13

W

hat a turnout for our first powerX competition of the winter league. The first class of the day was the nursery novice league. This class was won by Katrina Ramsay on Chatterbox.

They jumped a lovely clear round, flying over the joker fence. 2nd in this class was Anna Smallwood riding JJ, also clear and only 5 seconds off the winning time.

The second class of the day was the 60cm novice. A huge number of entries in this class but the combination to beat were Caitlyn Struth and her lovely pony Buddy.

The third class of the day was the Intermediate league, another huge class with over 20 entries.

Eilidh MacAully topped the 58 | November 2013

Equi_Ads_Nov_Scots_rev.indd 58

class with her smart little pony Joey. They jumped a lovely clear, coming in only a few seconds off the optimum time. Class 4, the small open, was won by the only pony in the class, Gem, ridden by Georgie Noonan. The final class of the day was the open league.

This class was won by Karen Low and Marco, with Susan Geddes and Tommy coming a close second. Thank you to everyone who came today and well done to all competitors. We have an extreme powerX show and league on the 27th of October with our next powerX show and league competition being held on the 9th of November. We hope to see you all there!. www.equi-ads.com

28/10/2013 10:21

Results • What’s On Xxxxxxxxxx

Inchcoonans British Show Jumping Weekend – 5th & 6th October 2013Louis Young report s

T

his weekend we held our BSJA show starting with our Pony Club and Unaffiliated Classes. Class 1 – Inchcoonans Beginners/Starters 50cm open which was a great class for those who were bringing young horses out for the first time, we also had first time riders who excelled themselves and couldn’t wait to do another round. Class 2 – Inchcoonans 60cm open was a single phase and was again good for new horse and rider combinations.

In first place was Tasha Hamilton riding Poppy Popsicles, in second place was Scott Coyle riding Clyde.

Class 3 – the first of the Club/ Unaffiliated classes 70cm pony open In first place was Belinda Collington riding her lovely pony Garthfach Quince following in second place was Scott Coyle riding Clyde. Class 4 – Club/Unaffiliated 80cm pony open this was won by Belinda Collington riding Garthfach Quince. Class 5 – Club/Unaffiliated 90cm pony open this class was won

by Pollyanna Smith riding her lovely pony Lion Rock 11. Our last class of the morning was Class 6 – Club/ Unaffiliated 1m pony open this was won by Pollyanna Smith riding Lion Rock 11.

We started a busy afternoon with the horses. First was class 7 – Inchcoonans Starters 60cm open, this was won by Sophie Currie riding the delightful Wood Quarter L Prince, following in second place was Emma Haggart riding Bopper and in third place was Emily Keith riding Prudence. Class 8 – Club/ Unaffiliated 70cm open had five starters and this was won by Morgan Brown riding her stunning horse Andora. In second place was by Sophie Currie riding Wood Quarter L Prince and in third place was Pam Seivwright riding Zaffaran Pearl.

Class 9 – Club/Unaffiliated 80cm

open which was one of our biggest classes of the day with an entry of twelve. This was won by Catherine Moulton riding the beautiful Collina. Second place was Arlene Kennedy riding Orion and in third was Pam Seivwright riding Ullrich X1. Class 10 – Club/Unaffiliated 90cm open which was our biggest class of the day with an entry of 15 starters and was won by Lucy Moffat riding Tia 111 following in second place was Shauney Watson riding Jasper. In third place was Lynn Clark riding Brego. Class 11 – Club/ Unaffiliated 1m open was won by Shauney Watson riding Jasper and in second place was Joanna Wilkie riding Woody.

Sunday was our BS Amateur show and our schedule was incorporating the Dodson & Horrell 90cm & 1.10m second rounds. Class 1 of the day was the 90cm open which had an entry of four starters which was won by Catherine Patterson riding Warchant. In second place was Kerrie Ligget riding Antrim Cash and in third was Leona Blacklaws riding Valdis. Class 2 – Dodson & Horrell 90cm National Amateur Championship second round in first place was Linda Moffat riding Tiny Dynamite and in second place was Kerrie Ligget riding Antrim Cash following in third was Leona Blacklaws riding Valdis. Class 3 – 1.05m open was won by RachaelAnn Clark riding Tiffany 111 and in second place was Loren Jamieson riding Candour Spirit. Class 4 – Dodson & Horrell 1.10m National Amateur Championship second round which was won by Suzanne Walker rising Jack Up and in second place was Rachael-Ann Clark riding Tiffany 111 and following in third was Kerrie Ligget riding Antrim Cash. Class 5 – Dodson & Horrell 1.10m National Amateur

