YHC ISSUE 15

Autumn 2017

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WELCOME & CONTENTS

The UK’s largest glossy equestrian and country lifestyle seasonal magazine!

8

Adventure’s just a ride away

21

Beautiful Blenheim is back

65

Keeping up with the Kings

88

Awesome autumn outings

Welcome

Issue 15 | AUTUMN 2017

Mists melting away in the morning sunlight and a crisp feel to those early starts at the stables are sure signs autumn is on its way. But while the days are shortening and you might need an extra layer, the season is a golden opportunity to get out and about for spectacular woodland walks and cosy meals at the pub, says Kathy Carter. See her top tips for autumnal outings and why she thinks this season ‘conkers’ all on Page 88.

For those looking to go further afield, we have plenty of suggestions for adventurous holidays on horseback for riders of all abilities – from half-day rides in the rolling landscape of the Scottish Borders to rounding up Icelandic horses in the shadow of volcanoes. See Page 8.

Mary and Emily King report on their busy summer of eventing on Page 65 and, of course, the season isn’t over yet with one of the highlights of the calendar still to come – the SsangYong Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials. Tens of thousands of spectators will watch world-class riders tackling the famous cross-country course in this beautiful setting, competing in three three-star international classes. Read on to find out what else is in store from September 13th to 17th in our guide from Page 21.

As Blenheim regulars would no doubt agree, the weekend is also the perfect opportunity for a spot of shopping, with more than 200 stalls. And as a new season is upon us, what better time to invest in a few new pieces for your wardrobe that will effortlessly take you from stables to school run to coffee with friends? Check out our fashion feature on Page 100.

With informative articles on feed and bedding and winter veterinary care, wonderful photography and the best in products and services in the market today, get the kettle on and sit back with Your Horse & Country Magazine.

Contents

74 Vet’s advice

35 Bedding down

Tips and checks for making your geriatric horse’s sunset years bright

88 Golden opportunity Kathy Carter shares her top seven seasonal treats to get you out and about this autumn

Editor

Advertising

Publishing Co-ordinator

Editorial

Daniel MIller

Lucy Sperring

Contributors

With special thanks to Mary King, Emily King, Dr Judith E J Maxwell BVSc, the team at SsangYong Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, Amy Lanthrope-Ried/Indy Equine Photography, Adam Fanthorpe, Sarah Farnsworth, Lisa Harber, Shutterstock.

The colder weather means a change in feed and bedding – what are the best options?

100 Copy catwalk Kathy Carter looks at how the fashion world borrows from equestrian style

Printed by Stephens & George

Hazel Lomas & Alice McHardy

Kathy Carter

Production

Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this publication YOUR HORSE & COUNTRY MAGAZINE shall not be made liable for any inaccuracies therein. The opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor/Publisher.

Joni Mann & Gary Burt

Contact Us

01454 318 780 01454 311 910

Sales Accounts

info@yourhorseandcountry.com Office Two, 25 Falcon Gate, Dean Road, Yate, Bristol BS37 5NH

Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 3

PROMOTION

Chic country style that L

ooking good gives us the extra confidence that can be the difference between performing well and outperforming the rest – and that’s allimportant in the eventing arena.

Equestrian clothing has to be comfortable, durable and ready to take whatever you, your horse and the British weather have to throw at it – and to do it all in style. Is that asking too much?

Definitely not, says Welligogs.

This distinctly British brand’s collections perform as well as you do, with styling that’s flattering, feminine and ready to take you anywhere – from stableyard to city, beach to festival.

More and more riders at the top of their game are turning to Welligogs to kit them out for some of the calendar’s most highprofile events.

In May, British rider Sarah Parkes competed in her first ever four-star event at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials and, with all eyes on her at the trot-up, skinny white trousers paired with a Commodore navy blazer with gold piping by Welligogs made the perfect combination. So perfect, in fact, Sarah was named Badminton Best Dressed Lady by online society guide Sloaney Season.

And, in Ireland for the FEI European Eventing Championships 2017 in July, the Junior British Eventing Team were the next in line to choose Welligogs for their “catwalk” moment at the trot-ups.

