October 2013 Scotland

Scotland’s longest running equestrian magazine

FR EE ÂŽ

October 2013

WIN top prizes from Blue Chip

Nutritional Supplements for the Respiratory System

Should I buy the tack with my new horse?

Mud Fever

Bedding and Turnout Rugs Scottish News Round-up

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Can I feed my horse ruminant products?

Local Show Reports

25/09/2013 09:36

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Ceilidh CeilidhininPerthshire Perthshireon onBurns Burns night. night.Delicious Delicioushaggis haggisneeps neepsand and tatties, tatties,traditional traditionalrecitations recitationsand and ceilidh ceilidhdancing dancingtotothe thefiddles fiddlesofofthe the Canongate CanongateCadgers Cadgerspromise promiseaavery very News & Views Scottish Scottishand andenjoyable enjoyablefund fundraiser. raiser.

SUPPLEMENTS SUPPLEMENTSIII,III,11 HORSES HORSESFOR FORSALE SALEIVIV LIVERY LIVERY22- -44 HORSEBOXES HORSEBOXES&&TRAILERS TRAILERS44- -55

Contents

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10TH 10THOF OFTHE THEPRECEDING PRECEDINGMONTH MONTH THE EQUI-ADS TEAM

ASSOCIATE MEMBER

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8

Please send editorial to: Email: info@equiads.net Kitty King is our front cover star. Photo courtesy of Haygain hay steamers

The Theevent eventisisbeing beingheld heldatatMurrayshall Murrayshall Hotel HotelininPerth Perthon onBurns BurnsNight, Night,Friday Friday 25th 25thJanuary January2013.

2013.

FIBRE FIBRE99

Available on the 1st of the month.

Equi-Ads is published monthly by:

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HORSE HORSEBEHAVIOUR BEHAVIOUR22 22

HEALTH HEALTHCARE CARE23 23––28, 28,45 45- -46 46

is a unique approach for an equine supplement and enables the best HA flexibility and performance in all situations. Showjumpers jump higher, dressage horses STRANGLES STRANGLES26 26 gain extra poise and cross country competitors gain valuable seconds. Non competing horses are able to lead PHYSIOTHERAPY PHYSIOTHERAPY28 28 comfortable lives again.

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TRAINING TRAINING29, 29,46 46- -47 47 Global Herbs: 01243 773363 info@globalherbs.co.uk SCHOOLING 29 SCHOOLING 29 Booklet available on: www. globalherbs.co.uk/advice-info/free-made-easy-booklets/ WORMING WORMING25 25

Contents Contents Apology Apology

SECURITY SECURITY30 30––32 32

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presided over by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, and commentated on by world famous voice of the military tattoo, Alasdair Hutton OBE. The ride took in a morning chase – traversing the south side of the city boundary, commencing at Drum Feeds, Todd hills www.drumfeeds.com the main sponsor for the event.

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01738 567700 01738 567700 David Cameron 07979 816211 / 01360 660323 (7 days) www.equiads.net www.equiads.net STRAW u SHAVINGS u SAWDUST

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Healthcare Xxxxxxxxxx • News & Views Shop Open 7 Days

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Hunter trials start again! by Sarah Houlden Y

ou never know what life has in store for you and I write the following paragraph with a great sense of achievement and very proud of son James whilst he competed at the BSPS Summer Championships in several cradle stakes classes. The last diary mentioned our trip south to the “big country” with one little white pony, lots of mascots and hopefully lots of luck. Little did we know our four days “pony camping” in the lorry would turn into a marathon endurance with extra championships to participate in. Our glamorous thoughts of relaxing in the evening and having a holiday turned into more shampooing, more white chalk and preparing James for two evening performances finally ending the day more than often after 10pm.

Before long and by 7.30am James and Sidan were jumping round another clear and contributing to their amazing collection of three trophies, seven sashes and about fifteen rosettes and then the finale was to stand reserve in the Little Stars Championship, a very proud mum. Just to think he was just” going to gain experience and get a feel for what it was all about for the future!”

Now back on home soil and boys returned to school, life gets back to normal for us all. Olivia and Jan, the girls in the yard held the fort and we returned to an immaculate yard and happy horses and ponies, I must stop worrying about leaving home when we have two very able girls. Whilst the season is coming to an end the warm weather continues which means many days enjoyed in the numerous stubble fields on the farm. Hacking is bountiful and for the first time James can escort mummy on a hack, however he rather prefers the trail bike tracks forgetting he’s on and 11.1hh pony and I am on a 16.2hh, my reactions have become very good to the word ”duck mum”, never sure though if its “head down” to avoid a low branch or “sit tight” – birds in the undergrowth! Oh what an adventure.

Cali and Gus did well at Blair, although at approximately 17hh his strength and power was shown a little too much in the dressage with frustrating canter work, but once the cross country machine steps up to intermediate Cali will find better collection and obedience from his double bridle, snaffles only permitted at CCI*.

An exciting new addition is a race horse who we are helping to strengthen up by more collective work, supplying up by flatwork and transitions and gridwork to help his straightness and engagement from behind. “Harrys” trainable attitude has attributed to him working well through grids and introduced to a few cross country fences. Racehorses are often schooled on the flat to improve suppleness and steering which is paramount to shave of seconds. Jumpers must jump economically but clean if they are to make a career on the race track, Sarah would like Harry to be an event horse, although I know trainer and owner have big hopes for him racing. Strathearn Eventing will be betting on him!

The Hunter trials autumn season kicks of next week with Craigie, followed by ours and they keep going until end of October, great news to reduce the length of the winter. Good Luck to you all and I look forward to publishing our results in next edition.

ii | October 2013

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www.equi-ads.com

25/09/2013 09:36

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25/09/2013 09:36

Tack Xxxxxxxxxx & Turnout

GRANGE SADDLERY New Winter Ranges in Store.

More success for Tower FarmÂ

A

ll thirteen candidates from Tower Farm have successfully passed their riding and road safety exam. Well done all the stewards and examiners.

If you would like more information about the courses please contact www. towerfarm.org

A Wide Selection of Quality Leather and Synthetic, New and Used Saddles for Sale.

Make an appointment for SMS qualified Saddle fitter Elis Knight to adjust your saddle at the Grange Saddlery or at your yard.

GRANGE SADDLERY, GRANGE RIDING CENTRE WEST CALDER, EH55 8PS TEL 01506 873666 www.grangesaddlery.co.uk

iv | October 2013

Equi_Ads_Oct_Scots_Rev2.indd 4

THE EQUESTRIAN CENTRE

R

obert Morris, the dressage horse owner, has bought the Rowallan Activity Centre, in Ayshire from the administrators.

He has also purchased around 600 acres with the hope of introducing eventing to the Centre as well as expanding dressage and showjumping.

Morris hopes his purchas will have the required impact on the Scottish equestrian scene.

www.equi-ads.com

25/09/2013 09:36

Xxxxxxxxxx Livery

CARING FOR THE 21st CENTURY HORSE!

H

orse people have elevated expectations in the 21st century. Years ago a horse was considered old and probably nearing the end of his useful life at 16, perhaps suffering from chronic injury or plain wear and tear.

Hence any horse over 15 is described as a veteran. Now it’s more usual for the prime years of horses to go on much longer. As veterinary knowledge and care improves, we can give horses ever better physical and psychological care. For example, nearly 23% of the event horses competing at the 2012 Olympics were 15yrs or more, the oldest was Lenamore, then 20yrs. The highest placed “oldie” was Mary King’s 15 year old Imperial Cavalier.

At the other end of the age spectrum, opinions vary when debating the merits of starting slowly, giving the horse time to mature physically and mentally versus starting them early and getting them working as soon as possible. Do we want a horse which has considerable experience at only 5 or 6yrs old? Does that leave them with the maximum number of years to put their ability and experience to good use? Or does slower development result in a horse staying sound and performing for longer?

Ethically, it has to be tailored to the horse. Those who care will put welfare

before convenience or ambition. It is emotionally easier for the human to choose if there is a likelihood of the horse having a successful career spanning 20+ years.

Scientific evidence suggests we can expect a longer working life from our horses, given proper care, making planning and following the scales of training ever more important. A horse, which uses its body well and has learnt to carry a rider comfortably and efficiently, has the best chance of remaining sane and sound. But controversially, if you look up scales of training, you will find general agreement about the first level of work, “rhythm”, otherwise described as regularity. Our horse moving forward in a regular tempo, no unwillingness or napping hopefully! However, when we get to the next step up the pyramid, some specify straightness, some suppleness and others, relaxation, often indicating that relaxation includes elasticity and suppleness.

Given our current era of increasing knowledge of a horse’s physical, mental and emotional capabilities, hopefully controversy begins to evaporate as we realise that providing the best care of the horse takes account of mental and emotional needs as well as physical ones. Relaxation includes mental as well as physical elements.

Knowledgeable care and training must keep up with our understanding of our horses’ capabilities, needs and desires. Given knowledge of equine psychology, there are elements the caring horse owner will ideally introduce into the horse’s life, such as social interaction and fun. Also, creating the sort of partnership with the horse where training is enjoyable and satisfying for both parties.

If you are looking for high standard livery with knowledgeable, experienced, friendly staff who understand horse psychology, with the highest welfare and ethical standards, plus practical support and encouragement in providing the best quality of life for your horse, as discussed in this article, then go to Goldcrest Livery. Call 07831 113349 or 01555 678117, email info@goldcrest-livery.co.uk or find us on Facebook. Goldcrest Livery offers an individually tailored service, great facilities, a peaceful environment, year round grass turnout, an indoor arena and excellent outriding. At Goldcrest the enjoyment and successful development of both horse and human is taken seriously. Goldcrest is at Clarkston Farm, in the beautiful South Lanarkshire countryside, yet only a few minutes’ drive from junction 9 of the M74. www. goldcrest-livery.co.uk

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

• • • • • •

Beautiful, peaceful, countryside location.

Large, top-quality stables with water drinkers in spacious, modern barn.

40 acres for all-year round group turnout with mains water troughs.

Paddocks available for 1 and 2 horses.

Quiet indoor arena with newly refurbished wood grain surface - 25x38 metres.

100 acres of fields for riding.

• • • • • • •

Quiet, on and off-road hacking available locally.

Centrally located, close to M74 for easy access to competition venues and XC courses.

Excellent local trainers attending regularly.

Experienced, caring staff living on site.

DIY, part and full livery available, tailored to client needs Secure feed and tack store.

Wash bay.

Clarkston Farm, nr Lanark ML11 9UN

T: 01555 678117 M: 07831 113349 E: info@goldcrest-livery.co.uk W: goldcrest-livery.co.uk www.equi-ads.com

Equi_Ads_Oct_Scots_Rev2.indd 5

October 2013 | v

25/09/2013 09:36

Xxxxxxxxxx Livery

Kingsbarn Foresee a Glittering Future “Keeping your pets healthy & happy is our priority”

Horse & Hound Services Horse, House & Pet Sitting Service

Going away on holiday or on business?

Juggling family & pets? Emergencies?

Fancy an animal free day?

Does your dog or cat get lonely while you are at work?

Horses - Mobile livery services including: • Turn Out & In • Mucking Out • Feeding • Grooming • Rug Changes • Water Buckets • Tack Cleaning

S

haunie Grieg aged 10, who was born in Aberdeen has been riding since she was 3 years old.

Shaunie started her competing career at the grand age of 5 on her first pony Flying Flicka who was bought for £600.

In such a short time Shaunie has succesfully jumped for Scottish

Pet & Home sitting services including: • Feeding • Walking • Cleaning Litter Tray & Hutches Email: horseandhoundservices@hotmail.com

Tel: 07789 761 029

http://www.horseandhoundservices.co.uk

HOODSHILL LIVERY DIY PART & FULL LIVERY AVAILABLE EXCELLENT FACILITIES INCLUDING:

CRAIGHALL LIVERIES

GLASGOW ROAD KILMARNOCK KA3 6AE

Have a few places left.

Large Internal Stables & tack room Newly resurfaced 160x80 indoor arena Horsewalker Wash bay All year round turnout

What is your proudest achievement in showing/competing to date?

Jumping at Hickstead, it was amazing

Help available if required.

What is your next ambition in the equestrian world?

To win the Horse Of The Year Show

10 mins drive from Lanark/Stonehouse 20 mins drive from Glasgow

Contact Vicki on

01555 895510 or 07801 818608

PERSONALITY PROFILE EQUI-ADS Shaunie Greig 1/3/2003 lives in falkirk and trains at Kingsbarn Equestrian centre

Indoor school available for livery clients & private hires.

Well situated. 5 mins J9 M74, Lesmahagow

Horse transport available

teams, and won at The Royal Highland Show.

Jackie Kemp from Kingsbarn Equestrian Centre is very proud to be training Shaunie as her glittering career seems promising for the future.

So far this year Shaunie has qualified and won the Hickstead 8th 128cm longines final and qualified for three different sections at this years HOYS. At this years HOYS Shaunie will be riding her own ponies Bellfield Benjamin and George Babes Charlies Angel.

Equi-Ads and Kingsbarn Equestrian Centre would like to take this opportunity to wish Shaunie luck at HOYS. If you are attending this year be sure to look out for her and give her lots of encouragement.

craighallliveries@gmail.com 01563 530443 07836 322148 07759 479671

What is the thing you like most about competing?

Hard work and effort to get there, and I do like winning but it’s not the most important thing When did you first get involved with horses?

I was 4 1/2 years old. I starting riding with my Mum

We are a small approved yard specialising in Schooling and Training of Horse & Rider as a partnership.

Private and Group lessons Livery • Clinics, Training and Lessons • Competition and Holiday Livery • Clipping and Trimming, BHS Stages, Spooky Horses Training, Novice riders • BHS Horse Owners Certificate Stable Management Courses The Stables, Bruntyards, Longmanhill, Banff, Aberdeenshire • Tel: 07855 763475

Paddockhall Livery Quality Livery Service close to the M9

Roomy modern Loose Boxes, excellent turnout paddocks.

Good off road hacking and access to indoor school.

We also take horses and ponies for breaking and schooling.

Contact: normarvw@hotmail.com or Tel. 01506440620 / 07989745166 vi | October 2013

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Who was your first horse?

Flicka, an 11.2hh bay who was 10 years old. We used to jump tracks at a meter and I learnt to ride on her Why did you get involved in riding?

My Mum and Gran thought it would be good for me and give me something to focus on Have you had a favourite horse?

How did you meet?

Bellfield Benjamin. I got him from Patrick Williams

What is the most fulfilling achievement in your equestrian career so far?

Winning the Highland show in 2012 and also this year winning the first mini major this year with Alec Barr What is the most dangerous situation you have been in?

Falling off a pony called Jack, he stopped at a fence and my foot got stuck. I got kicked on the head but my hat saved me.

How many horses do you have responsibility for?

Three (although my Mum and Gran look after them for me when I am at school) Who do admire and why?

Scott Brash because he won a gold medal.

What is your pet hate?

Not winning!

Can you see yourself being involved with horses indefinately?

Yes What is your biggest worry about the way the industry is developing?

I don’t really know....

What would you like to be doing in 5 years time?

Jumping horses If you could visit another yard, which would it be and why?

Ireland’s Oliver Mcfee, because he has nice ponies If there was a horse past or present you wished you could own, what would it be?

Hickstead he was unbelievable What is the best lesson you have learned through being involved with horses?

They are all different. www.equi-ads.com

25/09/2013 09:36

ALI_Kin

KINGSBARN EQUESTRIAN CENTRE

Junior October Festival 17th - 20th October 2013 Kingsbarn are delighted to be holding this show in place of the Scottish junior sponsor show in October. Schedules can be downloaded from our website www.kingsbarnequestrian.co.uk Stable bookings now being taken.

Riding lessons & arena hire available On-site shop and cafe UPCOMING EVENTS Junior October Festival 17th - 20th October 2013 Unaffiliated End of Season Showing Show Saturday 12th October 2013

Livery DIY and full packages to suit 5 large building plots with outline planning permission Opposite Kingsbarn Equestrian Centre Stunning uninterrupted views across to Stirling For sale as a whole or individual plots Contact Equestrian Properties susansmith_equestrianproperties@aol.com

01324 630404 • info@kingsbarnec.co.uk • www.kingsbarnequestrian.co.uk

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19/09/2013 09:36 12:16 25/09/2013

Xxxxxxxxxx Livery

Personality Profile - Alasdair Govan - A qualified Vet from Montrose We spent summers there and all the work was done by horse then. That is where I learned about using horses to work the soil. I later spent two years doing all my work on the farm by horse”.

Who was your first horse?

“That was Sara an Anglo-Arab”.

When did you get involved in driving?

“In 1985”.

Have you had a favourite horse and how did you meet?

“My favourite was Barney bought as a three year old. He could do anything including showing and working on land. He was an ideal horse and we won many ploughing matches with him”.

T

his month Equi-Ads interviewed the man on our front cover last month - Alasdair Govan. A qualified Vet from Montrose, Alasdair spends most of his time now training and driving his collection of horses. He competes in carriage driving with a Gelderlander and does turnout with his Clydesdales.

Turnout varies from one horse; tandem and unicorn, up to teams of six. His driving career has been successful to date with many championships and rosettes the most recent was a 1st at Yorkshire.

He also helps wife Doreen in Sportack their tack and pet products shop.

What is the most fulfilling achievement in your equestrian career so far?

“The highlight has to be driving my team of six at the Royal Highland Show”.

What is the most dangerous situation you have been in?

“Earlier this year when the horses took off and were unstoppable whilst carriage driving. I ended up with five ribs fractured and torn muscles”.

How many horses do you have responsibility for?

Twelve

What is your proudest achievement in competing to date?

“Despite winning Overall Champion at the The Royal Highland Show, that has to be getting my first ever red rosette when I was a wee boy”!

Who do you admire and why?

“The people who do menial jobs as we would not survive without them e.g. street sweepers”.

What is your next ambition in the equestrian world?

“I would really like to win Open Horse at a trials driving event”.

“I love driving threeheavies in a team at major shows such as RHAS, Yorkshire Trials Marathon, Three Counties, down to Dorset”.

What is your pet hate?

“Broccoli”.

When did you first get involved with horses?

“When I was about eight years old at a croft in Fionnphort (opposite Iona).

Can you see yourself being involved with horses indefinitely?

“Yes I hope to, if I survive ...must wear my hard hat!......So says my wife Doreen, or sign the papers!

What is your biggest worry about the way the industry is developing?

“I am worried about the indiscriminate breeding; there are too many foals bred from horses with poor conformation”.

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What would you like to be doing in five years time?

“Really the same as I am doing now”.

If you could visit another yard, which would it be?

“There are several of my peers in turnouts and top trials drivers that I would love to visit”.

What is the best lesson you have learned through being involved with horses?

“Never take chances”!

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esponding to demand from its customers, Harbro has introduced two products to its range of horse feeds;Horse & Pony Conditioning and Horse & Pony Veteran.

Along with these two new feeds, Harbro has also taken the opportunity to update the packaging, so that the feeds are now in available in an ‘easy opening’ bag. The new design should also make it easier for customers to choose the most appropriate product for their horse or pony.

The range will now consist of four products:• Horse & Pony Mix • Horse & Pony Nuts • Horse & Pony Conditioning • Horse & Pony Veteran Existing products; Horse & Pony Mix and Nuts remain unchanged in formulation and quality providing the same great feed and value for horses and ponies in light to medium work.

The new Horse & Pony Veteran is a coarse mix designed for veteran horses and ponies which are prone to loss of weight and condition. Cooked ingredients ensure that the feed is highly digestible to maintain a healthy hindgut. Enriched with antioxidants, the feed also helps to boost immunity and support health in the later years of life, whether your horse is an active or retired veteran.

Horse & Pony Conditioning is a palatable coarse mix, which will tempt even the fussiest feeder; formulated to promote weight gain and topline, whilst maintaining an even temperament and promoting that ‘show day shine’.

“Our Horse & Pony Mix and Nuts are our most popular products. We had a lot of customers that wanted the Harbro quality but their horses had more specific nutritional requirements, so it seemed only logical to develop feeds which would address these needs.” says Dr Vicki Glasgow, Harbro nutritionist.

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here has been a lot of press recently about the misuse of nosebands and debates as to how tight they should or should not be. I personally do not like to see a noseband on any horse however I would be the first one to put a noseband on if I thought it would assist in the schooling of a horse, not, however, a quick fix or patch over a problem of braking! The noseband would disappear as quickly as possible as would the pressure.

This seems to be the biggest issue today, quick fixes and patches. It applies not only to nosebands but to bits, gadgets and training aids.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could just sit on our horses and ride without force or pressure or the need to restrain through pain. For many riders this would be the ultimate in horsemanship and more and more riders are achieving this goal.

However, for many horses there is not the opportunity to keep that innocence and willingness they had as babies and youngsters. The lucky ones find their way to trainers who are experienced and patient and who will work with the horse with minimum restrictions, striving always to keep the light sensitivity that is innate in the equine spirit. If their luck holds then they will be owned by riders who also strive to maintain the softness in their horses and who endlessly seek to improve their abilities and minimise their aids and cues. It is these riders who aim towards little or no restrictions with the addict of less is more.

Unfortunately many horses never

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Equi_Ads_Oct_Scots_Rev2.indd 5

get that chance. They are thrown into the world of commercialism where they become a product, an ends to a means. For the trainer they are a meal ticket, an income. They have to produce a product suitable for the riders needs as quickly as possible and as safely as possible.