Championship first round this was won by Emma Pilkington riding Born to fly and in second place was Andrea Bisset riding Ztar 1V. Class 6 – Dodson & Horrell 85cm National Amateur Championship first round this was won by Angela MacKenzie riding Belair LS and in second place was Alex Scott riding Sirocco Wind and in third was Sarah Leaver riding Kiki Dee. Class 7 – KBIS Insurance Senior British Novice Championship first round which was one of the biggest classes with 14 starters this was won by Amy Farrow riding Rockhill Roulette following in second place was Jane Archibald riding The Magi and in third was Angela MacKenzie riding Belair LS. Class 8 – Dodson & Horrell 95cm National Amateur Championship first round had ten starters and was won by Angela Welch tiding the lovely Troni and following in second place was Molly Cruickshank riding The Magi. Class 9 – Dodson & Horrell 1.05m National Amateur

Equi_Ads_Nov_Scots_rev.indd 59

3rd November Muirmill Prelim - Medium Details on our website www.sdgnews.co.uk or phone Glenys on 01505 842419

Championship first round was won

by Claire Skinner riding Irish Law and in second place was Angela Welch riding Troni.

A big thank you to our judges over the weekend Jean Patterson, Brian Watson and Natalie Young, our course builder Kenny Rendell and our ground staff for a sterling job as always last but by no means least many thanks to all our competitors today, you guys are what showing is all about, we look forward to welcoming you back at our next show, please keep in touch with us by following us on Facebook and Twitter for our updates. Don’t forget you can also see what’s going on at Inchcoonans by visiting our website www.inchcoonansequestrian.co.uk. and reading Equi-Ads.

NOVEMBER What’s On Sat 2nd November

BS Club and Unaff SJ, Inchcoonans, Errol.

Tel: 01821 641185.

Carboot Sale/Equine, Kingsbarn EC, Westershieldhill, Falkirk.

Tel: 01324 630404.

Unaff Dressage, Kingsbarn EC, Westershieldhill, Falkirk.

Tel: 01324 630404.

Dressage, SNEC. See www.brcarea1.co.uk -3rd, Perry Wood Clinic, Easterton Equine. Tel: 01764 682268.

Sun 3rd November

BS Amateur Show, Inchcoonans, Errol. Tel: 01821 641185.

BD and Unaff Dressage inc Dengie PC Qualifiers, The Cabin EC, Inverurie. Tel: 01467 624378.

Guy Fawkes Jumping Night, Kingsbarn EC, Westershieldhill, Falkirk. Tel: 01324 630404.

Strathclyde Dressage Gorup, Prelim – Medium Dressage, Muirmill.

Tel Glenys on 01505 842419.

Mon 4th November JJ’s on GG’s, Inchcoonans,

www.equi-ads.com

2013

Errol. Tel: 01821 641185.

KRC Training, Ingliston EC, Renfrewshire.

Tel: 0845 301 1010.

SJ Training with Aileen Craig.

See www.kilmacolmridingclub. org.uk Tue 5th November BS Junior Academy, West Kype Farm, Strathaven.

Tel: 01357 521105.

L&R Rallies, Ingliston EC, Renfrewshire.

Tel: 0845 301 1010.

-6th Andrew Hamilton SJ Clinic, The Cabin EC, Inverurie.

Tel: 01467 624378.

Wed 6th November David Harland SJ, Inchcoonans, Errol. Tel: 01821 641185.

Polnoon RC Schooling Night, West Kype Farm, Strathaven.

Tel: 01357 521105.

Scottish RDA Supra Regional Conference, Ingliston EC, Renfrewshire.

Tel: 0845 301 1010. (continued on page 60) November 2013 | 59

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Xxxxxxxxxx What’s On (continued from page 59)

Westershieldhill, Falkirk.

Tel: 01324 630404.

-10th, Riding Biomechanics Clinic, Easteron Equine.

Tel: 01764 682268.

Clear Round Jumping, Ingliston EC, Renfrewshire.

Tel: 0845 301 1010.