Alice Goring and Alice Fox-Pitt are among Welligogs’ growing equestrian fanbase, while Clare Balding, the face of racing coverage on British TV, has been seen on screen in Welligogs as she presented Badminton, Crufts and other major sporting events.

Olympic gold medallist turned amateur jockey Victoria Pendleton is another Welligogs devotee, spotted wearing Welligogs for a TV interview and while “off duty” for a day at the races in Cheltenham.

So from trot-up to TV studio, Welligogs has made each of these women look and feel great whatever the occasion.

At Welligogs we endeavour to create outfits that will flatter women, whatever their shape, with boots, hats and accessories to match.

The brand has evolved from founder Kim Annan’s original handpainted Wellington boots – or “welligogs” as they were known in her family home – to encompass quality leather boots in a range of styles, beautifully cut jackets and shirts, hardwearing coats and gilets and eye-catching hats and accessories.

Inspired by the colours of the British countryside, each season sees the release of new and exciting designs with the firm’s core values at their heart –

PROMOTION

performs in every walk of life

 Clockwise from top left: Sarah Parkes wears Welligogs’ Commodore jacket and Phoebe shirt at Badminton; Clare Balding commentating at Badminton in the Demelza jacket in navy; Victoria Pendleton wears the hazlenut Demelza coat at the Cheltenham Gold Cup; award-winning RHS Chelsea garden designer Jo Thompson in Odette navy coat and Mayfair boots and friends in Odette coat, Roxy jacket, Fedora hat and Mayfair boots; ITV Weather’s Lucy Verasamy in the Louise coat in navy. Photo credits: Gus Winterman/Blackheart Imagery; Litherland Photography; Chris Grundy Photography attention to detail, British craftsmanship wherever possible, function and style.

Each British-made piece is hand-cut and sewn, with tweeds and wools handpicked from British manufacturers from the Scottish mountains to the Yorkshire Dales.

Many of our highly technical garments are also sourced from the best manufacturers in Europe.

Cutting-edge fashion mixes seamlessly with tradition at Welligogs – the waxing and waterproofing processes are based

on the tried-and-tested techniques of generations gone before, and applied to garments designed for today’s world – when a walk in the country could easily be followed by dinner in the city.

Country life has informed every aspect of Welligogs’ iconic leather boots, with their ruggedness, comfort, warmth and style ensuring pride of place in the boot cupboard or hallway of many a home.

Sloane and Ranger, Welligogs’ classic country boots, have been joined by

Matador, the Spanish riding boot, the elegant Mayfair and the relaxed Mondo – proving Welligogs is the right fit for every walk of life. Every one of Welligogs’ styles has the added bonus of being both fully waterproof and breathable with the incorporation of the technical membrane behind the leather outer.  See the full range and catch our latest news on our blog at www. welligogs.com, and find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 5

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6 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

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Email: enquiries@botanica.ie YOUR HORSE & COUNTRY | 13 Visit: www.botanica.ie Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 7

WHEN ADVENTURE IS JUST A

ride away

U

ndertaking an equestrian holiday is a superb way to learn new skills, meet new friends and enjoy some great new riding, writes Kathy Carter.

There’s literally something for everyone, whether you’re a beginner wanting to improve your skills at a riding centre, a

regular horse owner wanting a change of scenery or a break away with your horsey friends, or an experienced rider seeking adventure and thrills somewhere new.

Here, we’re showcasing Europe as a holiday destination. Close to home,

Join farmers as they round up herds of horses amid Iceland’s stark mountain landscape on the Autumnal Horse Round Up trip, recommended by Unicorn Trails,



8 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

low-cost flights – there’s a holiday for everyone, no matter what your budget, or level of riding experience.

We’ve selected some of our favourite riding trips, and are sharing our top tips for when it comes to choosing your next riding break.

HOLIDAYS ON HORSEBACK

Castle Leslie Estate, Ireland Repeatedly hailed as “the friendliest destination in the world” by travel guides, Ireland offers a warm welcome and some fabulous riding. Nestling in County Monaghan, Castle Leslie Estate’s Horse Sport package is ideal for the more experienced rider looking to improve their riding skills, or indeed try a new discipline.