The more the product can do then the more money will be made. It is commonsense for this environment that time is of the essence, the longer the horse is in training the less profit can be made through a re-sale. Some trainers would love to spend the time to bring on a promising youngster slowly and carefully but are put under pressure by the riders who are demanding an animal that can win prizes as quickly as possible. It is in these scenarios that more often than not a quick fix is put into place.

Instead of giving the horse time to get used to the bit for example and to learn how to relax and listen to the hand they simply strap their mouths shut so that they cannot escape the pain and pressure of the bit. The horse learns nothing except that bits are to be evaded whenever possible and so the vicious cycle of resistance and forced submission continues.

What worries me more than anything else is the lack of understanding of the damage certain “fashionable” tack or equipment can do to the horse both physically and mentally and how it can ruin the riders feel and ability in the long run. If you are used to hanging onto a horse’s mouth because that is the only way you can keep control how can you ever learn to be light and soft with your hands. So even if you sat

on a horse with a light mouth you would inadvertently put so much pressure on the reins that the horse would become fractious and maybe even lean into the pressure thus continuing the cycle.

It saddens me greatly to see so much gadgetry and extreme equipment available for general sale. When we visit castles and go into the dungeons and marvel at the

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October 2013 | 5

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Xxxxxxxxxx Transport ignorance of our ancestors who used instruments of torture and pain to subdue their subjects, we are often smug at how advanced we are that we would never use such barbaric devices on people. Then we climb aboard our horses with bars of steel in their mouth, perhaps nicely ribbed or twisted, with pressure that can be applied to the bars of the mouth, the corners, the tongue, the roof of the mouth, the cheeks, the poll, the nasal bones, curb groove, we tie their mouths shut so they cannot evade the pain and hold their heads down so the cannot protests, dig metal bars into their ribs and sides (sometimes drawing blood, but always bruising) and beat them with sticks in order to bid our will. Who is the barbarian now?

For many horses the application of pressure and pain is just par for the course and they have become deadened to pressure and insensitive in order to cope. Horses that have had excessive use of spurs will develop scar tissue under the skin on their sides making them even more desensitised. Many horses learn to cope in order to just get along, but give them the opportunity to escape from the pressure and they will take it therefore justifying in the riders eyes the need for the painful restraints. In these cases it may be necessary to use some form of restraint for safety of both horse, rider or handler, but it would be nice

to try to ask the horse to remember how to be soft and giving, this takes time and to be honest it can be a very fragile balance because a horse who has learned for instance to run off with a rider may always have that ability within him and under stress situations, with the best will in the world, they may resort to that default.

The first thing that people must do is have an understanding of what they are doing. Education is the secret. People are afraid to admit that they don’t know (especially in the horse world) you will all have heard the “I’ve been riding for x number of years” as if this should automatically transport them to the

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higher echelons of knowledge and wisdom. For some that is the case, but for others the saying “it’s the quality not the quantity that count” should be applied. The rider who thinks they know it all are often the cases that are most needing to learn.

We can never know enough, we can never learn enough, try using the phrase “I’m not really sure about this, I don’t really know much about it”.

It is amazing what knowledge will travel your way when you admit that you are willing to learn.

It is also the responsibility of the top riders to set a good example because it is you that the younger generation will emulate. If you show good practise and humane horsemanship with the comfort and softness of your horse is worth more than a coloured ribbon then perhaps changes can be made. This is the 21st century, we should be beyond the barbaric torture and force of history, we should be able to move forwards to a more enlightened approach. If you are considering a piece of equipment please look carefully at what it actually does.

Anything that is designed to get the job done quickly or force a result must be looked on with suspicion.

Take the time to read up on the subject, understand the anatomy and physiology of the animals you claim to love and see what this equipment does to that structure. Choose carefully as this will have a profound affect on your horse.

There are many of you who quite simply don’t mind if you use a severe bit, noseband, gadget. What is more important is the result or even (and believe it or not this actually happens) how impressed everyone will be with the amount of hardware your horse needs to control him because this shows how wild he is and how good a rider you must be to sit on his back. If you fall into this group then that is fine, no one will judge you except your horse.

There is room for everyone and not everyone wants the same relationship with their horses, I do not judge but equally I do not respect riders with severe equipment and severe riding skills. I have more respect for the minimalist rider who sits quietly on a relaxed horse willing to obey their every command. That is a rider and quite frankly I have seen some novice children who are better riders than some adults in competition.

It is very disturbing to see how easy it is to purchase severe equipment without any true understanding of what it does (believe it or not some of the sales assistants in the shop do not really understand the implications of what they are selling). Would it not perhaps be better to start things off correctly from the word go with education both for the horse and the rider geared towards minimal force?

Whatever your feelings on the matter I think everyone agrees that we ride horses because we love them. I personally would rather not cause pain and distress to something I love, the choice though is up to the individual and it is up to each and everyone of you to think carefully about what you ask your horse to wear.

Horse Scotland Awards M

uch of the success of Scottish Equestrianism is down to the quality of the coaches and the commitment of the thousands of volunteers whose efforts can sometimes go unnoticed. It is with this in mind, that Horsescotland has created the perfect stage to recognise and reward the contribution of Scotland’s equestrian coaches, volunteers, performers, clubs, equine breeders and equestrian business community.

The Horsescotland Awards ceremony and dinner will be held at the Westerwood Hotel, Cumbernauld on Friday 1 November 2013 at 7:00pm with 200 members from Scotland’s equestrian community in attendance.

This is a fantastic opportunity for us all to come together and celebrate Scottish equestrian success over the last 12 months. In collaboration with Equi-Ads, we will be running a number of features on the shortlisted nominees over the coming months giving you a chance to get to know them better before the big night.

Tickets are priced at £40 per person. Tables of 10 are available at £400 per table. We would be delighted to have you join us at this glittering event to help celebrate Scottish equestrian success. To secure your tickets please contact jean@horsescotland.org on 01563-549-802. www.equi-ads.com

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his year, at the Blair International Horse Trials, the Riding for the Disabled, West and Central Region, again went for a double sized stand. We had a fantastic four days with, for once, the weather being kind!

We had a very successful raffle and children’s tombola to complement our new RDA goods and Christmas cards.

Five of our Groups sent volunteers to help man the stand alongside the Regional committee to help deal with all the enquiries and chatting to the public, who came to find out what we do. The displays were a great success making it so much easier to explain to people ‘how RDA works!’

It was great to have a visit from Sam Orde, Chairman from National Office, and get her feed back on our stand The RDA will be back next year so come and find us on our pitch at the main arena – Thursday 21st to Sunday 24th August 2014– We really appreciate all your support!

Thanks to all our sponsors including National Office and to our raffle prize donators: Blair International Horse Trials; Hopetoun Horse Driving Trials; Chisholm Hunter; Bruadar Whisky and Ingliston Country Club.

Young star J

ames Houlden (eight) from Strathearn Eventing, Perth, helped fly the flag for Scotland at the B.S.P.S Summer Championships in Grantham riding his Section A Pontsarn Sidan.

A partnership that began last October has taken numerous Scottish wins and went south for the first time to gain experience in his first competitive year, but after six classes the pair had six wins, a championship and two reserve championships. The highlight win was the exciting Classic Security Cradle Stakes Pony of The Year. James a school boy at Ardvreck took over the reins from Olivia Grant when the pony was owned by Helen Mackay from Inverness. The able duo jumped ten clears in ten classes over the four days and shone through on the Saturday evening performance to stand reserve in the Little Stars Championship.

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CAN I FEED MY HORSE ON RUMINANT PRODUCTS?

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

B

oth horses and ruminants are members of the ungulate group of animals which can be subdivided into the order Perissodactyla or odd-toed ungulates and the order Artiodactyla, the even-toed ungulates. The bodyweight of members of the latter is borne about equally by the third and fourth toes and includes pigs, hippos, camels, deer, giraffes and of course sheep, goats and cattle. The sub-order amongst the Artiodactyla is the Ruminantia characterized by animals that chew their food, swallow it and then later regurgitate it for further chewing as in “chewing the cud” (this is no reference to yours truly!). The bodyweight of the Perissodactyla is almost all borne by the third toe and these animals have relatively simple stomachs relying on fermentation in the large intestine to degrade plant material rather than the complex fourchambered stomach possessed by ruminants. We are familiar with members of this group which includes rhinos and of course horses, donkeys, and zebras; the latter three belonging to the family Equidae.

When answering the question posed one must consider firstly the basics of the digestive process in both species. Ruminants spend half the time chewing when they eat compared to horses (8h vs 16h) but, whilst ruminating and chewing the “cud” they spend the same amount of time (8h) as when eating. Thus, in total horses and ruminates chew their food for about the same overall length of time. The swallowed succeeds where bolusBotanica is exposed to random fermentation in a all ruminant’s stomach (via enzymes produced by

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the microorganisms present) over quite a long period of time (akin to being in a waiting room) before being made available to the enzymes of the host animal in the small intestine. This means that food is effectively predigested and substrates such as starch may be fully degraded prior to others entering the small intestine. In marked contrast horses thoroughly process their food (grinding)

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before swallowing it. Residence time in the stomach is short and thus it merely acts as a sort of transit lounge although there is a very small amount of fermentation. Food entering the small intestine of the horse is only predigested to a very small extent so that a substrate such as starch is very similar to the form in which it was ingested. (continued on page 12)

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Can I feed My Horse On Ruminant Products?

By Lizzie Drury, Saracen Feeds

T

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he safest answer to this question is “no, you should not feed your horse ruminant feed.”

Many people would probably argue that they have fed sheep or cattle feed to their horses for years and never had a problem. They are likely telling the truth but this still does not make it appropriate.

If you are a person that carefully reads the feed labels you will note that there are very few differences between many ruminant feeds and horse feeds, with regards to some of the raw materials that are used e.g. oats, maize, fibre pellets etc. From a purely nutrient quantity stand point, the feeds may be very similar. However, it is important to take into careful consideration the manufacturing or milling process when comparing horse feeds to cattle feeds. Some ruminant feeds may contain medicated ingredients or other undesirable ingredients for horses and unless you read your feed labels you may never notice.

There are guidelines established by the Universal Feed Assurance Scheme (UFAS) and these guidelines are established to protect animal owners from feeding a feed that would be dangerous for their animal whether it be a horse feed containing a cattle feed component such as antibiotics or a sheep feed containing too much copper. Some medications for ruminant animals could be potentially fatal to horses if consumed in a large enough quantity in exactly the same way as excess copper intake to sheep could be fatal if you were to feed sheep a feed formulated for horses.

Feed mills that manufacture cattle feeds and horse feeds in the same mill must take the mill through a cleansing process after they have milled to ensure that the mill equipment is clean of any undesirable substances to, such as medication to reduce any undesirable substance carry over before they can mill horse feed. The majority of mills these days will run horse feed and ruminant feeds through on totally separate lines or even manufacture at different milling sites to ensure there is no contamination of the horse feed.

The UFAS guidelines, however, do not protect those horse owners that choose to feed their horses cattle feed or sheep owners that choose to feed their sheep horse feed. So you could be gambling with your horse’s health and welfare. When you decide to feed your horse cattle feed, you forfeit the protection offered to you when feeding feeds that are strictly labeled for use in horses. Knowing how deadly the consequences can be, it is recommended that horses be fed feeds that are manufactured for horses and leave the ruminant feed for ruminants!

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With a high fibre content Solution Mash helps to encourage better digestion within the hind gut, being particularly valuable for horses that require a diet that is sympathetic on the digestive system. Yeasacc 2016 is also added for improved fibre and mineral digestion and gut health. Natural herbs spearmint, garlic and fenugreek are also included along with optimum vitamins and minerals to help support overall health and vitality.

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25/09/2013 12:12

Feeding (continued from page 10) It is clear from the foregoing that the digestive strategies of the horse and ruminant animal are very different. However, what is so interesting is that they are both herbivores and thus adapted to survive on forage. It should be remembered that certain members of the Ruminantia have a specialized mouth shape that enable them to browse. A good example is the narrow incisor arcade of the giraffe that allows it to gather leaves of the thorny Acacia tree without damaging its face; it can be very selective helped by the fact that its tongue is 18 inches (45cm) long. The wide flattened incisor arcade of the horse is designed for grazing but, given the chance, they will browse your neighbour’s beech hedge to extinction. Whilst they may not be as selective as a giraffe they are very selective compared to a cow. The top lip of a cow is fairly immobile whereas as that of a horse is incredibly flexible allowing the horse to pick and choose what it eats. When cows graze they just put their heads down and hoover up everything that is available including odd nails and even bits of barbed wire.

Of our domestic ruminants it is only really the goat which will browse, eating anything from knickers on the washing line to any hedge or plant that it can get its teeth into; nothing is sacred when it comes to goats!

Forages that are fed to ruminants include grass and all grass products in the form of silages (big bale, clamp and tower silages), hays (field-cured, barn dried) as well as legumes such as clovers, sainfoin and alfalfa. The other major forage type is whole-crop maize silage. In addition to these traditional forages ruminants are also fed potatoes, swedes, turnips and other root crops as well as industrial byproducts such as sugar beet

pulp, distillery and brewery grains. All of the foregoing are safe to feed to horses provided of course that care is taken over the feeding routine (meal frequency and size) and that appropriate adaptation is allowed as well as regulating the quantity fed. For example ad libitum hay/silage would be alright but ad libitum potatoes would not be a good idea. Some of the above feeds can play a part in the daily ration of a horse whereas other materials can constitute the whole ration.

All the cereal types routinely fed to ruminants can be fed to horses although they should be cooked (micronized, steam-flaked, extruded) with the exception of oats which are best fed raw.

Again, these materials can only form part of the horse’s daily ration.

Compound feeds produced for ruminants contain, in most cases, the same raw materials as used to produce horse compound feeds and thus in theory ruminant compounds could be fed to horses. However, any medicated feed (those produced under a veterinary written direction) produced for a specific medicinal purpose should not be fed to any horse or pony. Of course, ruminant animals are produced for their milk or meat so substances such as dioxin which can get into the food chain can be a serious worry; never more so than after the serious flooding in Germany during summer 2013 when grazing areas were polluted. Feed produced in farm animal feed mills is often contaminated with substances that are prohibited in the competitive horse industry and since cows do not feature in the Derby very often this is not a problem in the Agricultural Industry. Simple examples would be caffeine and theobromine residues whose presence in a horse feed and thus in the horse would lead to disqualification in a competition

if the horse was blood-tested. Another major worry in a farm animal feed mill would be the risk of cross-contamination resulting from the production of pig, poultry and ruminant products through the same equipment. For example coccidiostats are commonly used in poultry diets and can be fatal for horses whilst farm animals are not considered to be at risk from such substances. Thus, if your horse is not involved in competitions and in the light of the provisos mentioned above it would be alright to feed ruminant products but you would have to be very clear about the provenance of the product used.

Check the label

One could of course turn the question on its head and ask “Is it safe to feed horse compounds to ruminants”? The answer is perhaps rather surprising. Feeding competitive horse and stud/ breeding diets to sheep and goats would almost certainly kill them! This is because some horse owners seem to want to ignore current scientific knowledge and insist that ridiculously high levels of copper are included in such diets. There is a belief that high levels of copper will prevent/ cure bone lesions in growing horses and that performance horses will benefit as well. Thus, most feed manufacturers include levels of copper that will supply well in excess of established need. No-one dares take a stand on this for fear of losing market share in a very competitive industry and so all feed manufacturers oversupply copper in certain of their products.

Finally, most ruminant feeds can be fed to horses whilst some horse feeds cannot be fed to certain ruminants. Take a look at some bag labels on horse feed and see what it says...

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Xxxxxxxxxx Feeding

Feeding for Respiratory Health this Winter

by Dr Tom Shurlock of British Horse Feeds

I

t’s winter and our horses are snug in their stables, windows closed, a nice deep pile of straw for bedding, and a hay net full of what is probably second cut hay. There is a suspicion of a cough and you remember something similar last year. Of course it’s cold and wet outside and you’ve got the snuffles, so your horse probably has too, right?

Probably, but… is your horse heading towards middle age? Maybe he’s a Warmblood? Has he had a respiratory disease in the past? Did he have a cough during the driest part of the summer when he was outside?

If the answer to any of these questions is “yes”, then he may have Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO) – also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heaves, chronic bronchiolitis or bronchitis – or possibly summer pasture obstructive pulmonary disease (SPAOPD).

It sounds alarming and, according to various sources, may be present in up to 50% of all horses worldwide.

It is also, thankfully, generally reversible and, once the causative factors are recognised and removed, fairly easy to eradicate.

However if not addressed and in extreme cases can lead to: • Septic bronchitis • Pneumonia • Chronic interstitial diseases • Neoplastic disease, including primary tumours of the respiratory tract or, more commonly, distant metastases But let’s not dwell on the negatives, as we can do something – and it is maybe well to think about, even if our horse has no symptoms, as the cause is so common the potential is always there.

And the cause?

Dust. And spores. And fungi.

More precisely, small diameter organic and breathable dust and its potential to carry pollen, microbial spores and fungal toxins.

These invasive particles irritate the linings of the airways causing inflammation and an influx of white blood cells; neutrophils, which invoke an immune response. The dust is associated with bedding and hay, although any dust in the stable can carry irritants.

Because this is a well-known route for potential airway problems in the horse, there has been plenty of advice on how best to reduce the problem. Most obvious is the need to clean down the stable when it is empty and to damp down any dust; a change of bedding is also 14 | October 2013

Equi_Ads_Oct_National_Rev2.indd 14

recommended, where possible – wood shavings instead of straw for example. And the final piece of advice is to soak or even steam (to reduce mineral loss) the hay, or to provide alternative feeding.

Having said that, all hay is not bad. Dust potential of hay can vary considerably and increase from early to late cut, barn drying, cutting at 75% dry matter, big baling or hay getting wet between cutting and drying. The effect can be on breathable dust as well as viable spores. In the case of viable spores high density baling and late tossing, as well as rain after cutting, can all cause increases.

The source of the hay has an effect as well.

Single species hays have different proportions of various dust types to each other and these are different from other forage types such as haylage and alfalfa pellets.

And finally the length of cut can have an influence. Short cut hay can have a high proportion if soil contamination, whilst long cut tends to be drier and therefore more brittle – generating more dust.

A medium cut hay, at greater than 75% dry matter and gathered before being rained upon will present a low dust/low spore product and should not exacerbate RAO. Haylage would seem to be an obvious alternative to hay as it has extremely low dust and mycotoxin, due to its processing.

However it does tend to have high pollen and moderate spores.

Ideally then, if you have access to grazing, then a winter outdoors will avoid all this dust.

However, cold weather can cause cell inflammation and mucus production in the airways and so this can be as much a problem as being indoors!

So, with the dust potential for hay being totally confusing,

how best to feed the horse in winter? As always, it’s mainly a matter of common sense. Those parameters that add to the problems of dust – spores, fungal toxins – are also not what we want from a nutritional point of view. Therefore hay that seems a bit musty, smells a bit off or has some bloom on it is not good for gut or throat.

Beyond that we need to be a bit more choosy.

Where possible use hay from the less mature grass - early cuts, hay that is medium cut, from rectangular rather than round bales. Think about the weather around cutting time. Was the cut grass able to dry quickly, or did it get wet? What dry matter is it?

Basically then a good quality hay, soaked to reduce dust, will provide a nutritionally sound forage base and a low irritant factor for the airways. However soaking for more than 30 minutes can significantly reduce sodium, potassium and phosphorus content. Conversely haylage with its inherently low dust levels should work as well although the high levels and range of pollens may increase the allergenic potential for some horses.

Beyond this we should be providing products that can partially replace these main forage sources, and so further reduce the irritants.

Products such as beet pulp will naturally have low levels of pollen and fungal toxins, and the excessive washing during sugar extraction will further reduce contaminants. With Speedi-Beet the micronization part of the process will also knock out microbial spores making a clean product which, when fed soaked will be totally dust free. Pelleted alfalfa has been shown to have significantly less dust than hay, and when incorporated into a product such as Fibre-Beet that has a similar digestive profile to grass will certainly help .

So a soaked (30 minute) hay or haylage will give you a low dust product, and partial replacement with Speedi-Beet or Fibre-Beet will further reduce potential irritants, such as fungal toxins, spores and pollen, whilst maintaining a good level of nutrition over winter.

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

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Horse Xxxxxxxxxx Behaviour

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HORSE BEHAVIOUR - Speaking the language part 16

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. The glossary description is given in quotation marks, followed by Susan’s discussion.)

BIT: ‘An apparatus usually consisting of metal or other hard substances or a combination of both. It is positioned in the diastema of the horse’s mouth and connected to the reins. As a result of tension in the reins, this apparatus places pressure on the lips, tongue and bars of the horse’s mouth and results in the horse learning to stop/slow/ step-back and turn, through the processes of negative reinforcement and classical conditioning.’

that the horse will learn how to respond to the bit by means of them will only be true if they are carried out correctly. Even today, most conventionally trained instructors do not understand them because they are not systematically taught about them, so it is no surprise that many horses and ponies have ‘mouth problems’, a good many of which are, in practice, problems of confusion and pain due to poor training.

Thousands of words have been written on the subject of bits and bitting. It seems to be one of the most popular subjects in the horse world, probably because it is generally believed that if you find the right bit for your horse all your riding problems will vanish into thin air and your horse will be transformed. In practice, of course, this doesn’t quite pan out but it is true that the horse must be comfortable in his mouth if he is to go kindly and well, and that a bit that suits one horse may well not suit his very similar neighbour and vice versa. It is also true that he must understand thoroughly the meaning of bit aids (pressures) and that his rider must give them consistently correctly if the horse is to respond accurately, reliably and confidently.