Thur 7th November Fortnightly SJ League & Clear Rounds, West Kype Farm, Strathaven. Tel: 01357 521105.

-8th, Jill Grant Clinic, Ingliston EC, Renfrewshire.

Tel: 0845 301 1010.

Friday 8th November -10th, BS juniors inc North West Junior Championship, The Cabin EC, Inverurie.

Tel: 01467 624378.

Sun 10th November British Dressage, Inchcoonans, Errol. Tel: 01821 641185.

Unaff SJ, Kingsbarn EC, Westershieldhill, Falkirk. Tel: 01324 630404.

SWPCA, Ingliston EC, Renfrewshire. Tel: 0845 301 1010.

Edinburgh & District RC, Dressage Show. See www.edrc.org

Tue 12th November Jane Gilchrist Clinic, Inchcoonans Errol. Tel: 01821 641185.

Ride a Dressage, Inchcoonans, Errol. Tel: 01821 641185.

Sat 9th November

PowerX Show, Inchcoonans, Erro. Tel: 01821 641185.

Amateur SJ, Kingsbarn EC,

November Events

Edinburgh & District Riding Club Dressage Show Sunday 10th November

Schedules and online entries available on

2nd & 30th Unaffil/Club SJ 3rd & 1st Dec Amature BS SJ 4th & 18th JJs on GGs Clinic 6th & 23rd David Harland Clinic 9th PowerX

10th Unaff & BD Dressage 12th Jane Gilchrist Clinic 14th Clear Round SJ 16th Unaffil SJ Show 17th Unaffil Dressage Show 23rd Equine Car Boot Sale 24th Extreme PowerX 26th Alex Hargie

www.edrc.org

Tim Stockdale Masterclass, Ingliston EC, Renfrewshire.

Tel: 0845 301 1010.

Wed 13th November L&U PC Lessons, West Kype Farm, Strathaven.

Tel: 01357 521105.

Mixed Unaf Evening SJ, The Cabin EC, Inverurie.

Tel: 01467 624378.

Thur 14th November Clear Round, Inchcoonans, Errol. Tel: 01821 641185.

Dressage Lessons with Ailsa Gilchrist, West Kype Farm, Strathaven. Tel: 01357 521105.

Andrew Hamilton Clinic, Ingliston EC, Renfrewshire.

Tel: 0845 301 1010.

-15th, Harry Payne Dressage Clinic, The Cabin EC, Inverurie. Tel: 01467 624378.

Fri 15th November -17th, Senior AP, Kingsbarn EC, Westershieldhill, Falkirk. Tel: 01324 630404.

Sat 16th November

Unaff SJ Trophy, Inchcoonans, Errol. Tel: 01821 641185.

KRC Dressage, Ingliston EC, Renfrewshire.

Tel: 0845 301 1010.

Kilmacolm & Kilallan RC, Open Dressage, Ingliston.

See www.kilmacolmridingclub. org.uk Sun 17th November

FORTHCOMING EVENTS Forthcoming ARENA EVENT Sunday 22nd September EvEnts JETSET

Last Chance Qualifier

British Dressage Saturday 21st September

Sunday 10th November JETSET SHOW JUMPING FINAL

 � � � �  �  ­� € �

Saturday 28th September

Unaff Dressage, Inchcoonans, Errol. Tel: 01821 641185.

Open Dressage League, West Kype Farm, Strathaven.

Tel: 01357 521105.

Mixed Unaff SJ including Dengie PC Qualifier, The Cabin EC, Inverurie. Tel: 01467 624378.

Mon 18th November JJ’s on GG’s, Inchcoonans, Errol. Tel: 01821 641185.

David Gatherer Clinic, Ingliston EC, Renfrewshire.

Tel: 0845 301 1010.

Tue 19th November

L&R Rallies, Ingliston EC, equi-aDs Renfrewshire.

EQUI ADS, NPS, Rhinns Point & EQUIDressage - ADS DRESSAGEFinals SERIES Tel: 0845 301 1010.

ROR Dressage Qualifiers 7th/8th December Wed 20th November Our 1st BD TRAINING Dressage Show - SHOW JUMPING ARENA EVENTING - COMBINED

REGULAR SHOW JUMPING & DRESSAGE INCLUDING:

Polnoon RC Schooling Night, West Kype Farm, Strathaven.

THEBritish MUIRMILL JUMPING Tel: 01357 521105.