While visitors can stay in the grand castle itself, the luxurious Lodge hotel is often preferred by equestrian guests, as it sits above the courtyard stables. The venue’s Horse Sport break is recommended by specialist riding holiday company Unicorn Trails, as it offers a mix of show jumping, cross-country, dressage and estate rides; three hours’ riding a day is commonly offered, with bed and breakfast, plus a choice of a two-course meal each night in Conor’s Bar, or one main course in the luxurious Snaffles Restaurant. There’s 1,000 acres of private estate for hacking, an extensive cross-country course, a mechanical horse, 21 miles of bridleways plus indoor and outdoor arenas. Business manager Jenny Richardson says the estate’s horses are its pride and joy: “There’s a wide selection of quality equines here, for all levels of rider – lots of reliable, Irish hunter-types; all highly trained, well mannered and a joy to ride.”

Top tip Pack a smarter outfit for dinner, and some non-riding shoes.

Cost Five-night trip £1,385 per person sharing. www.unicorntrails.com

The Scottish Equestrian Hotel If you want to stay close to home, or perhaps have a limited time period to undertake your riding trip, then the UK’s largest horse riding holiday centre, the Scottish Equestrian Hotel, may be for you. The venue offers tailored breaks for all abilities, with up to four hours’ daily riding. The hotel itself boasts a specially designed, smart accommodation complex and bistro, and the facilities at the venue include indoor and outdoor arenas, as well as superb

local hacking. The team specialises in lessons in dressage, jumping and crosscountry riding. Maureen from the venue says the equestrian centre is renowned for its welcoming, inclusive approach. “We have a range of horses, and take great care to match guests to the right horse.

Most guests come back year-on-year, so we know we are getting it right! From riders lacking in confidence and needing a bit of a boost, to more experienced riders looking to learn new skills, we have it all here,” she concludes.

Top tip Ideal for a fun holiday with the girls – or a hen weekend, or week!

Cost One-week riding holiday £765 per person. All inclusive. Visit www.scottishequestrianhotel.com

Puszta Lodge, Hungary If you fancy staying in a fixed tent yurt, deep in a hallowed National Park, then a trip to Puszta Lodge in Hungary with tour operator Far And Ride could be for you. All the yurts offer separate living and sleeping areas, as well as Wi-Fi and en suite bathrooms, so no luxury is spared! Based in the Puszta National Park, this unique trip offers the chance to ride among a great variety of birds and mammals such as deer and boar, with guests usually enjoying around three hours’ riding a day through pine and acacia forests and meadows. The beauty of Hungary is the rolling plains, allowing for fast, exciting rides. “This is a great chance to get back to nature and enjoy riding quality, warmblood horses. The location is unique and unspoiled, and various tailored excursions are available for our guests,” says Natalie from Far And Ride.

Top tip This is the perfect holiday if you enjoy fast riding, as Hungary’s plains are safe and expansive.

Cost Packages are tailored, however the advanced rider programme costs £313 per person per night, for a Superior Yurt (single occupancy). www.farandride.com  Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 9

HOLIDAYS ON HORSEBACK



Cabo de Gata in Spain, above; Horse Round Up, Iceland, right

Natural Park of Cabo de Gata, Spain Spain’s Natural Park of Cabo de Gata in Almería offers a beautiful setting for some fantastic riding with this trip from tour operator Far And Ride. The landscape is arid and volcanic; think sea-cliffs, volcanic sierras and coastal plains. A range of beautiful Andalusian horses will take you around a starkly beautiful region that varies from day to day. You will stay in the Hotel Oro y Luz in the village of Rodalquilar – several packages are available, commonly including riding through beaches, parkland, valleys and quaint villages with an average of three hours’ daily riding.

“The Tabernas desert here featured in

the films A Fistful of Dollars and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade – on some excursions, you will feel like you’re featuring in your very own western,” says Sue from Far And Ride.

Top tip Another great location for faster rides – and if you enjoy beach riding, this coastal location is perfect.