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manufacturer’s agent has advised it for their horse or, worst of all, because their favourite celebrity rider uses it.

GOING BITLESS

At this point it is worth mentioning bitless bridles. One very popular design is the crossover bitless bridle designed by Professor Robert Cook, FRCVS. Others are plain sidepull bridles, the Scawbrig, the Blair or English hackamore, the American bosal or hackamore and others. I BITTING: ‘Accustoming a horse have tried various bitless bridles halting or turning in response to to having a bit in its mouth or the on all sorts of horses over a period pressure from the bit] are elicited selection of the most appropriate bit from more subtle versions of the of about 50 years and have usually for a horse.’ found that horses are much better same signal or to entirely new signals Negative reinforcement is described [such as seat aids].’ balanced and lighter in hand with a in the glossary as ‘The subtraction simple, comfortable bit than in any THE descriptions above don’t [removal] of something aversive kind of bitless bridle. The exceptions need much explanation. The (such as pressure) to reward the are horses correctly schooled to High diastema is the space in the horse’s desired response and thus lower the School standard who go in selfmouth between the front teeth and motivational drive (Skinner 1953).’ carriage and work from body aids the cheek or back teeth where there Classical conditioning is and so need very slight bit pressure, are no teeth, known as the bars, and described as ‘The process whereby and those with some mouth injury is very convenient for us horsemen the unconditioned or conditioned or abnormality in the conformation and women, if not for horses, as it response becomes elicited from a of jaw and/or teeth. provides an ideal place for a bit. The conditioned stimulus (Pavlov, 1927). mention of negative reinforcement Proponents of bitless bridles In equitation it is the process where can be very vociferous in their and classical conditioning will be learned responses [such as slowing, support of them and blame bits explained below but the statement for most of a horse’s behavioural problems under saddle, claiming that they cause pain without riders actually realising it, prevent horses swallowing their saliva, create fear FACTS AND FANTASIES There are various old and true sayings and many other difficulties. In practice, of course, the behavioural about bits, such as: ‘There is a key to ti dnuof syawla evah dna snoisacco larevery evehorse’s s nmouth’, o en‘Most il ec ivareda ru oy dascribed esu e ahareInot “ the problems tov bits bits fault of the bit itself: they are the seinop gnitaeb sessalc gninniw llits si made dnafordmen’s lo-heads, sranot eyhorses’ -62 si t reB .lufpleh y rev mouths’ and ‘The bit is less important fault of the rider who has chosen, hands dralliG hpetS ”!regnthan uothe ys raeonythe0other 2 oend t pu fitted and is using the bit.

Unfortunately today it is the of the reins’. Conversely, there are firmly ingrained and widespread other traditional beliefs about bits practice to ride horses on much too and bitting, taught as standard facts, ylrwhich edlehave )gbeen k05proved 4( hh .41 a roffirm em iger dIteisealso f lathe cipractice pyT a contact. by2rigorous as and reliable modern scientific research for riders not to be trained -:ynfully op or completely as was usually the to be fallacies. decades ago and to think about One of the main problems with .egalyah ro yah ytilaucase q do og bil da sulp gnizarG the effects on the horse of what they supplying and fitting a bit to any believe, horse or pony is that :gnwe inicannot atnoc hcaeare - ydoing, ad repartly, p sdeI e f owtbecause sulP stfienourselves eb eht feel senwhat ibmthe oc(horse recnisalaB deeofFthe roiclosure neS cof epmany SpoTof gour 52better 2 • our modern feeling with it in his mouth. We )tnemelppus tnioj ariding htiwschools recnabut labalso dee f a fo desire to want everything quickly can only imagine how it must hc sand sarthis g tfleads os eto lbathe talap yreand v( stosa pohCptooTwork g00for 3 • berG unwilling feel ptoohim ) s e s s a l o m

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seimaginative irolac ’gniand taeH -noN‘( sebuC noias tidan noacademic ClooC subject fo gk1involving ot pU • sentient inaccurate gnidtheories rocca to deexplain tsujda ytitnauanother q ,nieto rp htiicreature. w decnalab If a horse is trained properly over things. True, we can tell to some )noitidnoc ot time by a competent trainer to go extent whether it ‘works’ or is on a light contact in self-balance in comfortable by how the horse all gaits, a bit of any material in his goes in it but unfortunately and ® mouth via which the trainer gives amazingly many people clearly him aids will not cause pain if the do not even think about it. Very mouth is healthy and the bit fitted often, they use a certain type of ESIMORP MOC TU OHTifIW ETAuses ERC correctly.

Only theDrider it bit because they have read some stsinoiwith tirtuntoo enifirm uqe daepressure, cneirepxeinyab harsh marketing material about it, because way such as the sawing movement their friend’s horse goes well in commonly seen, with unrelenting it, because ‘everyone on the yard’ rof renniW drauses wA elpittheir luM strong contact, or to help him or it, because instructor has told them to use it, because the (continued on page 18)

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Xxxxxxxxxx Tack & Bitting (continued from page 16) her keep in balance or even in the saddle, will the horse be caused pain and injury. I do not doubt that horses may well not like wearing a bit just as many humans do not like wearing dentures, but pain does not have to be part of the scenario.

Similarly, if the horse is trained, and allowed, to go lightly and in selfbalance with his head in such a posture that his throat area is not cramped and constricted or his tongue pressed down hard in his mouth so that he cannot move it (necessary to the swallowing action), he will have no problem being able to swallow his saliva. The sight of horses, usually dressage horses, splashed with their own frothy saliva which they cannot swallow is a fairly new one; this was not seen until a couple of decades ago when the inhumane fashions for numbing bit contact, hoisted-up bits and crushingly tight nosebands became viewed as necessary and correct.

If a rider needs or wants to hang on to a horse’s head and does not have the skill or desire to use a bit sensitively, I agree that a bitless bridle is best for the horse although the consequent pressure on the noseband and elsewhere cannot be very pleasant for him or make clear aids possible.

A lot of valuable research has been going on regarding bits and bitting for the last couple of decades, not least by Dr Hilary Clayton who, after all her efforts, says, I understand, that ‘finding the right bit is more a matter of trial and error than a scientific process’. If you Google Dr Clayton, you will find screens of information about her work, which despite her comment is enlightening and invaluable to those who don’t want fantasy-type theories about bits and bitting. Then, if you Google Professor Robert Cook you will find his pro-bitless views expressed clearly and in no uncertain terms, with hard-hitting photos of the horrific injuries suffered by horses via bits used by what my classical trainer of the 80s, Dési Lorent, used to call ‘devils on horseback’.

You might be interested to know that during a scientific study of hyperflexion (which was confirmed to cause horses acute stress even to those accustomed to being ridden this way), it was found that experienced riders involved in a rein tension/bit contact experiment were unwilling to ride with long reins as they felt they could neither balance nor control their horses when they did so, and that the rein contact on horses being ridden either in a competition outline or in hyperflexion was above the maximum 5 kg detection limit on the rein tension meter for a lot of the time. Both observations are evidence of competitive dressage horses being held in an

outline rather than trained to be in self-carriage. Disgraceful. I understand the experimental horses were wearing snaffle bits. When we consider the considerable leverage force applied to the mouth by curb bits and chains, the pain suffered by the horses of such riders must be truly excruciating.

NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT

To explain this expression, ‘negative’ is used in the scientific sense, so means ‘subtraction’ or ‘removal’. When giving any aid we apply pressure to some

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Tack & Bitting

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part of the horse – pressure from both sides of the bit asks the horse to slow down, stop or rein back, and from one side of the bit, basically, it asks the horse to turn that way. When we squeeze or tap with our legs, we ask the horse to move forward or, with one leg, to move away from that leg.

The best equitation is simple because that’s how horses understand and learn best. Therefore, when we give an aid and the horse responds correctly, we must stop giving the aid the instant we get our response or the horse will not understand that he has done the right thing and will become confused.

So, if we ask the horse with the bit to slow down and he does so, we must stop the aid/remove the pressure, so th at the horse learns that he has done the right thing. Similarly with the legs – squeeze or tap, the horse goes forward, stop squeezing or tapping.

We have all heard ad nauseam that we should ‘drive the horse up to the bit’ or ‘into your hand’ which is giving the horse a ‘go’ and a ‘slow/stop’ request at the same moment. Reputable scientific research has confirmed that horses cannot cope with that (and neither can humans!), so become confused, insensitive and difficult or disappointing to ride. Use ‘hands without legs and legs without hands’, a saying founded in classicism and proven and adopted by equitation science.

CLASSICAL CONDITIONING

This is simply the term for horses becoming ‘used’ to particular aids and therefore responding to them quicker and lighter – provided they understand them, of course. The aids can be gradually changed, such as by seat aids taking over from the bit for halting and slowing down. For example, if your horse has learned to slow down from a light bit pressure (with no accompanying, conflicting leg aids driving him on, of course), you can accompany the bit aid with a seat aid, such as sitting still rather than moving your seat with his back, for instance. Pretty soon, you will only need the seat aid to slow down or stop.

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 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, co-founder 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. www.equi-ads.com

Equi_Ads_Oct_National_Rev2.indd 19

It’s all about the horses Purpose made Natural Hygienic Economical

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25/09/2013 12:12

Feeding • News

New trial shows SPILLERS® Conditioning Feeds make a difference in just two weeks N New British Showjumping Rainsheet W

ith the unpredictable British weather the new Rainsheet is a ‘must have’ for all horse and pony owners.

The Rainsheet is available with, and without an integral neckcover, and is lined with navy 220g polar fleece and bound with red binding and reflective piping. Other features include a fillet string and a large Velcro front fastening which makes the rug easy to put on and take off.

The British Showjumping logo is embroidered at the front of the rug.

It is available in sizes: 4’6” to 7’3” and is priced at £49.99 without neckcover, £59.99 with neckcover. For more information visit www. equestrian.com

Ladies Pro Dot Riding Shirt A

bold athlete deserves a bold look, and the Parelli Ladies Pro Dot Short-Sleeve Riding Top delivers!

Inspired by the daring patterns and athletic fits of English riding wear, this 100% Polyester shortsleeve top offers unmatched comfort and style and is a flattering addition to any wardrobe.

With a reinforced collar, a ¾ length zipper and the Parelli horse head logo included on the front left, the Parelli Ladies Pro Dot Short-Sleeve Riding Top has both durability and flair.

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20 | October 2013

Equi_Ads_Oct_National_Rev2.indd 20

Available in the colours Black and Brown, in sizes XS, S, M, L and XL. For further information please contact Parelli Natural Horsemanship on 02476 692 888 or visit www.parelli.com

Stable Fresh

ew feed trials have shown that eight out of ten horse owners saw SPILLERS® Conditioning Cubes and SPILLERS® Conditioning Mix improve condition in their horses in two weeks without causing excitability.

The original recipe of SPILLERS® Conditioning Cubes was first launched in 1968 and the product has been continually developed and improved ever since. Always keen to ensure their products live up to the highest expectations of quality and performance, the trusted feed manufacturer conducted the trial earlier this year, for their current popular duo of conditioning feeds.

The rigorous trial involved 65 horse owners each feeding either SPILLERS® Conditioning Cubes or SPILLERS® Conditioning Mix to their horses over six weeks. Every owner had to complete a detailed survey at the beginning, middle and end of the trial and to supply before and after pictures of their horse. The results revealed that eight of ten trial participants firmly believe SPILLERS® Conditioning Cubes and SPILLERS® Conditioning Mix can improve condition in two weeks without causing excitability.

“Naz has had ongoing weight issues,” said Sharon Smith of her 15.2hh Arab x Welsh gelding. “Within three weeks there was a massive improvement in his condition and people on the yard just couldn’t believe he was the same horse. I could not recommend this feed highly enough, although it was not the sort of feed I would have ever entertained with his excitability it has made no difference to his temperament. I would definitely put him on it during the winter.”

SPILLERS® launched the first equine compound feed in the form of SPILLERS® Horse & Pony Cubes in 1958. Since then SPILLERS® has been committed to ensuring they provide the very best possible products for the nation’s horses and ponies and that every product stands up to the claims made on the pack.

Many riders worry about the fizz-factor that some higher starch feeds may contribute to but with SPILLERS® Conditioning Cubes and SPILLERS® Conditioning Mix there’s no need for worry. They provide extra non-heating calories and extra shine thanks to the inclusion of rapeseed oil, while a perfect balance of vitamins and minerals supports long-term health and wellbeing.

For friendly feeding advice please telephone the SPILLERS CareLine on + 44 (0)1908 226626 or visit the SPILLERS® website at www.spillers-feeds.com.

Stable Fresh is a dry disinfectant that can be used around the stable and yard and in horseboxes, and trailers.

The powder freshens floors, eats odours, removes ammonia smells and is also anti-viral, antifungal and antibacterial. It works on concrete and matting and can be used as often as required. As this is a dry product, it also has the advantage of not requiring any drying time, so it’s ideal for busy horse owners.

Stable Fresh is available in 2.5 kg, 5 kg and 10 kg bags with prices starting from £14.99.

Microlat Disinfectant

Microlat Stable Disinfectant is supplied in

a concentrated form with one litre making 260 litres of ready to use product.

Made from essential oils, Microlat is extremely safe to use and very effective when it comes to providing a hygienic stable environment. It’s fungicidal, bactericidal and virucidal and can be used on flooring, in cases of ringworm and for other skin conditions when diluted correctly. In addition, Microlat can be sprayed into the air space where it acts on dust bearing bacteria.

Microlat Stable Disinfectant is available in 250 ml, 1 L and 5 L bottles and prices start from £8.35.

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

25/09/2013 12:12

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

Equi_Ads_Oct_National_Rev2.indd 21

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

25/09/2013 12:12

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For a FREE fact sheet on laminitis, or to find out how Fast Fibre® could benefit your horse or pony, contact our friendly, award-winning, nutrition helpline today on 01362 822 902, email helpline@allenandpage.co.uk or visit www.allenandpage.com Recent guidelines have suggested that horses and ponies suffering from laminitis, or those prone to, or susceptible to laminitis, must be fed a balanced diet that contains less than 1g starch/kg BW/meal.

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Equi_Ads_Oct_National_Rev2.indd 22

25/09/2013 12:12

Healthcare Clipping fever

FIRST

AID FOR YOUR HORSE

Health care advice

by Nicky Moffat Clipping clever

Need some help deciding which clip to go for? Here are some important considerations to make.

Bib clip (hair removed from the chest area): Perfect for horses who live out and who will only be in light work.

Trace clip (hair removed along the bottom lengths of the body, from the quarters to the jaw: Ideal if your horse lives out and will be doing light to moderate work.

Blanket clip (Like a trace clip, but the whole of the neck hair is also removed): Great for horses in moderate work. If your horse lives out you will need to invest in good rugs.

Chaser clip (Hair removed from the stifle to the poll in a diagonal line): An alternative to a blanket clip and ideal for horses in moderate work.

Hunter clip (everything but a saddle patch and the legs are removed): Ideal for horses who live in at night and are in hard work, such as eventers or hunters.

Full clip (all the hair is removed): For those in hard work as above.

Removing hair from the legs can look smarter and prevents mud clogging up in the hair.

Feet first

Changing weather can take its toll on our horses’ hooves. Here are some top tips to help them stay healthy as winter approaches.

Pick feet out regularly and check for any objects which may have become wedged, such as stones. Keep an eye out for nasty smelling feet, which could be a sign of thrush.

Make sure your horse’s feet are regularly attended to by a farrier. Hooves need shoeing or trimming every four to six weeks.

Ensure your horse has access to a dry area to stand in, such as a field shelter, yard or stable. Try to avoid sudden changes from very wet to very dry conditions as this can cause the onset of cracks.

Avoid riding too fast on hard or boggy ground and stick to good going where possible.

Invest in a good hoof supplement or dressing if necessary. Your farrier will be the best person to advise you on which products are best.

Feel regularly for any signs of heat in the hooves and get to know what’s normal for your horse’s feet temperature.

Keep stable bedding dry and fresh to avoid the risk of thrush.

BE PREPARED WITH THE NETTEX WOUND CARE RANGE Nettex offer a comprehensive range of wound care products for every situation to cleanse, protect and repair.

Surgical washes and topical preparations, sprays, creams, dressings, bandages and maintenance products designed to allow you to manage all minor wound care situations; cuts, grazes and bruising, concussion, puncture wounds, strains and support.

Don’t just take our word for it, scan the QR code to see our products in action or visit www.nettexequine.com

Dietary matters

As the end of the summer competition season arrives, you may need to review your horse’s dietary needs. Here are some points to consider.

If you’re changing to a less heating feed because you will be cutting down on your horse’s workload, ensure you make any changes gradually to avoid upsetting the horse’s gut.

Reduce energy in the feed before you reduce exercise, otherwise you could end up with a very fresh horse or one who’s at risk of developing azoturia (tying up). (continued on page 24) www.equi-ads.com

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www.nettexequine.com

WOUND CARE

25/09/2013 12:12

Xxxxxxxxxx Healthcare

HORSES INSIDE OUT - The Anatomy of Muscles

by Gillian Higgins. Part 3.

Stress free horse

Dietary matters

(continued from page 23) Always choose good quality hay or haylage and soak or steam hay where necessary to avoid the horse ingesting dust.

Little and often is always the best way to feed your horse, so try to give him smaller feeds at least twice a day, rather than one big feed. If he’s stabled more, then pay careful attention to the amount of energy he is getting and consider changing to a less heating feed.

Balancers are a good way of ensuring your horse gets all the nutrients he needs without the extra calories or energy. Talk to one of the feed companies’ nutritionists for more advice.

Stress-free horses

Are you doing everything you can to keep your horse happy and healthy?

Horses don’t want much out of life. They simply thrive on feeling safe, with survival being top of their list. First and foremost it is essential that you provide your horse with all the essentials he needs in order to survive. These are: Water.

Shelter.

Food.

Friends. Horses feel much safer in groups and would never live on their own in the wild.

In the wild horses will roam several miles in a day and graze along the way. Try to mimic this natural lifestyle as much as possible by providing large turnout areas and feeding him little and often. Spreading hay piles around the field will encourage him to move around more.

It’s also important to ensure that your horse isn’t being bullied by anyone in the field and that he’s happy in his herd and knows his place in the pecking order.

A stressed horse can develop behavioural problems, such as fence walking or crib biting, or even physical disorders, such as stomach ulcers, so it’s really important to give him a happy stress-free lifestyle where possible.

Feet first

HOW IT ALL BEGAN ‘CLASSICAL ORIGINS’, comprising The Baroque Breeds by Liz McCurley and Masters of Equitation by Robert Smith QC These two major and popular series from Tracking-up are now available in this 32-page, A4 booklet. Together they cover the origins of classical riding, its evolution and purposes, the breeds of horse and the people who developed it, and its increasing importance in the horse world of today.

For your copy, clearly print your name, address and ‘CO’ on the back of a cheque for £6.17, payable to ‘Tracking-up’, and post it to Anne Wilson, Park End House, Robins Folly, Thurleigh, Beds., MK44 2EQ 24 | October 2013

Equi_Ads_Oct_National_Rev2.indd 24

This is the last in a three-part series about the horse’s muscular system, where in her usual applied and practical style, Gillian introduces us to this fascinating subject using her unique painted horse photographs. Gillian spends hours painting horses with different anatomical structures and systems, often colour co-ordinating muscles per their action, to help bring anatomy and biomechanics to life in a way we can all easily relate to.

In this last part Gillian will look at how we can apply the anatomical information about the muscular system to training for the good of our horse’s comfort and performance.

Gillian is an equine sports and remedial therapist specialising in muscles.

With a background in human therapy her ethos is strongly based around muscle function and balance. “To enable good performance, expression of movement, suppleness, flexibility and range of movement muscles need to be working together in balance. Muscles need to be appropriately strong and supple for ideal movement and way of going.” Says Gillian. “To help balance the muscular system we need to have a good understanding of the muscles, their anatomy, function and biomechanics. Muscles that have a tendency to become tight and sore require regular stretching and muscles that have a tendency to be ineffective, slow to support, long or weak benefit from regular strengthening exercises. Knowing what to strengthen and what to stretch comes from study of the musculoskeletal system, movement and experience.”

The Benefits of a Well Conditioned Muscular System

Caption: Strong, healthy and well defined muscles enable the horse look good, feel good and perform with ease, accuracy and flair. This improves posture, power, balance and precision, makes the horse gallop faster, jump higher and sustain pace for longer all with a reduced risk of injury.

How Muscles Adapt to Training

Muscle is the most adaptive tissue in the body. It adapts to training and contractions become more efficient by: • increasing the number, size and type of muscle fibres • increasing the number of capillaries within the muscles which increase blood flow and nutrients • increasing the storage capacity of oxygen and efficient removal of waste • increasing the number of mitochondria within the cells which provide the power for the muscle fibres to contract • increasing the number and activity of muscle enzymes required for respiration • increasing the ability to store glycogen.

• improving aerobic and anaerobic respiration capacity which allows the horse to work longer and faster www.equi-ads.com

25/09/2013 12:12

Healthcare • engaging in exercise which incorporates isometric, concentric, and eccentric muscle contractions.

This will lead to improved muscle coordination, strength, speed and endurance.

Muscles Develop Slowly

A strong muscular system goes hand in hand with a well conditioned cardiovascular system. One cannot be improved with out the other.