Dressage – TryDERBY A Test Day Evening Unaff Dressage, The Sunday 6th October ‚  ƒ � � ‚ � ‚ „ … � �

Cabin EC, Inverurie. ‚  �ƒƒ † � �  ‡ �� ƒ   „� � � !!NEW!!

Team Challenge Show Jumping Tel: 01467 624378. ƒ � � � �

KRC Training, Ingliston EC,

�„  � � � ‚ ƒ‚  „ �

Saturday 12th October Renfrewshire. ƒ� � �� ‚ � ‚ � ƒ    � ­� ƒ  �ƒ � ­ � �…ƒ �

Tel: 0845 301 1010.

Check out our website or our Facebook page for more information.

Check out our website or our Facebook page for more information.

SJ Training with Training with Tel: 07968622701 Aileen Craig.

Muirmill

Equestrian Centre See www.kilmacolmridingclub. www.muirmillec.co.uk org.uk

Saturday & 5th October

Christmas Jumping DerBy Sunday 15th December

60 | November 2013

Equi_Ads_Nov_Scots_rev.indd 60

Thur 21st November Fortnightly SJ League & Clear Rounds, West Kype Farm, Strathaven. Tel: 01357 521105.

Sat 23rd November

David Harland Show, Inchcoonans, Errol.

Tel: 01821 641185.

Equine Carboot Sale, Inchcoonans Errol. Tel: 01821 641185.

Monthly Open SJ Show, West Kype Farm, Strathaven.

Tel: 01357 521105.

BS Adult Adv/Prog, The Cabin EC, Inverurie.

Tel: 01467 624378.

BS Snr Show Adv/Prog, Ingliston EC, Renfrewshire.

Tel: 0845 301 1010.

SJ, Kingsbarn.

See www.brcarea1.co.uk Sun 24th November

Extreme PowerX, Inchcoonans, Errol. Tel: 01821 641185.

Team SJ Competition, West Kype Farm, Strathaven.

Tel: 01357 521105.

BS Adult Amat, The Cabin EC, Inverurie. Tel: 01467 624378.

Jnr SJ, Kingsbarn EC, Westersheildhill, Falkirk.

Tel: 01324 630404.

Unaff SJ, Ingliston EC, Renfrewshire.

Tel: 0845 301 1010.

Tue 26th November Alex Hargie Clinic, Inchocoonans Errol. Tel: 01821 641185.

Rob Wilson Rider, Inchcoonans, Errol. Tel: 01821 641185.

Wed 27th November Mixed Unaff Evening SJ, The Cabin EC, Inverurie.

Tel: 01467 624378.

Thur 28th November Dressage Lessons with Ailsa Gilchrist, West Kype Farm, Strathaven. Tel: 01357 521105.

Fri 29th November BS Aberdeen & North of Scotland Fundraiser Stovie/ Dance, Newmacher Hotel.

Tel: 01467 624378.

Snr Amateur, Kingsbarn EC, Westershieldhill, Falkirk.

Tel: 01324 630404.

Sat 30th November

BS Club and Unaff SJ, Inchcoonans, Errol. Tel: 01821 641185.

BE Event Training with Trish Harvey, West Kype Farm, Strathaven. Tel: 01357 521105.

Senior AP, Kingbarn EC, Westershieldhill, Falkirk.

Tel: 01324 630404.

-1st, BS Juniors, The Cabin EC, Inverurie. Tel: 01467 624378. www.equi-ads.com

28/10/2013 10:21

The greatest range on earth The “low salt miles” salt lick for all stock

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Why burn all that fuel by dragging lumps of Himalayan rock salt, with accidental levels of minerals and impurities, all the way from Pakistan when you can get the real stuff on your doorstep?

Rockies are made to do a specific job. That job is to ensure the health of your horse. Don’t settle for anything less.

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Equi_Ads_Nov_Scots_rev.indd 61

28/10/2013 10:21

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No one can perform on an upset stomach

If your horse shows signs of gastric stress, Box walking Wind sucking Crib biting

Loose droppings Dull coat Cold backed

Unwilling to work Poor attitude Irritable when girthed up

feed GastriAid to support the absence of ulcers Daily protection from stress related gastric problems Defends stomach wall from acid attack Helps the balance of pH levels in the gut

and give him the stomach to perform.

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

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28/10/2013 10:21