Conditioning muscles relies on a consistent progressive planned programme. Muscle changes occur slowly, taking 4- 12 weeks depending upon age, breed, fitness and condition. Asking too much too soon in the form of speed, distance and carrying weight for long periods, results in fatigued, sore or damaged muscles which delays the conditioning programme and is counterproductive. Once established muscle condition usually last for several weeks. Missing 1 or 2 weeks training due to minor injury does not affect overall muscular fitness in the same way as it does with human athletes.

RELIEVE

THE FATIGUE

Muscles must be trained for:

Endurance Long slow distance work (LSD) using aerobic respiration develops muscular endurance which enables muscles to sustain performance at sub maximal levels. This is essential for all horses in all disciplines especially for eventing and endurance horses. Time and distance must be extended gradually, moving on to the next stage only when current targets are met. This ensures progressive muscle loading without overtaxing a muscle. For a horse coming back into work, 15 minutes a day walking is a good starting point. Add 10 minutes a day gradually introducing trot and some canter work. The aim is to achieve 45 minutes of mixed gait work easily. It is important at this stage to condition all muscles equally to avoid putting strain on any particular part. LSD can take place out hacking or in an arena. Correct nutrition in the form of a balanced high energy diet is essential in supporting the muscles and the prevention of muscle disorders.

Strength Muscular strength is important for stability, balance, posture, weight carrying capacity, control, accuracy of movement and performance.

Strengthening exercises result in joint stability, improved muscle tone and an increase in number of muscle fibres which increases muscle bulk, power and strength. Strength training should be part of a structured conditioning programme. In order to avoid fatigue and allow muscles time to recover it is important not to perform strength training sessions more than 2 or 3 times per week.

General muscle strengthening is accomplished with short bursts of a varied high-intensity exercises such as:• Hill work, including transitions, lateral work and rein back both up and down hill • Raised pole work progressively increasing height at walk and trot.

• Performing half steps, piaffe and passage.

• Gymnastic jumping including grids, related distances and progressively widening and heightening the obstacles.

• Working on a loose deep surface. This must be approached gradually to reduce the risk of injury to muscles, tendons and ligaments.

• Riding through water or long grass which encourages the horse to lift the legs clear and make the muscles work harder through the effect of drag Following a general muscular fitness programme, discipline specific movements are the most effective form of muscle strength training.

FORMULATED TO REPLACE VITAL SALTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR The Nettex Electrolyte range has been formulated to replace vital salts that are lost through any form of sweating brought on from strenuous exercise such as hunting, travelling or stress related conditions.

Not just for summer, electrolytes can be used throughout the year to reduce the build-up of lactic acid that can lead to muscle fatigue, muscle cramps and tying up. For performance at an affordable price, trust Nettex.

Don’t just take our word for it, scan the QR code to see our products in action or visit www.nettexequine.com

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Equi_Ads_Oct_National_Rev2.indd 25

E L E C T R O LY T E S

25/09/2013 12:12

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Co-ordination

Well coordinated muscles work consistently, efficiently and accurately, improve posture and physical performance and reduce the risk of soreness and injury; dressage movements become well orchestrated and jumping more accurate. Muscle coordination and recruitment patterns are improved by repetition. This forges neural pathways which then improve muscle coordination and efficiency in an upward spiral. It is more productive to practise a new movement for 10 minutes every other day rather than for an hour once a week. Co ordination can be improved by practising cross country jumps such as a series of steps, sunken roads, banks, offset rails and ditch rail ditch on a regular basis.

Suppleness

They Only Improve With Time!

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A supple horse like a supple person can move with ease, enjoy flexibility and a wide range of movement and be less prone to strain. This feel good factor contributes to concentration, cooperation, trainability and ‘joie de vivre’. A combination of strength, coordination and suppleness results in the horse moving with relaxation, rhythm, contact, impulsion, straightness, collection, balance and flexion. This enables him to demonstrate submission, cadence and throughness necessary for well executed dressage movements, accurate and flowing jumping and symmetrical muscle development.

Suppleness exercises which increase range of movement, athletic ability and technical skills can be enhanced by: • Taking the joints and muscles through a full range of movement on a regular basis.

• Spending 5 -10 minutes performing suppling exercises for warm up and cool down. This is particularly important if focussing on strength training interspersing strength and fast work with flexibility sessions.

• Performing ridden active stretches.

• Varying head and neck positions using a forwards and down outline and lateral flexion.

• •Lateral suppling work such as leg yield, shoulder in and travers incorporating varying degrees of angle and bend.

• Stretch work and flexibility exercises on the lunge.

• Agility work both ridden and in hand such as bending exercises and stepping over raised poles.

• Turning the horse out where he can constantly move, roll, bite flies, scratch and stretch will enhance suppleness. Stabled horses have less opportunities to move and can be more prone to stiffness

Performing a wide range of passive and active stretches will enhance suppleness

26 | October 2013

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www.equi-ads.com

25/09/2013 12:13

Xxxxxxxxxx Healthcare Speed

Fast work increases the rate of muscular contractions as well as coordination and mental reactions.

Once a horse can trot or canter easily for about an hour, this includes hill work, he is ready to start fast work. Once every 4 days is ideal. This allows the stores of glycogen used in anaerobic exercise to be replenished. It also speeds up the rate of muscular contractions and increases the number of fast twitch fibre types.

Begin by galloping for about 100 yards then gradually increase the distance returning to walk through canter and trot. This also allows the lactic acid produced as a by product of anaerobic respiration to disperse. During fast work about 20% of energy from food is converted into heat which improves muscle contractions. The rest is dissipated. If the muscles overheat due to environmental conditions or the inability of the body to cool through evaporation, or convection this will expose the muscles to fatigue, exhaustion and risk of injury.

Practical Application

• Maintain a good posture to encourage balance between the antagonistic muscle chains.

• Train for strength, endurance, suppleness, skill, speed.

• Plan a structured programme.

• Vary work and include cross training to add variety and ensure all round suppleness, balance, rhythm and muscle development.

This will avoid overuse of particular muscle groups and prevent repetitive strain type injuries.

• Include athletic event specific training.

• Warm-up thoroughly to allow the muscles to be at the optimum temperature for performance.

• Cool Down slowly to reduce the risk of delayed onset of muscle soreness.

• To promote the use of fast twitch fibres make sure all work is active and steps marching even just walking in from the field.

• Include ridden, passive and active stretches.

• Regular Massage is an excellent way to monitor and maintain healthy muscles as well as helping the muscles relax and reduce tension.

• Allow plenty of time for rehabilitation, recovery and retraining following muscle injury.

• Feed enough protein for essential amino acids important for muscle development and function.

• Keep tired muscles warm • Regular turnout reduces the risk of muscle

WIN WIN A FREE COPY OF HORSES INSIDE OUT –THE DVD PILATES FOR HORSES

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hat is the title of Dr Wilfried Bechtolsheimer’s talk and the 2014 Horses Inside Out Conference in Gloucestershire in February?

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stiffness • Daily walk work is particularly important for stabled horses.

This is an extract from Horse Anatomy for Performance by Gillian Higgins and Stephanie Martin. For this and other Horses Inside Out Books and Videos please visit www.HorsesInsideOut.com . Look out for part four of Horses Inside Out – The Anatomy of Muscles next month.

Would you like to hear about Horses Inside Out events in your area? If so email Gillian@ horsesinsideout.com with your name and county and reference EquiAds.

FORTHCOMING HORSES INSIDE OUT EVENTS

5th/6th October 2013 – 2 Day Applied Anatomy and Biomechanics Course – Moulton College, Northamptonshire 13th November 3013 – Evening Video Talk Riding from the Anatomical Perspective – Bunny, Nottingham 14th November 2013 – Evening Video Talk Riding from the Anatomical Perspective – RAU, Cirencester 16th November 2013 – Head and Neck Dissection – Hartpury College, Gloucestershire 7th December 2013 – Spine Dissection – Hartpury College, Gloucestershire 22nd/23rd February 2014 – The Back and Beyond, Annual Conference – RAU, Gloucestershire Details for these events and more can be found at www.HorsesInsideOut.com

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

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Equi_Ads_Oct_National_Rev2.indd 27

October 2013 | 27

25/09/2013 12:13

Reader competition

WIN!

Over £500 worth of prizes from Blue Chip

1 winner will win • A Blue Chip balancer of choice • A Blue Chip Supplement of choice • A Blue Chip Fleece rug 2nd place to receive:

• A Blue Chip balancer of choice • A diamante saddlecloth

3rd and 4th place to receive: • A Blue Chip supplement of choice • A diamante saddlecloth

30x runners up to each receive: • A £10 money off voucher • A baseball cap

To Enter simply answer the following question: Which Blue Chip balancer is perfect for horses and ponies in light to medium work?

To have the chance of winning these great prizes, please email your answer to the above question to stephanie@equiads.net or post it with your name, address and telephone number to Blue Chip Competition, Equi-Ads Ltd.,126 Derby Road, Long Eaton, Notts. NG10 4LS.

For more information on Blue Chip call 0114 2666200 or visit www.bluechipfeed.com or facebook.com/bluechipfeed

Blue Chip Original – The perfect feed balancer for horses and ponies in light to medium work.

Blue Chip Pro – The performance feed balancer for competition horses and veterans.

Blue Chip Lami-light – The low calorie, low sugar, low starch feed balancer ideal for laminitis prone horses and ponies, good do-ers or those who are over-weight.

All the Blue Chip balancers are whole-cereal and molasses free making them very low in sugar and starch and all include a complete hoof and respiratory formula, a natural, fruit-derived form of Vitamin E and the revolutionary ingredient Nucleotides.

Blue Chip Dynamic – Pelleted joint and bone supplement ideal for elderly horses and youngstock to help produce strong, dense bone.

Blue Chip Joint RLF – Liquid joint supplement that includes the powerful rosehip extract Rosa canina which helps reduce inflammation.

Blue Chip Garliq – Concentrated, pure liquid garlic.

Blue Chip Karma – 100% natural liquid calmer, perfect for daily use.

Blue Chip AppleCalm and CarrotCalm syringes – The same ingredients that are in Blue Chip Karma, in a concentrated syringe, ideal for one-off use such as at a competing, travelling, clipping etc.

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 Thursday 31st October 2013.

The winner will be drawn on Thursday 7th November 2013 and contacted after the closing date. Prizes can only be delivered to UK mainland. No cash alternative will be offered.

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25/09/2013 25/09/2013 12:13 09:00

BCcond

The key to condition

“I use Blue Chip Pro to maximise my horse’s performance. It helps to develop their muscle structure, which is essential for Grand Prix level. Just one mug in each feed keeps them in top condition and looking amazing all year round.”

“Blue Chip Original kept amazing condition on Whitakers Prince throughout the year, and gave him the edge he needed to win Champion Riding Horse of The Year at HOYS 2012.”

“I feed Blue Chip Pro to my eventers to aid their performance, stamina, muscle tone and overall health. Pro keeps them all in top condition, 2012 was an amazing year and the results speak for themselves.

Thank you Blue Chip.”

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Feed Blue Chip Original up to novice level then feed Blue Chip Pro when work becomes more demanding.

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Collect 8 Blue Chip Loyalty points and get your 9th Blue Chip product absolutely free. Loyalty points are available on all Blue Chip sacks (Original, Pro, Lamilight and Dynamic) and all Blue Chip liquid supplements (Joint RLF, Karma and Garliq). For more info see www.bluechipfeed.com/loyalty

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Photography by Roberto Cubeddu (Danielle Heath), Bob Langrish (Tina Cook)

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06/06/2013 25/09/2013 14:46 12:13

Healthcare Xxxxxxxxxx • News

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Lucy, who was a former member of Carl Hester’s team has had many successes under her own name including numerous national titles and with the new sponsor, Lucy is looking forward to the future: “We initially trialed Aloeride on a horse which had terrible dermatitis on his legs and the recovery was incredible. We have seen improved coat condition and the horses just seem to shine from within. From a stable management point of view we try and keep everything simple. The far-reaching health benefits of feeding Aloeride will ensure that our horses will feel and look their best all year around, allowing us to focus on our busy competition schedule, assured they are getting the very best supplementary support.”

Lucy joins other ‘Team Aloeride’ affiliates: show rider and producer Loraine Homer, eventer Victoria Bax and natural horsemanship expert Jason Webb. Aloeride RRP: £55.20 (1 x months supply) www.aloeride. co.uk 01858 464550

A wonderful Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Fungal product to help protect vulnerable areas. Loosens scabs naturally and helps to soothe weakened, pink, scabby areas.

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www.equi-ads.com 09/11/2011 11:46 25/09/2013 12:13

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Telephone: 01909 735000 or www.robinsonhealthcare.com October 2013 | 31

25/09/2013 12:13

Xxxxxxxxxx Healthcare

Mud rash – what is that again?

Richard Knight BVetMed MRCVS on behalf of Peter Fenton Equine Vets

Y

ou could be forgiven for forgetting all about Dermatophilus infection ( mud rash and rain scald ) given the sunny, warm summer that we have all experienced this year, however unusual it is. Unfortunately this will, all too soon, be the dark and miserable British winter time, an unenviable mix of wet and cold.

For horse owners this will bring the inevitable, repetitive battle with our winter time woes, one of which is dermatophilosis or infection of the skin with the bacteria Dermatophilus congolensis, commonly referred to as mud rash, mud fever, rain scald and a few other terms. This is a frustrating and, sometimes, seemingly unavoidable infection that affects a large number of horses and ponies whenever the weather is wet and the ground muddy, which can be a large proportion of the year in the UK. This means that it is our responsibility as owners to understand the disease and manage our horses better in order that we do our best to avoid this infection that causes skin damage, swelling of limbs, pain, time out of work and scarring in severe cases.

So, we have already mentioned that this is a bacterial skin infection that is seen commonly in the wetter periods of the year. It predominantly

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affects the skin of the distal limbs around the pasterns or over the top of the back, especially towards the rump. It is recognised by repeated scabbing of the area that removes a patch of hair when picked off, often referred to as “paint brush” lesions due to the appearance of a group of hairs held together by scab resembling the head of a paint brush. The infection occurs in the wetter weather when water and mud are in constant contact with the skin and this is because it can only survive in an environment that has reduced oxygen, i.e. when the skin is wet then no air can get to the skin surface and the bacteria will reproduce and create an area of infection. This infection then creates the scab which takes over the job of excluding the oxygen from the skin surface and perpetuates the infection.

There are some horses that seem to be affected more easily than others and these commonly include horses with pink skin, reduced protection due to frequent bathing, underlying disease like PPID ( Cushings disease ) or animals that are simply left out continuously in bad weather conditions will inevitably succumb at some point. Obviously some of these things are out of our control like the colour of a horses skin! However, the amount of turnout a horse has is in the direct control of the owner and no one else so can be limited as is necessary; and underlying diseases can be recognised and treated successfully

Ulcers

which would greatly improve the overall health of the horse and not just reduce the risk of dermatophilosis.

The two most common reasons I see for this infection are inappropriate amounts of turnout in bad weather and horses with PPID that get all kinds of infection much more easily until they are treated. There has to be a recognition by owners that it is turning horses out in bad weather that causes this problem that can be painful, costly and time consuming to treat.

There are also some other diseases that can appear similar to the untrained eye and need very different treatment, commonly these include self trauma caused by itching of horses with mite infestation in the skin of their legs and a less common disease called leucocytoclastic vasculitis which is an immune mediated inflammatory disease of the skin usually initiated

Does your horse have a decreased performance? or an attitude change (reluctance to work)? or poor body condition?

He could have an ulcer and alkalising the body and healing the gut is the solution.

The Ulca care pack has been specifically formulated for all horses including those with a predisposition to ulcers.

It’s a three stage process, OrganicGut Powder-Soothes, settles and supports the gut and helps guard against gastric upset;

by u/v light on bright days and exclusively affecting white skin.

These need to be considered in appropriate cases and in suspected mud rash cases that do not improve.

I have tried to discuss the importance of prevention and disease awareness up to now and not mentioned treatment for two reasons, one is that this is a management problem mostly and therefore preventable by changing your routine, it is understandable that people do not want horses stood in but unfortunately our climate is restrictive in that way and if the horse spends a period of time every day when its legs are dry then you greatly reduce the risk. There is always the option to ride or some people may have the luxury of a horse walker. Secondly there are so many different ways that vets will advise you to treat this disease that are all effective that I could go on for a long time discussing them all.

My experience of treating these cases successfully can be split into 2 types of case, mild and advanced.

The mild cases are the majority and should be treated quite easily and in a relatively short time. If we consider how this bacteria survives we get the key ways in which we can treat it. It requires the wet conditions and scabs to reduce the oxygen level at the skin surface therefore if we keep the horse dry (stabled) and remove the scabs (with a medium stiffness brush) then the problem will resolve. Some of these cases may require some

Alka Ulca- Comprehensive alkalising herbal supplement -neutralises and absorbs excess acids Green Clay-To feed pre/post exercise to form a band aid over the ulcer, whilst the gut repairs.

“Boysie had grade four gastric ulcers, since being fed Gut powder and alka Ulca, he has had no reoccurences of any gut problems and he is feeling very well. Such a relief, thank you” T. Tillbrooke.

Ulca Care Pack-Special offer- £75 www.forestfarmacy.co.uk or call 0800 9709421 visit for a free consultation.

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25/09/2013 12:13

Healthcare medicated cream to apply when the scabs have been removed only but certainly, in my experience, do NOT require daily scrubbing with cleaning agents like chlorhexidine or iodine that is actually irritant to open wounds and plastering in any thick creams with wild claims of successful treatment. They can still be exercised by ridden or in hand work but not turned out until the skin has totally healed.

The advanced cases can be more difficult to treat and manage, these are likely to have been left too long before being treated or have been unsuccessfully treated by the horses owner. They can require long courses of medication

Xxxxxxxxxx

to manage the infection and pain and can develop complications including lymphangitis and more complicated infections, these cases are commonly left with permanent changes in the limbs with recurrent swelling and scarring common.

The key is that good observation and timely changes in management routine can mean that your horse never gets this disease that is caused by a specific set of conditions on the skin surface that is in the owner’s hands to prevent. This is one of a number of diseases that we can successfully and significantly reduce the number of cases that happen by applying good management and getting early advice from a vet if worried about it.

AIRWAY PLUS W

hen your horse is not breathing quite right it is often difficult to know exactly why and the situation can sometimes drag on and on for months. If you want to get the best possible action in the quickest time possible and cover all the areas that might be of concern then use AirwayPlus liquid.

AirwayPlus Liquid helps keep the airways open while at the same time helping to support the right balance of microorganisms in the throat and chest.

• For Instant action at any time • To help keep airways open and clear on an ongoing basis • For extra soothing action with uncomfortable throats and windpipes • To provide nutritional support for the work of your vet RRP 1kg - £19.25; 1ltr - £28.25; 5kg - £82.00; 5ltr - £127.00 For more information please visit www.globalherbs.co.uk or call the free advice line on 01243 773363.

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‘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.

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October 2013 | 33

25/09/2013 12:13

Insurance • Healthcare • Supplements Le t yo us u qu ca o in n s te t te p o re re da st ad y fr th & d ee e o cr co n’t ed st fo it! w rg ith e t

Think Mud M

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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 Think Mud. This unique supplement cuts out the hassle of having to apply daily barrier creams and can even provide support in cases where mud fever has already taken hold, helping to reduce the cost of expensive treatment.

Think Mud is a daily supplement designed to help maintain skin integrity during wet and muddy conditions. It helps to support condition from within and maintain the horse’s natural defences giving the best chance of effectively fighting off the bacteria present in mud. The complex natural ingredients maintain a healthy immune system, support blood circulation and skin integrity.

Available in 1.5kg & 4kg tubs priced RRP £30.95 and RRP £65.95 respectively. A 1.5kg tub will last a horse for up to 50 days and a 4kg 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

TopSpec Comprehensive Feed Balancer

T

opSpec Comprehensive Feed Balancer is a very flexible nutrient-rich feed designed to balance the rations of most horses and ponies simply by adjusting the rate at which it is fed and the products it is fed with.

It is a very palatable ‘Non-Heating’ pelleted feed that is formulated without cereal grains and contains only low levels of sugar and starch.

TopSpec Comprehensive Feed Balancer contains many supplements combined with good quality protein to promote muscle development and topline.

The supplements include a topspecification broad-spectrum supplement and specialised supplements including a superb hoof supplement, generous levels of anti-oxidants and sophisticated digestive aids.

TopSpec Comprehensive Feed Balancer contains: • A fully comprehensive range of the micronutrients needed to balance feed and improve its utilisation, even in the most demanding or stressful situations.

• Powerful levels of Vitamin E and selenium, vital anti-oxidants, to neutralise the presence of excess free-radicals and, together with high quality protein, to optimise muscle development and function. Important for broodmares, horses on high oil diets, and horses recovering from ‘tying-up’.

• The level of Biotin (15mg/500kg horse/day) that is scientifically proven to improve hoof quality, plus the levels of methionine, cysteine, lysine, calcium, zinc, copper, iodine, vitamin A and oil known to improve the efficiency of biotin alone. Many of these nutrients also promote supple skin and a shiny coat.

• Effective levels of protein, vitamins calcium, phosphorous, copper, zinc and manganese to develop and maintain strong bone.

• Constructive levels of amino acids, complex carbohydrates, antioxidants plus MSM to help maintain healthy joints.

• Raised levels of copper, zinc, B vitamins and associated nutrients to optimize haemoglobin levels in blood.

• Generous levels of B vitamins for efficient energy metabolism, vital for horses with compromised hindgut function.

• wo advanced probiotic substances to create a healthy gut environment, optimise fibre digestibility and maintain a healthy immune system.

• Organic chelated minerals for improved availability.

For further information please contact the Multiple AwardWinning Helpline on 01845 565030 or visitwww.topspec.com www.equi-ads.com

25/09/2013 12:13

Insurance • Healthcare

Mud fever W

inter can herald the onset of muddy gateways and boggy fields.

Horses that are turned out during winter can all be predisposed to the potentially chronic condition; mud fever. Mud fever occurs when the skin’s protective barrier becomes compromised through periods of exposure to mud and wet conditions.

Micro-organisms enter the skin and cause bacterial infections which, if left untreated can cause swelling, pain and lameness.

We all know that prevention is better that the cure, so the best way to prevent mud fever is to be proactive at the first signs of muddy conditions.

Apply Horse and Pony Direct’s Mud Fever/Cut Cream to the back of heels, fetlocks and pasterns, these are the most common areas for mud fever to take hold, but be vigilant for other areas becoming affected. Horse and Pony Direct’s Mud Fever/Cut Cream contains a silver/chitosan complex, a real innovation in wound management. This unique complex has been scientifically proven to kill the bacteria responsible for mud fever. The antibacterial formula acts as a barrier against harmful bacteria and also aids recovery of affected areas.

Horse and Pony Direct’s Mud Fever/Cut Cream is available in a 200 gram pot priced at £12.99.

Exclusively available through the website www.horseandponydirect.com or on the 24 hour order line; feed balancers, supplements, creams, sprays and grooming products can be ordered at much lower costs than through tack shops and delivered direct to your door (or yard) within 48 hours. You will not find them in any shops. All products are made in the UK under the Horse and Pony Direct brand so you can rest assured that you always get the highest quality products at the best possible prices.

Horse and Pony Direct was launched last year and is already picking up awards for its products. The super value fly repellent ‘Insect Away’ won Horse magazine’s ‘best value’ award.

For more information on how you can buy these high quality products direct for less visit www.horseandponydirect.com or call our order line on 0844 2472144.

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This is Chester, one year after his surgery and the first time he was allowed a little freedom outside the confinement of his stable. He genuinely looks happy to be alive and thanks to SEIB and the advances in Surgical techniques he is well on the road to recovery.

L. Errington & Chester All horse insurance is not the same! Buying the correct insurance policy that will keep you and your horse protected must be a priority.

Take the time to speak to the team at SEIB and they will guide you through the range of insurance on offer and will explain the options of cover available and the costs involved.

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To understand the full story talk to one of our advisers it could save you thousands in the long run. The wrong horse or pony insurance could be a very expensive mistake.

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Equi_Ads_Oct_National_Rev2.indd 35

25/09/2013 12:13

Tack & Turnout Xxxxxxxxxx • Healthcare

Nutritional Support for the Respiratory System H

orses evolved to thrive on wide open plains, where, as creatures of flight, their response reactions had to be very quick. This applies to that of their respiratory tract which is designed for exerting maximum performance when fleeing predators. Since domestication our expectations of our horses are quite the opposite, as they are often living and working in comparatively enclosed environments. These can create pressures for the modern horse, which is frequently evident in the health and integrity of the respiratory system.

Avoid stressing the lungs

Throughout the year respiratory issues can be caused by many influences.

For instance, throughout those long awaited warmer months when flowers are in full bloom causing the pollen count to increase - pollen spores can cause allergies in our horses as easy as those that occur amongst ourselves. While, during the winter months, due to weather conditions and shorter days, our horses tend to spend longer stabled and working indoors. This means it can be difficult to avoid exposing the horses to heavy dust burdens such as hay, straw, or arena dust when worked and other factors which can stress the lungs.

Stabling and turnout

Management plays an important role in helping our horses to cope with these stresses placed on the respiratory system. Turning the susceptible horse out in the field as much as possible will help to reduce exposure to the dust environments, in fact, sometimes it is even worth checking to see it is viable to keep your horse permanently at grass to help combat this issue. When this is not possible a compromise between stabling and turnout ideally needs to be established.

Good stable hygiene G

ood stable hygiene can go a long way to reducing many equine illnesses and conditions such as respiratory issues, immune problems or dermatological difficulties. In addition, ammonia, found in urine, can often compromise the horses’ respiratory and immune system, not to mention weakening their hooves.

A regular clear out and wash down of our your stable is important but expensive antibacterial powders, sprays, lotions and potions are simply not required when Nedz bedding is incorporated into your horse’s routine. The manufacturer uses an exclusive Natural Nedz formula in both Nedz Pro and Nedz Original to help save their customers money, time and stress!

Natural Nedz was formulated specifically for Nedz so owners can rest assured they are stabling their horses on the most natural product, which offers multiple benefits to provide a soothing and healing bedding, while also maintaining a non-toxic environment.

Created using Manuka, Aloe Vera and Cade oil, Natural Nedz offers anti-bacterial, antiseptic, anti-fungal, and anti-parasitic properties, whilst the unique aroma helps to eliminate odours, which in turn assists in discouraging insects and bugs.

The use of Natural Nedz helps reduce bed eating so your stabled horse, or pony, won’t be tucking into his bed for an extra snack, saving you pennies and protecting his digestive system!

Both products are both extremely absorbent products, which help reduce the levels of ammonia in your horse’s stable, and every bale of Nedz goes through a rigorous dust extraction process making them one of the most dustfree bedding products on the market.

Well priced between £6.50 £8 per 20kg bale, Nedz makes keeping your equine’s bed clean, fresh and hygienic. To find out more information website: www. nedz.co.uk or call: 01254 677 762 to find your local stockist.

36 | October 2013

Equi_Ads_Oct_National_Rev2.indd 36

www.equi-ads.com

25/09/2013 12:13

Xxxxxxxxxx Healthcare Choose low dust bedding

When stabled, try to ensure your horse has plenty of adequate ventilation to provide him with fresh air at all times. Choosing low dust bedding options and considering changing hay to haylage can be beneficial because changing from this helps to provide a lower dust burden than dry hay alone. Additionally, soaking or steaming hay may also be advised as this swells the dust spores meaning they are swallowed rather than inhaled. If taking this option it is important not to soak for too long as this can leach nutrients,

around 20 minutes is adequate. When the hay is fed while still wet it will prove more valuable than if allowed to dry as the benefit may be lost.

Most horses will also find feeding from the floor, rather than from a haynet, will help any mucus drain out naturally, as this imitates the horses natural feeding/grazing position.

Competition horses suffer

A study at Bristol University Veterinary School found that sub-clinical respiratory stress was present in the majority (up to 80%) of competition horses. This should come as no

great surprise given the respiratory challenges of stabling, regular travel, often meeting new horses and working in schools that apply to our equine athletes.

This leads onto an important factor, as horse owners can we provide our horses with something they may already be lacking? We can by simply offering the right, targeted, nutritional support which can play a significant role in helping to meet your horse’s respiratory requirements. By offering day to day dietary care will help to offer vital ingredients the horse may not presently be able to access as they would have done previously in the wild.

Toxins

One of the title ingredients to look out for are naturally sourced, scientifically verified antioxidants. Not only can these help support the lungs by harmlessly flushing the toxins from areas that may be affected. Combining these antioxidants with key herbal extracts for immune support, such as echinacea, and the natural essential oils of clove and eucalyptus your horse can be offered five star support through a supplement.

Therefore, it can be seen that by combining good daily management with correct nutritional support will help clear the way for optimum lung function.

NAF recommend Five Star Respirator Boost which provides valuable nutritional support to the respiratory mucosal immune system and the delicate capillary blood vessels that surround the lungs.

For further information or advice please call one of NAF’s friendly, qualified nutritionists on the NAF Freephone Advice Line: 0800 373106, e-mail info@naf-uk.com or go to www.naf-equine.eu/uk

TEN TOP TIPS FOR PREVENTING MUD FEVER • Management – most winter skin conditions result from a dirty coat which provides the ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive. Keep coats as clean and as dry as possible with suitable rugs or shelter and regular grooming.

• Hygiene - rugs, tack, grooming and stable equipment can spread contagious skin conditions or repeatedly re-infect the same horse unless you eliminate infectious agents by disinfection and cleaning (veterinary surgeons can advise on suitable products that will not harm your horse).

• Correct Nutrition – poor diets, especially those lacking in essential vitamins and minerals, can have dire effects on the skin health. Consult an equine nutritionist if you suspect current dietary intake is not aiding a healthy skin and coat.

• Vigilance – check horses daily for signs that a skin condition may be imminent. Thick winter coats can easily mask problems such as mud fever, rain scald, ringworm and lice.

• Prevention – if it is known that an individual horse is prone to certain winter skin conditions then preventative www.equi-ads.com

Equi_Ads_Oct_National_Rev2.indd 37

measure should be taken. For example, horses prone to mud fever may benefit from a barrier cream or regular treatments with an antibacterial cleansing wash such as Activ Wash.

• Clipping and Trimming – it may help to trim or clip horses coats during winter to make them easier to keep clean and dry. Skin problems will often be more evident when coats are clipped and horses in work will be more comfortable as they will sweat less and dry off quicker.

• Treatment – a skin condition must be correctly identified in order for treatment to be as effective as possible. If you are in any doubt or if the condition has appeared for the first time always seek advice from your veterinary surgeon.

• Washing – continually washing and bathing horses can weaken the skin structure removing essential oils. This can lead to the skin becoming chapped and sore and irritated by particles of soil, leaving it more susceptible to infection.

Avoid excessive bathing during winter; grooming will remove dirt and scurf without stripping the coat

of its natural oils.

• Products - anti-bacterial washes can be used prophylactically on susceptible animals or to treat existing skin conditions caused by bacterium. They will help to remove any encrusted debris such as scabs.

• Healing - removing scabs carefully using an anti-bacterial cleansing wash (if bacterium is the causative organism) will remove any existing bacteria and dirt held in the scabs allowing new clean scabs to form and heal.

It is very important that any sponges that are used in the washing process are clean and that the area washed is rinsed well with clean water and then dried thoroughly.

For more information contact Robinson Animal Healthcare on 01909 735000 or visit www.robinsonhealthcare.com October 2013 | 37

25/09/2013 12:13

Healthcare Xxxxxxxxxx • Security

MICROCHIPPING - What’s the point?

Ben Sturgoen, BSc, BVM&S, Cert EP, MRCVS

I

t will come as little surprise that I have chipped quite a few foals recently. After a few months out in fields they are now being brought in and the identification process is in full swing. Many people are very

happy with the requirements but I have a few clients who simply ask “is it safe?” Or “What’s the point of this?” The answer can be quite long winded.

Firstly the answer according to

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the “party line”.

Following the introduction of compulsory passports for all horses in 2005, new European Union regulations, which came into effect on 1st July 2009, meant that all foals born must be microchipped before an owner can apply for an equine passport.

The new rules do not apply to older horses with an existing passport which were born before 1st July 2009, but any foal (horses, ponies, donkeys or mules) born after this date must be microchipped within six months of birth, or by December 31st of the year of birth, whichever is later. Horses born before 1st July 2009 which do not have an existing passport, must also be microchipped when the passport is issued. Failure to correctly identify animals under the new rules could lead to a fine. Even if your horse is not affected by these regulations, microchipping is increasingly being seen as the best way of identifying an individual horse and it has advantages over the other methods of identification.

There are three main methods then to identify your horse or pony: Microchipping

Provides a supposed guarantee of identity. Microchip implantation is not completely pain free (utilizing a relatively large needle), but does appear to inflict less pain and suffering than other identification methods such as hot branding or freeze marking.

Freeze marking

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100% success rate against mud fever and Pastern Dermatitis

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Involves a cold branding iron being held on the skin for 7-10 seconds in dark horses to make a white mark, or 12-15 in lighter horses to destroy the hair growth follicles and make a bald mark. Freeze marking may deter the theft of horses and ponies, which can lead to neglect, poor welfare and slaughter, but the process itself can cause significant suffering.

Hot branding

Enhance wound healing rates

Indoor use only

follow us 38 | October 2013

Equi_Ads_Oct_National_Rev2.indd 38

Involves the application of a very hot iron to the skin for several seconds or until the hide turns a light tan colour. This causes significant pain and suffering – significantly more than freeze marking or microchipping. The RSPCA believe that this pain and suffering is unnecessary because there are the effective alternative means of identification available which cause less suffering.

A microchip is a small implant, about the size of a grain of rice covered with an anti-migration

sheath, which contains a unique serial code. It is inserted, via injection, into the nuchal ligament on the left side of the horse’s neck.

This procedure must only be carried out by a veterinary surgeon.

The horse owner’s details and a unique serial code are stored on a computerised database, which links the owner to the horse. It is therefore important that the owner’s details on the database are kept up to date. Once the microchip has been implanted, it can be read easily by an electronic microchip reader. The microchip cannot move or be seen – therefore, it is tamper-proof and permanent, unlike other more traditional methods of identification, such as branding. Although microchipping is considered to be very safe, there is a very small risk of bruising and abscess formation at the site of implantation, and on very rare occasions, possible migration of the microchip.

The introduction of horse passports and microchipping has been widely welcomed. The EU legislation ensures that horses, which have been treated with veterinary medicines not authorised for use in food producing animals, cannot be slaughtered for human consumption in Europe. This has obviously become more important following the recent findings of horse meat in our national diet. If horse owners in the UK do not comply, there is a significant risk that we would lose up to 70% of horse medicines, including common medications such as ‘bute’, which would have grave consequences for equine welfare. It is intended then that microchipping will make the horse identification and passport system more robust. This reliable, sophisticated and cost-effective technology will also help to reunite owners with their horses in the event of theft or escape, aid disease surveillance and help animal welfare organisations with prosecutions in cases of neglect.

All well and good? So what’s the problem or why the concerns?

So secondly the “scaremongers”.

According to the United States Food and Drug Administration www.equi-ads.com

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in two animals that were affected, they had been chipped recently and there had not been time for the injection site to heal.

Of more concern is the reporting of Fibrosarcoma (a skin tumour) in a cat, and in Rodents under experimental conditions, and have been suggested to be associated with the anti-migrational sheath. No cases have been reported in horses at all and we should be wary of extrapolating results from other species. However, despite again the extremely low incidence, and given the number of animals microchipped, we should not ignore any changes at the microchipping site.

Movement or migration of the chip has always been of concern to owners and migration has been documented again in small animals. This appears not to be the case in horses primarily because of the fact that we place the chip into a ligament rather than under the skin as with small animals.

Research has again found that “migration” within horses is not due to microchip movement but because of muscle development around the chip. Given that most horses are chipped as a foal and that growth is obviously ongoing it is perhaps unsurprising that the chip becomes “deeper” within tissues as the animal ages.

Reliability of the chip is perhaps the last area of concern. Companies that provide the chips claim that they will last the lifespan of the animal and as yet absolute failure of the chips is again in negligible numbers. Many cases however, are recorded where the chip is simply not found, but this is largely due to the scanner being of insufficient quality to detect them. Basic scanners usually have a capacity to detect chips at a distance of up to 7 centimeters.

Considering that chips are usually embedded at approximately 2 to 3 centimeters below the skin (continued on page 40)

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(FDA); The potential risks to health associated with the device [microchip implant] are: adverse tissue reaction, migration of implanted transponder; compromised information security; failure of implanted transponder; failure of inserter; failure of electronic scanner; electromagnetic interference; electrical hazards; magnetic resonance imaging incompatibility; and needle stick injury.

And there are also reports of nerve damage and tumour development and even computer viruses!

The first rule of any medicine is prima non cere, or do no harm.

So are any of these concerns real or is there a sensible alternative argument?

Abscesses, lumps and infections have occurred in horses because of microchip implants but have also occurred with and can occur with any vaccine or injection and currently there is no evidence to suggest that they are more likely to cause a higher percentage of infections. In my experience I have had one horse developing a post implantation reaction, but several (approximately 4) from vaccination reactions.

Nerve damage was reported by one vet (from Holland) in 2005 subsequent to microchipping but is also reported with other injections.

The incidence given the multiplicity of microchip insertions appears to be negligible.

Adverse tissue reactions, muscle changes and even cancer are perhaps the most concerning. It is unsurprising that muscular changes do occur at the site of implant. In one study of 16 horses that had been submitted for post mortem examinations (for reasons other than chipping) the chips had caused absolutely no ill effects (microchips were covered by a thin capsule of fibrous tissue, sometimes with a minimal amount of inflammation),

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25/09/2013 12:13

Saddlery Xxxxxxxxxx (continued from page 39) surface, basic scanners are frequently sufficient. However, as muscle growth can cause the chip to end up deeper below the skin surface, this can cause readability issues. In a recent study using 428 microchipped horses, a basic scanner only detected 90% of the microchips. However, with a more advanced model capable of scanning at a distance of 12 centimeters, all 428 microchips were detected. It has also been suggested that some duplication of microchip numbers has occurred and with microchip kits being sold via the Internet it may be difficult to know if a microchip identification number is unique. I have yet to find any record of this occurring but greater control or standardization of chip numbers is perhaps needed on this point. Finally, on this point and with trepidation it has been demonstrated that a computer virus can be transmitted to microchips affecting their status. Whilst I know not of a reason for this, I generally don’t understand some people and can only hope that appropriate “safety” is employed by the various databases.

So what do we make of all this? Aside from fulfilling the legal requirements we as vets must be happy that what we are doing is to the benefit of the individual animal and to the general population (people included). In my opinion the microchip is safer, less injurious and painful, and less manipulative than other methods of identification and affords the owner with peace of mind, the vet of clinical safety and the general public of medical standards being upheld. But we should always ask.

Hay Replacers

By Joanna Palmer BSc (Hons) Allen & Page

A

side from water, fibre is the most important component of every horse’s diet and for the majority, their fibre needs are easily met through grazing and supplementary forages such as hay and haylage. There is though, a growing need for alternative sources of fibre, most notably for the increasing population of veteran horses and ponies who can have difficulty chewing long stem fibre, due to poor teeth.

Why is fibre important?

Horses have evolved to eat a diet that is predominately fibrous forage and in the wild they would graze for 18 to 20 hours a day. To mimic their need to ‘trickle feed‘, our domesticated horses should ideally have fibre in the form of grass, hay or haylage available at all times.

Fibre is not only essential for good digestive health, its digestion also provides a good source of calories and body heat as it is fermented in the gut. This means that the horse has to use fewer calories to keep warm and more likely to maintain condition. If a horse is not getting enough fibre in his diet, he will lose weight, almost in spite of how much high calorie

Bitting concepts and how bitting horses has changed We talk to Abbey Bits and Hilary Vernon about the changes in bits and new innovations over the years.

H

istorically horses were a mode of transport and a necessity, and consequently you could say were worked and fed more naturally. Hours of work each day in most cases so that the horse was naturally fit and utilised its energy.

Proper holidays where horses were turned out for the season when they beware not working, and allowed time off mentally and physically to rest and recover and then brought back into work fit and well for the work to be done.

Positive changes that have happened in modern bitting are that we now know more about the conformation of the horse and in particular the mouth and we realise that using well balanced and well made bits is very sensible. We know that spending £1000 or more on a saddle and £20 on a bit is not realistic.

The negative side to modernisation is there are some very poorly made bits on the market, both in the cheap and the more expensive categories with no balance or particular theory behind how they work or how to use them.

There are more choices of competition and environment now whereas historically the single jointed Snaffle, the Double Bridle and the Pelham were your adequate choices (unless yours was a carriage horse), for all that was required of the horse.

Realistically you should still keep

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traditional values - always buy a bit that looks well made and looks equal and symmetrical to the eye.

The bit should feel comfortable to handle, it is after all to go in your horse’s mouth so if you don’t like the action neither will he. And lastly have a good idea of how your choice of bit works so you can access if it is going to be comfortable for your horse and give you the right signals to do the job you need it for.

Abbey Bits enjoy an unrivalled reputation for the supply of quality made bits in the UK and overseas, including the Hilary Vernon range.

The Hilary Vernon bit range – Informed Designs is made up of English bits designed and carefully constructed to complement the conformation of the horse’s mouth to improve comfort and communication to promote effective and humane control. The range is inspired by the theory that a comfortable horse will be a more relaxed horse and therefore a less resistant horse.

The range includes: Snaffles, Pelhams, Doubles, Daleheads, Liverpools and Butterflys. A variety of mouthpieces on these cheeks ensure you have a choice to ensure effective bitting for individual horses and ponies.

Abbey Bits are made in the UK and with no minimum order, they are the favoured brand name with leading professional and amateur riders alike, looking for quality

and innovation from a supplier specialising in traditional and unusual bits.

With over 200 different bit patterns in stock and the ability to meet demand, Abbey are also able to capture and follow bit trends, supplying specialist bits in a wide variety of sizes.

The vast range includes Snaffles, Gags, Pelhams, Double Bridles,

Driving Bits, and Hackamores. Bits are available in various materials including copper, stainless steel, sweet iron, rubber and vulcanite.

Abbey made to measure bits can easily be customised from existing parts and they offer superb comfort and quality. For more information contact Abbey Saddlery on 01565 650343 or visit www.ridingbitz. com or www.informedbitting.co.uk

www.equi-ads.com

25/09/2013 12:13

Xxxxxxxxxx Saddlery ‘bucket’ feed he may also be given.

Horses that do not eat enough fibre are more likely to develop serious problems, including gastric ulcers, colic and hyperlipaemia, as well as behavioural issues such as aggression, grumpiness and crib biting due to their inability to fulfil their natural feeding and chewing behaviours.

Hay replacers for veteran horses

Continued advances in veterinary medicine, together with an increase in our own understanding and management of our horses and ponies have led to a significant increase in their lifespans, with many horses now healthy and active well into their twenties and thirties. Unfortunately, even with the best possible care and regular attention from a qualified equine dental technician, there is little we can do to prevent the deterioration in tooth condition that occurs naturally with age. Loose, worn or missing teeth and pain from sore gums will all affect a horse’s ability to chew efficiently. Balls of partially chewed food form in the horse’s mouth and are then dropped on the floor. This is known as quidding and is a tell-tale sign that a horse is suffering from problems with their teeth and would benefit from a hay replacer.

The choice and availability of these hay replacers has grown significantly over the last few years and includes short-chopped chaffs, sugar beet, grass nuts, alfalfa pellets and specially prepared, fast soaking fibre feeds that combine all the necessary ingredients and vitamins and minerals to provide a balanced diet. It is important to be aware that products such as sugar beet and some of the grass and alfalfa chaffs are high in calories and so not suitable to be fed in large quantities to good doers already at ideal bodyweight. A hay replacer should provide similar nutrition to that of good quality hay. If necessary, additional higher energy fibre sources or a conditioning feed can then be added to the horse’s diet, to provide a calorie boost.

A hay replacer can be fed to replace all or part of the horse’s normal daily fibre intake, depending on their individual needs. As well as veteran horses and ponies, other equines that may benefit from a hay replacer include: • Fussy feeders who simply do not eat sufficient fibre to meet their nutritional needs; • A horse or pony that has sustained an injury or undergone an operation that affects their ability to chew - a soaked fibre feed that is easy to eat can be particularly beneficial during recovery;

Dressage

Showjumping

Endurance

• Horses and ponies who are prone to colic or recovering from abdominal surgery - again the provision of a soaked fibre feed ensures the horse receives the fibre they need for digestive health and the additional water content helps to keep the gut hydrated and able to function efficiently; • Those with access to only poor quality grass, hay and haylage; • Horses with a history of gastric ulcers, where providing an additional source of fibre together with their normal hay/haylage helps to maximise fibre intake and promote chewing, which in turn stimulates saliva production to neutralise the ulcer causing acid.

Feeding a soaked hay replacer

Many people enjoy the convenience and peace of mind of feeding a specially made product with known nutritional content. One of the most important qualities of a hay replacer is that it is easy to eat, particularly as the main reason for a horse needing an alternative fibre source is poor dental condition. An affected horse is more at risk of choke, simply because he is not able to chew properly. For this reason a fast soaking fibre feed is popular with horses and their owners alike, not only for ease of eating and preparation, but with the added benefit of increasing water consumption.

Veteran horses can be reluctant to drink enough water, particularly in the winter and by feeding a soaked hay replacer their water intake can be significantly increased.

As a soaked fibre feed takes considerably less effort and time to eat than the equivalent amount of hay, it is important to try to maximise the amount of time a horse spends eating to avoid long periods when no fibre is passing through the gut. A horse’s feeding time can be extended by: • Dividing the horse’s daily feed into as many meals as possible; • Feeding from a long trough or straight on the floor to spread the feed out and prevent the horse from taking large mouthfuls; • Placing obstacles such as large, flat stones in the trough so the horse has to eat around them; • Splitting each meal into several containers around the stable or field to encourage foraging behaviour; • Mixing in a chaff if the horse is capable of chewing one.

For further information, contact our friendly, award winning nutrition team on 01362 822 902, email us at helpline@allenandpage.co.uk or visit our website www.allenandpage.com

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Quality Bits Made in England Showing

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October 2013 | 41

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Xxxxxxxxxx Feeding

StableTalk with Laura Tomlinson

E

ver wondered how an Olympian’s yard is run? In this issue Equi-Ads and HAYGAIN take a closer look at Laura Tomlinson’s stable management routine and the attention to detail the team go to in order to maximise performance.

HARDWORK, determination, a drive to succeed and a desire for the very best are attributes that count when you want to win Olympic medals.

Dressage star Laura Tomlinson is well known for wanting to get the most out of her horses.

She understands that in order for her horses to compete at the highest level their health and happiness is a top priority.

As you enter her yard in a pretty Gloucestershire village there is an overwhelming feeling of calm and tranquillity.The yard is ultra smart but it is also set out with practicality in mind. Designed by her father, Dr Bechtolsheimer the aim was to create maximum ventilation for the horses when stabled.

Laura commented: “The most important factor is keeping the horses happy. We have a devoted team of grooms, who take their time and enjoy the horses, rather than rushing.”

It is evident that the horses respond to the extra time and care as their ears prick up at the sound of Laura’s voice.

Laura is very hands on around the yard, riding up to five horses a day and teaching during lunchtime so that the yard routine isn’t disrupted.

Currently there are eight horses in work and around 30 horses on the site if you include the youngsters, stud and older horses. With nine members of the team, Laura recognises she has excellent support from people who are very dedicated.

Amy Richardson has worked for Laura for more than two years: “My whole life is working for Laura and I enjoy every moment. I ensure the yard maintains high standards at all times and make sure the environment is very clean. This works through an organised, efficient routine. It all just becomes second nature.”

Correct stable management is vital to ensure the yard works efficiently with the mind-set focused on the horses and making sure their stables are clean and as dust free as possible all the time.

The grooms are allocated horses so that they build up a rapport with them and know immediately if there is something wrong whether it is swollen legs, they are off their food or their temperament is different to the norm.

“The grooms all have individual roles, but then have to work as a team. As the grooms have their

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own jobs they get more efficient at them and it makes the yard run smoothly with everyone knowing what they are doing,” said Laura.

“The yard is clean and disinfected at all times.

With the horses away at competitions so much and recent virus outbreaks, we can’t take any risks.

“The stable walls and doors are cleaned and sterilized daily using Protek Envirocair Veterinary disinfectant on every surface on the yard and in the horsebox and the drain is then cleaned out regularly.

“The horses all usually have a holiday in October after the Nationals. During this period all the horses are turned out and the stables get fully pressure washed and repainted.

“If I travel to a show, clinic or demonstration, it is my responsibility to ensure the stables are clean. We use the Protek Envirocair Veterinary disinfectant spray on the stable and then have the peace of mind that when the horse goes in we don’t have to worry.

“If any horse enters the yard, we spray the facilities afterward. Mark (Laura’s husband) occasionally brings his polo ponies in to use the water spa so it just safe guards from any possible diseases entering the yard.

“The Protek shampoo allows horses to be cleaned and disinfected, and leaves the horses really soft. You can use it on sensitive skin and not feel like you are removing any of the goodness.”

All these measures help make the yard a cleaner, nicer and disease free place for the horses.

The horses’ respiratory health is a major priority on the yard and to ensure dust is kept to a minimum the yard is swept with a sweeper three times a day so the dust is removed for the surface and not spread into the air.

Ventilation is also

important and high on the priority list. The stables have big windows at the back so air can circulate through the stable and the side walls also have a grill window so the horses can see each other. The ceilings are high, with the walkway of the stable block open at each end which all contributes to plenty of air flow and ensuring the horses are exposed to lots of fresh air.

The bedding is low dust and the hay is steamed in a HAYGAIN. All the hay is stacked up in the barn, placed in hay bags and shaken to remove dust, then steamed in the HAYGAIN hay steamer. The steamer is used twice a day and cleaned out after use.

When travelling all the horses are fed steamed hay nets, so there is no extra dust, especially as the horse box has limited ventilation. The horses eat from the ground; this is great especially when travelling long distances abroad.

Laura is well aware of the importance of feeding high quality forage to help achieve her horse’s best performance.

“We know every horse is different so each horse has a tailor made hard feed, to suit the individual. This comprises of the protein, vitamins and minerals they need to maintain the best health for the work they are doing. The horses are fed four times a day, along with forage and grass,” added Laura.

Daily Routine:

6:30am The grooms are on the yard. The horses all have an initial check, and are then given hay and hard feed. Once finished, the grooms check all the food has been eaten.

8:00am Lara and Laura start riding at 8 and each horse is groomed before and have magnetic rug every other day.They are washed down and groomed properly including strapping, after work.

The horses are exercised for around 50mins.

Exercise can be anything from lunging, schooling, the water treadmill, going on the all weather canter track or hacking around the village. Hacking around fields and country lanes, www.equi-ads.com

25/09/2013 12:13

Xxxxxxxxxx Healthcare • Stabling allows the horses to see different things. It’s good education for the horses to do something else.

Whilst the horses are being exercised the stables are mucked out, cleaned and the yard is swept.

After exercise the horses are washed down thoroughly and put in the paddocks.

12am The horses are brought back in the stables and groomed. The horses are given hay and hard fed. The yard is swept. The horse’s are skipped out, hayed and then fed just before 1.

1-2:30pm The whole yard goes on lunch, so the horses can enjoy a rest.

2:30pm a light exercise, ie if schooled in the morning then they are hacked/ treadmilled in the afternoon. Then washed if necessary.

And then go in the paddock weather permitting.

5pm The horses get hay are skipped out and the yard is swept up.

5.30pm The horses get hard feed and yard closes up.

9pm Is the last check. Mash is fed, the girls don’t work till 9, its a rota of who does late check!

WIN A SADDLE!

Celebrating their 25th anniversary, Petplan Equine is giving one lucky Facebook follower the chance to win an Ideal saddle of their choice (dressage, jumping or general purpose) to the value of around £1,500 from the British saddle manufacturer’s Lynx Pro range. To make sure the saddle is absolutely right for you and your horse, they will also cover the cost of a local saddler to visit the winner and fit the saddle. https://www. facebook.com/PetplanEquineUK Tell them you saw it in Equi-Ads.

Stable Management Advice

1. Do small jobs regularly. If you leave it, it will become a bigger task. Jobs like the cleaning the manger, stables, walkway and the school.

2. We sweep up three times a day, after we have mucked out, before lunch and last thing. To eradicate the dust.

3. Allocate jobs, so everyone knows what their roles and responsibilities are.

This makes it fair, it balances jobs out and people become quick at their jobs.

4. Steam hay to eliminate the dust and use low dust bedding.

5. Have big windows and airy stables, preferably with high ceilings to create good ventilation.

HAYGAIN is currently available in three models: the HG-1000, HG-600 and HG-GO. Complete nutritional value and goodness are maintained with improved palatability.

For further information please contact HAYGAIN hay steamers on 0333 200 5233 or www.haygain.com

A STABLE ESSENTIAL W

hat determines your choice of horse bedding? Is it price, consistency, quality of supply or performance which makes your decision? If you thought you’d never find a bedding product on the marketplace, which ticks all those boxes, then Verdo Horse Bedding is an exciting new direction in bedding, which might surprise you.

This clever heat-treated wood pellet product, created for equine use is activated using a small amount of water and within approximately 20 minutes, you are ready to empty the open bags out onto the stable floor and create a soft fluffy and dry bed ready for your equine friend!

Because the pellets are manufactured from 100% virgin soft wood and heat treated to eliminate pests and bacteria, you can rest assured that your horse is sleeping on only the best and it’s good to know that it also contains less than 1% dust, making it the ideal choice for those horses stabled for long periods of time during the winter months.

When it comes to your pocket, compared to other products on the market, Verdo Horse Bedding can save you as much as 40% on your yearly bill and because the bedding comes in pellet form, this also means less storage is needed, allowing more room for stocking up on those other essentials such as hay and feed in case bad weather interrupts delivery.

Other key factors include; less waste (the beds are quicker and easier to muck out and the muck heap breaks down quicker), pellets absorb up to 3 times their own weight in liquid (reducing ammonia and helping to keep your horses’ stable fresh and hooves dry) and their own established UK production plant which is open 364 days a year (no more worry about consistent quality or supply issues) Verdo Horse Bedding: Ask the question and our product delivers! www.verdohorsebedding.co.uk For stockist enquiries: 01264 342 009 RRP: £5.00 - £5.65 Per Bag

Hoof Care T

he Radius Rasp is designed for barefoot horses, but can also be used on those horses that have lost a shoe, to tidy up the hoof wall.

The handy tool can be used safely by horse owners in order to bevel or ‘roll’ the edge of the bare hoof, known as the mustang roll. It can also help control ‘flare’ of the hoof.

Regular rasping of the feet between professional trims, maintain correct hoof shape, keep the hoof in balance and maintain a correct break-over; this is the process of the heel leaving the ground and rotating the toe.

The Radius Rasp, available at The Saddlery Shop, is the ideal hoof wall

maintenance tool and is the perfect kit for preventing chips or splits and promoting perfect hoof condition all year round. www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk

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Tack & Xxxxxxxxxx Turnout • News

Does The Tack Really Fit?

I

n this issue we talk to the Society of Master Saddlers to gain advice on whether to purchase the saddle and bridle when buying a new horse.

Although at first glance it can appear like a ‘bargain’ to buy a horse with tack it may not always be a positive.

Obviously the most important aspect to find out is, if you like the horse enough to want to buy it, does the tack really fit as well as it should.

Don’t automatically assume that the saddle fits - although there is no excuse today for using illfitting tack, the seller may not have a great deal of knowledge when it comes to correct saddle fitting and they could simply be using a saddle they already had when they bought the horse in the first place.

Unfortunately a buyer caught in this type of situation often tends to be fairly novice and may simply assume

Lost shoes, problem solved!

E

venter Muriel Colquhoun has invented an odd looking product she has named ShoeSecure.

It's a removable thermoplastic shield which the farrier can prepares for the owner, the shield can be attached or removed as needed, on a daily basis. The ShoeSecures were primarily designed for turnout only, however it is simple to modify them for riding. both protects the heel bulbs of the front feet and forms an unbroken protection zone over the heels of the shoe. A horse can still reach forward with a hind foot, but it can’t damage the back of the pastern and bulbs and it can’t catch the heels of the shoe.

Geography has a lot to do with both why riders are looking for a product like ShoeSecure and how it came to be. The rolling countryside along the banks of the River Clyde in Renfrewshire, Scotland is a great place to condition event horses, but the thick and often boggy earth puts all horses at risk for stepping on (and pulling off ) the fully-fit horseshoes that their farriers fit for them.

Yes, even if your horse is shod by 2013 world champion farrier David Varini, you can still lose shoes. Or, in the case of Muriel’s horse, you could still lose shoes on a regular basis. “David was making far too many return trips,” Muriel recalls.

"He and his partner Paul Robinson (both World Champions) have helped with ShoeSecure; they were basically fed up coming back into my yard to put lost front shoes back on my horse, Banjo Paterson. I was also using lots of fuel and time going down to their smithy in Ayrshire to get shoes replaced. David doesn't believe in cutting the heels short so I came up with ShoeSecure."

Days lost from training are just what horses on a conditioning schedule don’t need. Muriel wouldn’t stand for the inconvenience and potential injury to her horse’s hooves and bulbs; she challenged Varini to help her solve the problem.

the deal they are getting is a good one!

There may be situations where the seller blatantly takes advantage of a first-time buyer and in these cases The Society of Master Saddlers would encourage those new to horse ownership to take a more experienced person with them.

As well as making sure the saddle and bridle fit correctly, also take the time to make sure the tack is in good condition.

Over the years there have been many instances where a Society of Master Saddlers’ Qualified Saddle Fitter has been to check the saddle for owners of a new horse or pony and come away very disillusioned.

It can often be the case that the new owner was thrilled to bits when the seller informed them they were providing the tack as well to help them out.

But in many instances the tack can be scratched and very well worn, with even some of the stitching loose and the girth being used too long.

Similar instances include stirrup leathers not being a pair and saddle flocking that has become flat, hard and lumpy.

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or a bargain priced bedding that really performs, look no further than Yard Bedding wood pellets.The wood pellets are made using premium quality pine from Scandinavia and are supplied in easy to handle 12.5kg bags. The pellets are absorbent, easy to use and reduce the amount of waste removed from the stable, the amount of bedding on the muck heap and time mucking out. Not only is Yard Bedding great for stables, it can also be used in kennels, catteries, poultry housing and around the farm.

Yard Bedding is available in full and half pallet loads. When bought as a full pallet, prices start at £4.25 per bag.

To find out more or to order, see www.yardbedding.co.uk or call 01285 648240.

SMS ‘Fit for Purpose’ Awareness Day A

RE you fit? Is your horse fit? Does your saddle fit?

How often do you hear riders say – “I must lose weight and get fitter,” “My horse is just not fit enough,” or “My saddle seems to move.”

An informative awareness day has been developed by the Society of Master Saddlers to educate riders, owners, student vets and trainers about the importance of saddle fit and fitness of the horse and rider on Saturday, October 19 at The Unicorn Equestrian Centre, Netherswell, Stow-on-the-Wold.

This fascinating day is all about properly preparing you, your horse and your saddle for any and all occasions so that you can achieve the best possible results together.

Looking at your horse’s fitness, the SMS will help you understand the difference between conformation and condition.

Meanwhile focussing on the saddle, experts will look at how to assess your horse’s back in preparation for saddle fitting.

Well known saddler expert Ian Hastilow will

EASY FIT: FOR A RANGE OF SIZES & REMEDIAL SHOES “ShoeSecures paid for themselves in 3 weeks!”

“Shoes are staying on, even in the torrential rain and hock deep mud!” “Best thing I have bought!”

“Shoesecure has saved me so much time, expense, and most of all worry.”

“A wonderful piece of kit!”

44 | October 2013

Equi_Ads_Oct_National_Rev2.indd 44

Such cases definitely put a different perspective to the saying ’never look a gift horse in the mouth’!

The stories often involve dishonesty and a certain stretching of the truth but problems can also occur even when a seller’s intentions are totally honest.

In an ideal situation it is sensible to have all tack, and the fitting, checked by a Society of Master Saddlers’ qualified fitter – but they will obviously expect to charge a fee.

What happens if the saddle and/or the bridle don’t fit – or need substantial repairs? These are extra costs that won’t have been expected, and therefore considered, at the time of the purchase!

Buying a horse or pony ‘complete with tack’ often represents good value and can be hasslefree – but it is a purchase that should never be entered into on the assumption that everything will be alright.

To find your local saddle fitter and for more information visit www.mastersaddlers.co.uk or contact The Society of Master Saddlers on 01449 711642.

be chairing this exciting day which has just 100 places available – book your ticket today!

Speakers include Dodson & Horrell Nutritionist, Louise Jones BSc, MSc, R. Nutrition; ‘Ride with Your Mind’ Instructor/ Coach, Dorothy Marks; Vet, Jane Nixon MA VetMB BSc MRCVS; SMS Veterinary Consultant, Stewart Hastie BVMS MRCVS; Winston Williams, BSc (Hons) MMCA IVCA MRCC and Emma Phillips, BSc (Hons) MMCA IVCA MRCC who will look at chiropractics for the horse and human.

There will also be a range of Saddle Work Stations to provide advice, practical knowledge and experience.

These include help on saddle panels and construction; recognising the difference between quality and inferior saddles; types of tree and broken trees; and saddle safety.

Tickets are £60 and include refreshments, lunch and a goody bag.

To book your place contact Hazel Morley on 01449 711642 or email enquiries@ mastersaddlers.co.uk

HORSESHOE SHIELD HORSE SHOE LOSS PREVENTION HEEL PROTECTION

Call +44 (0)7836 740 557 or buy online at shoesecure.com www.equi-ads.com

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IVHORSE

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horseplay redef ined.

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Equiads

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Poor horn quality?

Horn infections?

The Laminitis Clinic has dealt with hundreds of horses and ponies with “bad feet”; without the correct products they can be a real pain to sort out! The data we collected from these cases 4 4 enabled us to develop Formula Feet and Solution Feet. They proved so successful that they are now regarded as the “Gold Standards” against which other hoof care products are measured.

Formula4 Feet is the market leader. It is highly palatable, produces excellent improvement to horn and coat in as little as six weeks by providing over 65 essential micronutrients.

4

Solution Feet is the most efficient way of preventing and the most effective way of dealing with horn inf infections such as white line disease and seedy toe. Solution4 Feet dangerous chemicals and, being isotonic, it can even be used contains no dang 4 painlessly on w wounds. Farriers use Solution Feett Matrix where prologned horn disinfection pr ection is needed e.g. under pads or in white line defects or hoof cracks. whit

Equi Life Ltd Tel; 01249-890784 www.equilife.co.uk (secure online ordering available)

Seven sets of 15kg Holder and 15kg Original Horslyx up for grabs Original Horslyx is a palatable, nutrient rich lick containing optimum levels of the vitamins, minerals and trace elements required to maintain peak health and condition for all horses and ponies. Anti-oxidants, a healthy hooves package and high oil content along with the vitamin, mineral and trace elements package all combine to provide a balanced lick, which balances the deficiencies found in forage and grazing.

Some horses love Horslyx so much that they can become very enthusiastic when enjoying their lick, occasionally leading to damaged tubs. Horslyx now have a solution, the new 15kg Lick Holder gives horse owners a simple and safe way of protecting their Horslyx from wayward hooves both in the field and the stable.

Having been trialled against kicks and knocks, the re-usable 15kg Lick Holder offers a totally weatherproof and cost effective feeding method. The new addition also complements the existing 5kg Lick Holder, which is designed for use in the stable, meaning that horse owners now have a holder for all situations.

TO ENTER simply answer the following question: What is the weight of the new Lick Holder?

Send your answer along with your name and address and contact telephone number to Horslyx Competition, Equi-Ads Ltd.,126, Derby Road, Long Eaton, Notts. NG10 4LS or email your answer to stephanie@equiads.net The first seven correct entries drawn will be deemed the winners. Entries close on the 25th October. Winners will be announced in the following issue.

For further information visit www.horslyx.com or tel: (01697) 332 592 46 | October 2013

Equi_Ads_Oct_National_Rev2.indd 46

www.equi-ads.com

25/09/2013 12:13

EquiadsClassifiedandsubs_Layout 1 25/09/2013 10:57 Page 1

SOMETHING TO SELL?

email your ad to stephanie@equiads.net or call it in: 0115 946 1146 What you get!

ONLY £30 inc VAT, ONLINE! (PRIVATE SALES ONLY) Photograph you supply

To show readers what you have to sell, simply send your photo and description Maximum of 32 words) with this form to Equi-Ads Ltd. Name. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

UP to 32 words

Advert size:

EXPERIENCED ALLROUNDER 44mm x very prettymare, 15 years. Molly 64mm has competed all PC activities & loves jumping. She hacks out well on her own. Very good in traffic, box, etc. £2,500 to good home 07077 1010 (Surrey)

Address. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................................................................

Cheques/postal orders made payable to: Equi-Ads Ltd, 126 Derby Road, Long Eaton, Notts NG10 4LS.

I wish to pay by. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

My Card Number is. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Expiry date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Three Digit Security Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Signature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Selling a horse, equipment or service through Equi-Ads' classified advertisement section couldn't be easier. Just call us on 0115 946 1146 or if you don't want to phone fill out the form below and post it off to us now.

Enclose your credit card number or cheque/cash/postal order.

Fold and return - we pay your postage

You can now upload your ad at: www.equi-ads.com

CLASSIFIED ORDER FORM

ONLY £10 FOR UP TO 40 WORDS

- 50P PER WORD OVER

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CLASSIFIED HEADING REQUIRED PLEASE TICK

WANTED Standing At Stud Ponies for Sale Horses for Sale

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Equi_Ads_Oct_National_Rev2.indd 47

Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Horseboxes for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I enclose cheque/cash/P.O. for £........... made General Items For No. of Insertions . . . . . . . . . . . . . payable to EQUI-ADS LTD prices inc. VAT. Sale I authorise you to debit my credit card.

Fun Rides

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No stamp required if posted in Gt. Britain, Channel Islands, Northern Ireland or The Isle of Man

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

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Common contracts involved in horse ownership

By Lindsay Watts

L

ast month we looked at ownership of horses and ponies, and you will remember that the person with “legal possession” of a horse was presumed to be the owner. Once you become the owner you will come across various situations where there is a legal aspect, and this is what I want to look at this month.

Before I start, I want to mention the actual purchase of a pony, which I will consider in more detail next month. If you are involved in buying a horse or pony, do not do so until you have tried the horse out for a prolonged period, preferably a month. Many defects are not apparent immediately. I recently came across a cob who had been bought, but it would not let anyone touch it’s lower legs. It had a lovely nature, was fine to ride, but picking out hooves and getting it shod were not possible without sedation. It was sold on, presumably at a loss, with the new owner being told about the problem, and I last saw it at a show, being lovingly groomed, and the new owner had overcome the problem, but it must have taken them hours of extra work.

Taking on a horse or pony is a long term commitment, and you will be involved in many “contracts” during it’s life. A contract is an agreement that the law will enforce, so you need to know when and how they are formed. A contract is formed when an offer by one person is accepted by another. Almost all contracts can be concluded by word of mouth, and only a few (such as the purchase of land) must be in writing. However, if a reasonable amount of money is involved, or something you care deeply about is involved, it is best to put the contract in writing, so that if it lands up in court, there is no doubt about exactly what was agreed. So do be careful that you don’t create the contract by word of mouth before the written contract is signed. Work out what is to be agreed, but make it “subject to a written contract being signed” or something like that.

Often it is worthwhile having the signatures to the contract witnessed. The reason is that if the matter does land up in court, you may have to prove that the signature of the other party is genuine – which may be difficult. If you can’t prove that the signature is genuine, then the agreement does not work – and it is the same as if there was no written agreement at all. If a witness sees a signature, and signs the document (writing the word “witness” after their signature), and you then put in the witnesses full name and address so that they can be identified, the legal effect is that the signature proves itself.

Instead of you having to prove the signature is genuine, anyone challenging the signature has to prove that it is a fake, and it will be difficult for them to do this if the actual witness can be identified and brought to court. One witness is required, and the same person can witness both signatures if they are both done together.

Almost the first contract you will enter into is a livery contract, unless you own your own field. This is a special form of the contract of “deposit” which is well known in Scots Law. It occurs when you leave something with another person, either with or without payment. You enter into the same sort of contract when you leave your coat in a cloakroom, and pay them a small charge to look after it. You don’t normally have to sign a contract when leaving you coat with someone, but most livery contracts are put in writing because they deal with a great number of separate matters. I don’t intend going over their terms in detail, but there are a number of things you should look out for.

Never sign anything you don’t understand. If you are not sure, get a lawyer to look at it. If your assets are less than £1716, you may get legal aid. Phone the Scottish Legal Aid board on 0845 122 8686 to find out if you are eligible.

Alternately ask for the parts you don’t understand to be rewritten in a way you do understand – most agreements are held on a word processor and this is possible.

Get a blank sheet of paper, and write down on it the four worst things that could happen. Your horse may need sudden veterinary attention and the yard may be unable to contact you. You may lose your job and be unable to continue paying livery. You may become injured or ill for a long period and be unable to do your part in looking after the horse. You may want to move your horse to another livery yard – how much notice must you give? Then look at the livery agreement and see how it deals with those matters. This should give you a fair idea of whether the agreement is acceptable.

Many livery agreements contain clauses providing that if you don’t pay outstanding charges, then the yard may hold on to your horse until payment is made, and in some cases even sell your horse to meet those charges. These clauses are usually to protect the yard from horses being abandoned, and provide that a long period of time has to pass before the horse can be sold, but www.equi-ads.com

25/09/2013 09:36

Field Xxxxxxxxxx & Stable

if the provision allows sale of the horse in a very short period, you may want to find yourself another yard.

You can find advice about livery agreements and an example of one at the British Horse Society website.

A horse can be hired out to another person, where the horse is given over to the hirer for a specified period of time, for a specific sum of money. This usually occurs with horses involved in competition, or horses hired out for breeding purposes. In such cases the animals are worth a considerable amount of money, and so legal advice is usually obtained as a matter of course.

More common in equine circles is the contract of loan. This occurs when one person gives possession of a horse to another with the intention of recovering possession at a later time. It can occur in many situations. If you wish to buy a horse, the seller may be willing to give you it on loan for a few weeks until you can be satisfied that it meets your needs. Many sellers will not allow this, and it is a matter for negotiation.

The owner of the horse may have progressed and outgrown the horse (or more often a pony). While an eight year old may enjoy a small pony, by the time the owner is sixteen, their feet may be touching the ground on both sides, and the pony will have to move on. Rather than sell, you may choose to lend it to another person who can use it (and meet the cost of looking after it) while you still have some control over it’s well-being. Our family has one such pony which has been on loan for over five years. In these circumstances an option to buy is often worked into the agreement.

Sometimes a loan is needed because the owner can no longer afford the horse’s upkeep. Redundancy or a matrimonial breakdown can result in difficult choices, when maintaining children becomes more important than maintaining the most loved horse. A loan can be the solution until you get on your feet again.

Another common situation is when the animal gets too old to be ridden and must be retired. It is often “lent” to the owner of a single horse, as a companion for that horse, as there is nothing so sad as seeing a single horse in a field on its own. This gives you the option of recovering it if it is neglected.

If you find that a loan is being considered, remember there is another possible solution, and that is to enter into a sharing arrangement. This can either be on the basis of you retaining ownership of the horse, and sharing the use of the horse, so that the costs are being borne by two people instead of one. Alternatively you can share both ownership and use of the horse, but take specialist advice on how that can best be done. Racehorses are often owned by several people, because the cost of keeping them at a trainer’s yard is so high.

Whatever arrangement you enter into, there is wise advice on the British Horse Society website, and usually an example of an agreement to put it into effect. Whenever you place possession of your horse into the hands of another person, you should enter into a written agreement clearly stating that ownership is retained by you. Failure to do that may result in disputes about ownership, which can be both distressing and expensive, and that is not why you wanted to own a horse in the first case.

I don’t ride myself, but I really enjoy those evenings in the field, being checked out by a horse to see if you might have a polo mint somewhere. I never do take them into the field, and the really nice thing is once the horse has checked you out as a mint free zone, and then stays with you because it wants to. That is one of the most precious and enjoyable times with any horse, whether our own, or someone else’s.

Next month I will look into the legal problems involved in buying a horse, because the law considers a horse in the same way as it does a car, and the Sale of Goods Act applies to buying a horse from a business, whereas only parts of it apply to a private sale. I will also look into the other contract that is often made with equines, that of gift. www.equi-ads.com

Equi_Ads_Oct_Scots_Rev2.indd 51

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he Pony Club Championships took place, at the fantastic venue of Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire by kind permission of The Marquess of Cholmondeley; the organisation of the event was a joint collaboration between The Pony Club and Musketeer Event Management (MEM) headed by Alec Lochore, Eventing Manager at the London 2012 Olympics.

The four day Championships enjoyed equestrian sporting action across the three Olympic disciplines of Show Jumping, Dressage, Eventing as well as Mounted Games, Polocrosse, Centre Equitation, Musical Ride, Horse and Pony Care and for the first time Endurance.

Highlights at Open Team level included North Shropshire Hunt taking the Equest & Equest Pramox Show Jumping top spot, the Cotley Hunt dominating in the NAF Superflex Dressage and the VWH Hunt storming home with the highly coveted Strutt & Parker Eventing title.

The Open Individual Dressage was dominated by Carmen Gammie, from the Deeside Branch, whose long journey was made more than worthwhile taking the win in the NAF Superflex Open Individual Dressage Championship and also in the new *Elite Dressage competition riding Champagne Bubbles.

The Musical Ride competition, supported by NAF Magic, yet again produced some incredible displays of ridden choreography to music, in teams of up to 12 Members wearing amzing in costumes; with local Branch Cheshire Hunt North’s ‘Pied Piper of Chester’ blowing the judges away in both the ridden display and with their costumes to lift the trophy.

In the Mounted Games it was a highly successful weekend for Pony Club Area 7 Branches, with the Warwickshire Branch taking the Junior championship win, whilst the Senior Games, offering two

finals slots for the Prince Philip Cup finals at Horse of the Year Show, saw the Warwickshire again emerge victorious from the morning session, followed by the Atherstone Hunt in the afternoon session.

In the Windsor Partners Centre Equitation Croxteth Park dominated the top two spots in the Team competition, with their Croxteth Members taking the top honours in three of the four individual sections!

For the first time, Pony Club Endurance also enjoyed its Championship as a part of the action at Cholmondeley, using the surrounding estate, local land and some quieter roads to give those at Novice, Intermediate and Open levels a scenic route for their competition. Hampshire Hunt’s Novice Team enjoyed success in the shorter distance Novice competition, whilst Bedale & West of Yore recorded some fantastic times on the longer Open route to take the top spot.

Pony Club Mentoring, supported

by NFU Mutual, proved a more than welcome addition to the line up with Mentors that included Kate Allenby MBE, Spencer Sturmey, Jeanette Brakewell, Ros Bevan, Pat Crann and Maria Eilberg. On hand throughout the Championships in their distinctive jackets courtesy of Ariat, Mentors chatted to hundreds of competitors, drawing on their experiences and using the mentoring resources to help competitors perform at their best in the electric Championship atmosphere. Cherry Michell told Equi-Ads “I must have talked to a thousand people during the past four days, and I have heard nothing but praise for the 2013 Championships”. Chairman of The Pony Club told us “the event organisation in conjunction with Musketeer has been brilliant, the venue looked stunning, and there was an incredible atmosphere, it has been absolutely brilliant”. www.equi-ads.com

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ourteen children and horses travelled down to the Pony Club Championships at Cholmondeley Castle as the only Scottish teams to take part in the Polocrosse Championships. They returned to Scotland with a first place in the Juniors competition and a second place in the Championship.

The children are all members of Over Dalkeith Stables Pony Club Member Centre. For some in the teams this was the first year at the Pony Club Championships and for all of them only the third tournament they have played in. Given that many of the children don’t even own their own horses this was a dramatic victory for the club. Shaun Gillanders, club coach, told Equi-Ads, after the prize giving, “These children all love playing this fast paced and exciting team sport. We play it for the love of the sport and it doesn’t matter what position we come, but returning home to Kinross-shire with two shields as well as the experience of playing against UK national team members is an absolute bonus. The team are rarely seen without their polocrosse sticks in hand and they train together twice a week so these results reflect the dedication and effort they have put into the sport.”

Pony Club polocrosse is taught and played at Over Dalkeith Stables, a riding school at Rumbling Bridge, near Kinross and put on a thrilling display of polocrosse at their local Kinross show. The riding school is also a Pony Club member centre which allows children who ride but don’t own their own ponies to get the benefits of Pony Club membership via their riding school. Details of training and events can be found on the Scottish Polocrosse facebook page. www.overdalkeithstables.co.uk Scottish Polocrosse: http://www.scottishpolocrosse.co.uk/

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October 2013 | 53

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54 | October 2013

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’m writing this while on my two week road trip to Burghley with then onto Blenheim with Zebedee for 8/9 year class.

I didn’t have the ideal build up to Burghley as Cool Dancer (Axil) had a minor set back with a slight muscle tweak. This meant he missed his run at Gatcombe in the British Open Championships which was not ideal but unfortunately these things happen. So it was a busy few weeks trying to make sure Axil was all sorted for Burghley. We gave him as much time off proper exercise as we could. He had many visits from the Physio ( Rachael Rowe Ayrshire canine and equine veterinary physiotherapy) and luckily I have a great back- up team at home as we were doing several walks in hand and over poles a few times per day.

Fortunately when I started to work him again he was feeling great.

I arrived at Burghley a day early to make sure Axil had enough time to recover from the journey, which took us almost seven hours. I like to give him a short walk in hand after the journey and I rode him before we left, I like to give him a jump down his bounces before any big events but I don’t like to work him too hard before a journey. I know he is a good traveller but I felt given he had had this slight tweak in a muscle it was best to give him an extra day before having to start work. I think he remembered where he was from last year! I took Zebedee with me as well so I could keep him fit and have some lessons with Ian. Axil was on great form all week. I spent the Tuesday just hacking him out so he was soft and supple.

On the Wednesday I hacked him then did some light schooling.

There’s a lovely all weather arena at Burghley so I worked Axil in there.

After the briefing I did my first of 5 XC course walks! The course looked pretty huge, I deliberately don’t read the course previews or watch the online course walk as I prefer to get there and see it for myself.

One course walk myself was enough though, I waited for my trainer Ian Stark to arrive before walking again. It was time for the trot up and Axil was feeling his usual laid back self until we had trotted up and he suddenly woke up and had a little buck! Ian arrived on the Thursday so I managed a walk round the course which helped me sort all my lines!

And then had a dressage lesson and Axil was feeling good, I think his short break did him some good! In the evening we went to ERA dinner which was good.

Friday was a particularly busy day -I started by hacking Axil at 7.30am and I think eventually got back to the lorry at 8pm! After my morning hack I had a dressage lesson then had to get myself ready for my test. He did his best test yet at this level and i was delighted with him. I felt he tried really hard, I could have ridden some parts better but overall I was happy, especially as I was feeling confident it wasn’t going to be a dressage competition! I gave Axil a jump after his test which he loved!

He knows the routine now at three days so he was very happy! I then had a dressage lesson on Zebedee, he was good, I was not! I got a small telling off ! No rest though as I was whisked straight off Zebedee to the celebrity

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talk area where Ian and I were on the stage talking with Jonty Evans. Then it was straight round for another course walk which turned into a run when we realised we were running late! Burghley was definitely a weight loss week! I think had another short dressage lesson on Zebedee which went much better than the morning one! And then it was straight off for another course walk! The good news was that after such a busy day I didn’t have too many problems sleeping which is good as sometimes the night before the big day it can be tricky to get a good nights sleep! I was wide awake from 5.30am which makes it a long day when my XC time wasn’t until 14.22! I took Axil for a nice hack round the park in the morning which was really nice and quite relaxing! Then it was time for the final course walk, this one is a quiet one not much talking at all (which when I’m nervous I manage easily!). I walk ahead and Ian follows to check my lines are ok. He actually

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Equi_Ads_Oct_Scots_Rev2.indd 55

walks the course more times with me than he did when he competed!

Luckily I had Zebedee with me as it helped pass some time as I took him out for a canter up the gallop track.

I have to say I was more nervous than normal, probably because Axil has only run once since Badminton. I trust him XC and know him so well but I was anxious in case I messed up a line. Once I was on him I felt better. He was a little cheeky feeling at the start and not quite as focused as I had hoped but he jumped well and got better and better further round the course. I ended up taking two long routes. One at the maltings corner fence 17 when I just felt I was going to be a way off part C and didn’t want to risk anything and then again at the dairy mound where I felt I just hadn’t jumped the first part as well as I hoped. That’s the first long routes I’ve ever taken on Axil at 3 & 4 star level but a clear round was more important. I lost time with those long routes that I couldn’t make up but he really was superb and makes it feel easy which is an incredibly nice feeling! When I had finished I was back over to the celebrity talk area with Jonty and had a couple of other people to speak to. Axil seemed a ok after his XC. Fortunately my Physio was at Burghley so Axil had a good work through and a massage before he had a big sleep! On Sunday morning he was good and trotted up well. I walked the SJ and felt it was a good track for Axil particularly as the distances were good which suits him.

He felt great in the warm up and he was feeling quite focused. I find him easier SJ at 3 days. He jumped really well and was clear so I was delighted.

I was very happy to find out he was one of only five double clears! We ended up in 25th place. So onwards and upwards! Time to reflect and think about the good bits and the bits needing worked on for next year and how we’re going to get there.

RH The Princess Royal enjoyed an equestrian day out in the sunshine at Benderloch, visiting the Argyll RDA Driving Group and watching a training session at the group’s new arena, built last year.

Eleven year-old Jessica Turnbull of Dunoon received her first carriage driving lesson under the watchful eye of Her Royal Highness. ( Jessica suffers from a rare genetic disorder that affects her speech, balance and development. She rides regularly with the Woodside RDA Group.)

“It was fun,” said Jessica. “I was nervous to start before, but then it was okay.”

The other three drivers demonstrating their carriage driving skills were Donald MacDonald, Davina Plank and Lorraine Smart, regulars at the Driving Group. They were accompanied by RDA Whips Vivienne Price and Penny Dixon.

Princess Anne, President of Riding for the Disabled, then presented rosettes to all the RDA drivers, and to the two horses Red and Bramble.

Twenty four excited young members of the Lettershuna Pony Club Centre and the North Argyll Branch of the Pony Club were presented with their Carriage Driving Achievement Badges by Her Royal Highness.

Joyce Buick from Mull received her Stable Management Certificate from North Highland College, and Claire MacPherson of Barcaldine was presented with a Saltire Award for her 200 hours of voluntary work with the RDA Driving Group.

The Argyll RDA Group started nine years ago, and now has 14 regular members driving in the twice-weekly sessions at Benderloch, supported by five RDA Whips and a team of 12 Helpers (with Pony Club members giving assistance in the summer holidays). The Group also travels away regularly to competitions and the annual Carriage Driving summer holiday.

Jane Isaac is Organiser of the Argyll RDA Driving Group, and Chairman of the RDA groups in Argyll. She and her husband, Oban dental surgeon Hamish Isaac, built the arena and carriage store which the Argyll RDA Group use. Jane Isaac said: “The group wouldn’t exist, and we couldn’t have enjoyed this wonderful day, without the support of our very committed Trustees and all our hardworking volunteers and helpers.”

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56 | October 2013

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Tel: 01674 830001 www.sportack.co.uk

– Ulanda; 3rd Gabi Notraangelo – Zenna; 95cm Junior League Class 1st Kate Fraser – Captivate; Summer League 95cm Junior Winner – Kate Fraser – Captivate; 95cm Senior League Class - 1st Rachel Burdin – Ginge; 2nd Jade Sturrock – ILPH Litte Rock; 3rd Jodie Sturrock – Cullan Boy; Summer League 95cm Winner – Pam Seivwright – Ullrich X1 British Showjumping, SNEC 14 September 2013 1.10m Open - 1st Richard Duncan – Hojmarks Rosetta; 2nd Joanne Fairbrother – Triomf L; Dodson & Horrell 1.15m Nat. Am,Champ Second Round - 1st Joanne Fairbrother – Triomf L; 2nd Richard Duncan – Curra Glas; 3rd Luana Cecchini – Rough Diamond; 0.80m Open - 1st Michaela Teague – Utopia S II; 2nd Catherine Lowe – Warm Approval; Dodson & Horrell 0.90m Nat.Am.Chmp Qualf (First Round) - 1st Michaela Teague – Utopia S II; 2nd Louise Brown – Mo Chara Myah; British Novice - 1st Louise Brown – Mo Chara Myah; 2nd Sandra Low Mitchell – Do or Die; 3rd George Blackie – Ce Rocklands Cherry; Dodson & Horrell 1.00m Nat. Am.Champ Qual (First Round) - 1st

Carole Niederhauser – Brunette lii; 2nd George Blackie – Ce Rocklands Cherry; 3rd Devon Ellington – Agoranta Vdl British Showjumping, SNEC 15 September 2013 Beginners Stakes- 1st Jill Douglas – Baileys Irish Cream II; 2nd Susan Hebdon – Beauty V; 3rd Kate Anstruther – Treasas Girl; British Novice (First Round) - 1st Susan Hebdon – Rock on Raffy; 2nd Jill Douglas – Baileys Irish Cream II; 3rd Clare McLay – Rose Jardine; 0.80m Open - 1st Shelley Farm – Kingsland Fergal; 2nd Christine Muirhead – Tdi; 3rd Siobhan Nairn – My Apache Warrior Boy; Discovery (First Round) - 1st Susan Hebdon – Rock on Raffy; 2nd Gillian McFadyen – Bounty li; 3rd Yvonne MacFarlane – Bradmoor Tess; 0.90m Open - 1st Shelley Farm – Kingsland Fergal; 2nd Wendy Hay – Sledgers Guinness; 3rd Shelley Farm – Trendy Bobby; Newcomers (First Round) inc Pony Restricted Rider Qualifier 1st Margaret Ballantyne – Landlord Lii; 2nd William Stewart – Ag Scirocco; 3rd Yvonne Macfarlane – Bradmoor Tess; 1.00m Open inc Pony Restricted Qualifier - 1st William Dunlop – My-l; 2nd Senga Lammie – Llettycrudd Cardi Back; 3rd Mary Thomson – Thorndonpark Prince Charming; Winter 128cms/138ms (First Round)

Handicap Competition - 1st Nicola Balniel – Baileys Xii; 2nd Kate Anstruther – Galway Jetsetter; 3rd Marjory McNaughton – Madonna; Foxhunter (First Round)/1.10m Open - 1st William Stewart – Ag Dynamo; 2nd Gordon Bowden – Bay Friend; 3rd Henry Aird – Mini Cooper; 1.20m Open - 1st Gordon Bowden – Bay Friend; 2nd John Aird – Caprice lii; 3rd John Jamieson – Killyfassey Freddie

Equi-Trek Space treka L

4 years old Takes two 17.2hh Changing area with seat and storage hooks for tack, coats, 2 saddle racks, spare wheel, wheel run on jack camera.

Serviced every year.

Quick sale required hence

£4,850

Tel 07929 001996 or 01505 850608 October 2013 | 59

25/09/2013 09:37

What’s Xxxxxxxxxx On • Results Fun Show Jumping at Muirmill!

13th October Teams and Individuals Juniors and Seniors 60, 75, 90cm, 1mtr 5cm

Open Dressage at Ingliston Organised by Kilmacolm and Kilallan Riding Club 16th November Show Jumping Training with Aileen Craig 9th, 21st October 4th, 20th November 2nd December

Also Dressage at SNEC 2nd November Show Jumping at Kingsbarn 23rd November

Schedules & Information on www.kilmacolmridingclub.org.uk

Schedules on www.brcarea1.co.uk

Edinburgh & District Riding Club

October Events 2nd & 26th David Harland Clinics 5th BS Club & Unaff SJ 6th BS Armature SJ 7th & 21st JJs on GGs Clinics 12th PowerX 13th In hand & Young stock Show

Show Jumping Show Sunday 20th October

Dressage Show Sunday 10th November Schedules available from

www.edrc.org

15th Ride a Dressage Test 17th Clear Round SJ 19th Unaff SJ 20th Unaff Dressage 22nd Alex Hargie Clinic 27th Extreme PowerX 29th Rob Wilson Rider Physio

Online entries for both

Easterton Equine Activities Club 2 miles from Gleneagles

Forthcoming Events – for more info please check website

Winter League Dressage Oct. 27th, Nov. 24th – W&T, Prelim and Novice tests. Entry form on Website Horse Agility 20th Oct. 2-5 - Improve your handling skills Parelli clinic, Oct. 5th/6th - with Alison Jones 4* Instructor, Working to Level 4 Finesse.

Perry Wood clinic Nov. 2nd/3rd - Worth watching.

Riding Biomechanics clinic Nov. 9th/10th Auditors welcome at all clinics.

Regular Individual riding lessons - with experienced coaches and schoolmaster horses.

Sidesaddle lessons - with Heather Carstairs, the only A level Instructor in Scotland

Gizmo in sidesaddle lesson

www.eastertonequestrian.co.uk 01764 682268 mob. 07831 382704

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

FORTHCOMING ARENA EVENT Sunday 22nd September EVENTS JETSET

Last Chance Qualifier BRITISH DRESSAGE Saturday 21st September Saturday 5th October

JETSET SHOW JUMPING FINAL

BD TRY 28th A TEST DAY Saturday September Sunday 6th October

 � � � �  �  ­� € �

Success at Sauchieburn

T

his Year’s Riding for the Disabled Regional Carriage Driving Competition was held at Sauchieburn. Competitors and helpers alike enjoyed a fun filled day as drivers vied to become champion within their designated category.

The morning was occupied by driven dressage and the afternoon challenge was to negotiate a combined obstacle and cone course. These activities proved to be a great test of their driving skills.

Neil Warner from the Garioch Group was overall winner of the Regional Trophy with Alister Scott reserve champion. Bannockburn had further success as Alison Colvin was worthy runner up in the open class. Driving Billy, who is in his first season, she drove a commendable dressage test followed by a silky smooth performance through the cones and obstacle. Our other competitors had some ups and downs but all took part in the true spirit of sportsmanship. Well done to Alister Lind who completed his first driven dressage test, putting in a very solid performance.

Thanks to all our helpers who ensured that the day ran without a hitch, no matter what tasks you were asked to perform and to Bannockburn Group for the use of their excellent facilities. Results: Open class 1) Neil Warner  Garioch Group 2) Alison Colvin Bannockburn Group 3) Angie Murray Garioch Group

4) Donald McPhail Annandale & Eskdale Group 5) Linda Farquhar Bannockburn Group 6) John Reid Annandale & Eskdale Group 7) Mary Hahn Bannockburn 8) Keith Thorn Annandale & Eskdale Group Intermediate 1) Alister Scott Bannockburn Group 2) Davina Plank Argyll Group 3) Yasmin Murray Argyll Group 4) Emma Hunter  Bannockburn Group 5) Joyce Buick Argyll Group 6) Joanna Kirsop Argyll Group Novice 1) Alister Lind Bannockburn Group If you are interested in volunteering or want to loan a pony to your local RDA contact: Gillie Drapper on 01360 860 243

2013 19th October - Muirmill Intro - Medium

3rd November - Muirmill Prelim - Medium

Details on our website www.sdgnews.co.uk or phone Glenys on 01505 842419

BRECHIN CASTLE EQUESTRIAN Saturday 5th October - Autumn Show and Working Hunter Sunday 6th October - JumpCross Competition Saturday 19th October - David Harland SJ Clinic Sunday 20th October - Halloween Arena Event Please visit www.bcequestrian.com for schedules and entry forms or email val.blewitt@btinternet.com

REGULAR SHOW JUMPING & DRESSAGE INCLUDING:

Scotlands Premier Equestrian Facility EQUI ADS, NPS, Rhinns Point & ROR Dressage Qualifi OCTOBER TEAMers Long and short term livery available including holiday livery.

Our 1st BD TRAINING Dressage Show SHOW JUMPING - SHOW JUMPING Your horse deserves the best, let us train him while you are away.

ARENA EVENTING - COMBINED

EQUI - ADS DRESSAGE SERIES

Saturday 5th October & 12th Saturday October

THEBritish MUIRMILL JUMPING Dressage – TryDERBY A Test Day

Sunday 6th October EQUI-ADS

‚  ƒ � � ‚ � ‚ „ … � � ‚  �ƒƒ † � �  ‡ �� ƒ   „� � � !!NEW!!

Team Challenge Show Jumping ƒ � � � �

�„  � � � ‚ ƒ‚  „ � ƒ� � �� ‚ � ‚ � ƒ    � ­� ƒ  �ƒ � ­ � �…ƒ �

DRESSAGE QUALIFIERS Saturday26th 12th October Saturday October

Check out our website or our Facebook page for more information.

Check out our website or our Facebook page for more information.

Tel: 07968622701 www.muirmillec.co.uk

Muirmill

Equestrian Centre

60 | October 2013

Equi_Ads_Oct_Scots_Rev2.indd 60

Our facilities include: Cross Country Courses • All Weather Arena • Dressage and Showjumps Area • Lunge Pen • Horse Walker • Stables Yard • Post & Rail Paddocks. 24 hour supervision!

Clients based in the yard have direct access to all facilities and amenities.

The facilities and knowledge of the team at Strathearn Eventing enable us to help re school and train horses, bring horses back into work post injury, educate youngsters and produce for show ring as well as dedicate time for our clients based in the yard with ongoing care, advice and training.

To find out more see www.strathearneventing.co.uk Phone: 01738 840263 Email: enquiries@strathearneventing.co.uk www.equi-ads.com

25/09/2013 09:37

What’s On Xxxxxxxxxx

OCTOBER WHAT’S ON Tue 1st Oct Clear rounds, Rowallan AC, Fenwick.

Tel: 01560 600769.

BS Junior Academy, West Kype Farm, Strathaven. Tel: 01560 600769.

Martin Arnott Clinic, Ingliston EC, Renfrewshire. Tel: 0845 301 1010.

Riding Academy, Kingsbarn EC, Westershieldhill, Falkirk.

Tel: 01324 630404.

Wed 2nd Oct Clear rounds, Rowallan AC, Fenwick.

Tel: 01560 600769.

First Saddlery Series, Rowallan AC, Fenwick. Tel: 01560 600769.

David Harland SJ Clinic, Inchcoonans, Errol. Tel: 01821 641185.

Mixed Unaff Evening SJ, The Cabin EC, Inverurie. Tel: 01467 624378.

Clear round jumping, Ingliston EC, Renfrewshire. Tel: 0845 301 1010.

Thur 3rd Oct Clear rounds, Rowallan AC, Fenwick.

Tel: 01560 600769.

Schooling Night, Kingsbarn EC, Westershieldhill, Falkirk.

Tel: 01324 630404.

Fri 4th Oct -6th, SWS BS Area Gala night & show, Rowallan AC, Fenwick.

Tel: 01560 600769.

-6th, BS Adult Amateur, The Cabin EC, Inverurie. Tel: 01467 624378.

SAT 5TH OCT

BS Club & Unaff S/J, Inchcoonans, Errol. Tel: 01821 641185.

BS Senior Show Adv/Prog, Ingliston EC, Renfrewshire. Tel: 0845 301 1010.

Dressage Show, Muirmill EC. Tel: 07968 622701.

-6th, Parelli Clinic, Easteron Equine.

Tel: 01764 682268.

-6th Equido Clinic, Ross Dhu Equestrian. Tel: 01698 886492.

SUN 6TH OCT

Arena Event, West Kype Farm, Strathaven. Tel: 01357 521105.

BS Amateur Show, Inchcoonans, Errol. Tel: 01821 641185.

Gleneagles Autumn Hunter Trials, Gleneagles Equestrian School.

Tel: 01764 694206.

Grand Slam SJ, Ingliston EC, Renfrewshire. Tel; 0845 301 1010.

British Dressage – Try A Test Day, Muirmill EC. Tel: 07968 622701.

Greenfields of Avondale Dressage League, Greenfields Farm, Drumclog.

Tel: 07775 782296 after 6pm.

Mon 7th Oct Mini SJ Academy, West Kype Farm, Strathaven. Tel: 01357 521105.

Tue 8th Oct Clear rounds, Rowallan AC, Fenwick.

Tel: 01560 600769.

L&R Rallies, Ingliston EC, Renfrewshire. Tel: 0845 301 1010.

Riding Academy, Kingsbarn EC, Westershieldhill, Falkirk.

Tel: 01324 630404.

-9th, BHS Riding & Road Safety Course 7 Test, Gleneagles Equestrian School, Auchterarder.

Tel: 01764 694206.

Wed 9th Oct Clear rounds, Rowallan AC, Fenwick.

Tel: 01560 600769.

First Saddlery jumping series, Rowallan AC, Fenwick. Tel: 01560 600769.

KRC Training, Ingliston EC, Renfrewshire. Tel: 0845 301 1010.

Thur 10th Oct Clear rounds, Rowallan AC, Fenwick.

Tel: 01560 600769.

Fri 11th Oct -13th, Dressage incl PYO Adv, Rowallan AC, Fenwick. Tel: 01560 600769.

SAT 12TH OCT

PowerX Show, Inchcoonans, Errol. Tel: 01821 641185.

Gleneagles Winter Combined Training Show, Gleneagles Equestrian School, Auchterarder.

Tel: 01764 694206.

Team Challenge SJ, Muirmill EC. Tel: 07968 622701.

Showing Show, Kingsbarn EC, Westershieldhill, Falkirk. Tel: 01324 630404.

SUN 13TH OCT

Mixed Unaff SJ, The Cabin EC, Inverurie. Tel: 01467 624378.

Unaff SJ, Kingsbarn EC, Westershieldhill, Falkirk.

Tel: 01324 630404.

Mon 14th Oct Eglinton Pony Club Rally, Rowallan AC, Fenwick.

Tel: 01560 600769.

David Gatherer XC Training Day, Gleneagles Equestrian School, Auchterarder. Tel: 01764 694206 -15th, Deeside PC Camp, The Cabin EC, Inverurie. Tel: 01467 624378.

Tue 15th Oct Jane Gilchrist Clinic, Inchcoonans Errol. Tel: 01821 641185.

Ride a Dressage Training, Inchcoonans, Errol. Tel: 01821 641185.

Martin Arnott Clinic, Ingliston EC, Renfrewshire. Tel: 0845 301 1010.

Riding Academy, Kingsbarn EC, Westershieldhill, Falkirk.

Tim Stockdale Masterclass £40 Adult

Child*

£25

Limited Tickets available PLEASE BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT! Contact kristina@ingliston.com for more information.

12th November 2013, 7pm-10.30pm To book call: 0845 301 1010

Email: kristina@ingliston.com or ask at reception www.ingliston.com Ingliston Estate, Bishopton PA7 5PA. *Child tickets 16 and under.

www.equi-ads.com

Equi_Ads_Oct_Scots_Rev2.indd 61

October 2013 | 61

25/09/2013 09:37

Xxxxxxxxxx What’s On T H E R I D E R S O F T H E S T O R M HA L L O W E EN S HOW

Tel: 01324 630404.

Wed 16th Oct Mixed Unaff Evening SJ, The Cabin EC, Inverurie. Tel: 01467 624378.

-17th, Jill Grant Clinic, Ingliston EC, Renfrewshire. Tel: 0845 301 1010.

E QU ESTRIAN STUNT S HOW FANCY DRESS COMPETITION, GHOULISH GAMES, SNACKS AND DRINKS

Fri 18th Oct -20th Adult BS, Rowallan AC, Fenwick. Tel: 01560 600769.

Angus RDA, Forfar, DD8 2JR

31st October and 1st November Doors 6.30pm

SAT 19TH OCT

Adults - £10 / Kids Under 12 - £5 FAMILY AND GROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE

Thu 17th Oct Clear Round, Inchcoonans, Errol.

Tel: 01821 641185.

Gleneagles Winter Unaff Dressage League, Gleneagles Equestrian School, Auchterarder.

Tel: 01764 694206.

Schooling Night, Kingsbarn EC, Westershieldhill, Falkirk.

Tel: 01324 630404.

-18th, Kingsbarn Junior October Festival Show, Kingsbarn EC, Westersheildhill, Falkirk.

Tel: 01324 630404.

BRITAIN’S YOUNGEST STUNT TEAM

Tel: 07784119377 / Email: info@ridersofthestorm.co.uk

ADVANCE TICKETS FROM: www.ridersofthestorm.co.uk/equestrian_theatre/

Unaff SJ, Inchcoonans, Errol. Tel: 01821 641185.

Senior AP SJ, Kingsbarn EC, Westershieldhill, Falkirk.

Tel: 01324 630404.

-20th, Kingsbarn Junior October Festival Show, Kingsbarn EC, Westershieldhill, Falkirk.

Tel: 01324 630404.

-20th, BD and Unaff Dressage inc Dengie PC Qualifiers, The Cabin EC, Inverurie.

Tel: 01467 624378.

Strathclyde Dressage Group, IntroMedium, Muirmill.

Tel: 01505 842419.

SUN 20TH OCT

Open Dressage League, West Kype Farm, Strathaven. Tel: 01357 521105.

Scottish Connemara Group, Lunch followed by AGM,Bankhouse, Bankhead. Tel: 01875 833341.

Dressage Show, Inchcoonans, Errol.

Tel: 01821 641185.

Mon 21st Oct JJ’s on GG’s, Inchcoonans, Errol.

Tel: 01821 641185.

KRC Training, Ingliston EC, Renfrewshire. Tel: 0845 301 1010.

-23rd, Bennachie PC Day Rally, The Cabin EC, Inverurie. Tel: 01467 624378.

Tue 22nd Oct Clear rounds, Rowallan AC, Fenwick. Tel: 01560 600769.

Alex Hargie Clinic, Inchcoonans, Errol. Tel: 01821 641185.

L&R Rallies, Ingliston EC, Renfrewshire. Tel: 0845 301 1010.

Riding Academy, Kingsbarn EC, Westershieldhill, Falkirk.

Tel: 01324 630404.

62 | October 2013

Equi_Ads_Oct_Scots_Rev2.indd 62

Wed 23rd Oct Clear rounds, Rowallan AC, Fenwick. Tel: 01560 600769.

First Saddlery jumping series show, Rowallan AC, Fenwick.

Tel: 01560 600769.

David Gatherer Clinic, Ingliston EC, Renfrewshire. Tel: 0845 301 1010.

Thur 24th Oct Clear rounds, Rowallan AC, Fenwick.

Tel: 01560 600769.

Schooling Night, Kingsbarn EC, Westershieldhill, Falkirk.

Tel: 01324 630404.

Fri 25th Oct Strathearn PC SJ Show, Gleneagles Equestrian School, Auchterarder.

Tel: 01764 694206.

-27th, BS Adult Adv/Prog, The Cabin EC, Inverurie. Tel: 01467 624378.

-27th BS Development Classic, Rowallan AC, Fenwick. Tel: 01560 600769.

SAT 26TH OCT

Monthly Open SJ Show, West Kype Farm, Strathaven. Tel: 01357 521105.

David Harland Day Clinic, Inchcoonans, Errol. Tel: 01821 641185.

L&R PC Team SJ, Ingliston EC, Renfrewshire. Tel: 0845 301 1010.

SUN 27TH OCT

Extreme PowerX, Inchcoonans, Errol. Tel: 01821 641185.

Mon 28th Oct Paul Hayler Clinic, Ingliston EC, Renfrewshire. Tel: 0845 301010.

Tue 29th Oct Clear rounds, Rowallan AC, Fenwick.

Tel: 01560 600769.

Rob Wilson Rider Physio, Inchcoonans, Errol. Tel: 01821 641185.

Martin Arnott Clinic, Ingliston EC, Renfrewshire. Tel: 0845 301 1010.

Riding Academy, Kingsbarn EC, Westershieldhill, Falkirk.

Tel: 01324 630404.

Wed 30th Oct Clear rounds, Rowallan AC, Fenwick. Tel: 01560 600769.

First Saddery Jumping Series Show, Rowallan AC, Fenwick.

Tel: 01560 600769.

Mixed Evening Unaff SJ, The Cabin EC, Inverurie. Tel: 01467 624378.

Polnoon RC Club Night, West Kype Farm, Strathaven. Tel: 01357 521105.

Thur 31st Oct Clear rounds, Rowallan AC, Fenwick.

Tel: 01560 600769.

Schooling Night, Kingsbarn EC, Westershieldhill, Falkirk.

Tel: 01324 630404. www.equi-ads.com

25/09/2013 09:37

The greatest range on earth The “low salt miles” salt lick for all stock

C KIE S

U

PU

R

RA

L

R

100% O

T E & NA

Rockies are made in Cheshire from salt extracted from the ground only 14 miles away. The salt we use is human food grade PDV salt-exactly the same as that on your table. We then add top quality essential trace elements in exactly the right amounts to suit your horse, and press it into very hard licks.

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.

Rockies. Protect your horse. Protect the planet.

Contact Rockies on: 01606 595022 or info@rockies.co.uk www.rockies.co.uk

Equi_Ads_Oct_Scots_Rev2.indd 63

25/09/2013 09:37

optimum-A4-ad-13-1_0 14/08/2013 09:07 Page 1

Every horse deserves the Optimum life

Launch Offer

The five star feed balancer for your five star horse • restores and maintains five star condition, topline and health • maximises the nutritional value of the daily feed ration • optimises the health and efficiency of the digestive system • easy to feed, palatable, pellet with great sugar free flavour • provides the best supplement specification Feed Optimum to put the balance back into the diet and to optimise your horse’s health.

OPTIMUM will restore and maintain five star condition, topline and health, maximise the nutritional value of the daily feed ration, and optimise the health and efficiency of the digestive system.

OPTIMUM comes in a concentrated pellet, each one is of the highest supplement specification available, with a great sugar free flavour.

OPTIMUM is formulated to complement either a high fibre low concentrate, or a performance diet. When a daily feed is not necessary, OPTIMUM can simply be fed on its own directly from your hand.

OPTIMUM is the perfect choice for every horse, from family pony to performance athlete, it is the optimum choice for all.

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

www.naf-equine.eu/uk Equi_Ads_Oct_Scots_Rev2.indd 64

inge r Com sto a o o y t ear oun n so 25/09/2013 09:37