Cost Six nights’ B&B, four half days’ riding and one full day’s riding including a picnic, inc. transfers, £678 per person sharing. www.farandride.com

Horse Round Up, Iceland For something completely different, why not consider Iceland? The annual, Autumnal Horse Round Up trip,

recommended by Unicorn Trails, offers experienced riding guests with an appetite for exploration the chance to enjoy some thrilling experiences. Here you will stay in gites, mountain refuges and family-run B&Bs, enjoy exciting new foods and, due to the chilly temperatures, in all likelihood some stiff drinks too! This is a trip of fast riding in open terrain, joining the Icelandic farmers following the paths of the ancient Vikings as they drive and sort the herd of horses, and bring them down from the mountains. “Your mount will be a fivegaited Icelandic horse – the gaits are walk, trot, canter, tölt and flying pace – and the experience of riding these amazing little equines, surrounded by thousands of herd horses, with the stark Icelandic scenery as your backdrop, is unforgettable,” says Wendy from tour operator Unicorn Trails.

Top tip With temperatures sometimes around freezing, pack your waterproofs and thermals.

Cost £2,125 per person, including transfers from Rekjavik. www. unicorntrails.com

 Featured holidays do not include air travel. Price fluctuations and exchange rates mean costs may vary slightly from those indicated here.

1. Do pick a trip that meets your needs. Do you want fast canters or gallops? Avoid a trail ride mainly involving trekking through hillsides and woodland. Do you enjoy beach rides?

Choose a venue with proximity to firm, safe beaches. Do you prefer short riding days with the chance to take a siesta or sight-see? Choose a base-ride with plenty of free time.

2. Be honest about your experience and don’t exaggerate your level of riding skills. Look at the holiday details carefully, to match the trip to your needs.

3. Check out the photos and reviews on the website of your chosen holiday provider.

4. Speak up once you’re there about whether you get on with your horse!

We all like different types of horses, and generally, the providers will be very keen

Top travel tips

to match you with a suitable mount.

If you want a more reliable equine, be upfront with the holiday company or venue staff.

5. Pack sensibly. Most centre-based riding trips are informal, so you won’t need a range of outfits. If your baggage is being moved around, travel light! You may need to lead your horse in some circumstances, so your footwear should be waterproof and comfortable. Don’t forget gloves, shirts with collars and a waterproof coat. Additions like sun cream, water bottle, camera and sportssunglasses (on string) are also important, plus a bum-bag or small rucksack.

6. If you can, take your own lightweight riding helmet meeting safety regulations.

It’s your choice, but not wearing a helmet may compromise your insurance cover, and is foolish!

7. If you’re on an adventurous trip, take

10 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

an eye-mask and ear-plugs. Your sleep will be important on a tiring holiday, and your accommodation may be very different to what you’re used to.

8. If there’s room in your luggage, take a saddle seat-saver. Holiday saddles may not be the most comfortable!

9. For trail rides, take a bum-bag with emergency supplies like plasters, sun cream, wipes and even protein bars or sugary sweets for a snack.

10. For a centre-based training trip, it is nice to go with goals in mind; chat to the instructors about your aspirations – it could be solving a positional issue, tackling a type of jump that scares you, honing a dressage movement, or trying a new discipline.

Horse Riding Holidays Worldwide

From adventurous trail rides and safaris to luxury stays and top class tuition, we have a wide range of riding holidays in more than fifty countries.

We welcome everybody from single travellers to couples, families and groups and we have something for all levels and budgets.

Just get in touch and let us help you find the perfect horsey holiday!

Don't let your horse miss out on all the fun bring him with you to stay in our DIY horse B&B stable block.

Whether you are looking for a short break or longer holiday, beautiful hacking can be found at Studland Stables on the Dorset coast.

With over 2 miles of uninterrupted beach riding, 3000 acres of heath and forest and 4 miles of stunning coastal and ridge riding, we believe we can deliver on our claim ‘an amazing riding experience’.

Facilities include:4 x loose boxes separate from the main yard.

3 x turnout paddocks.

Own water supply for hosing off.

Trailer/lorry parking.

Hay and Nedz chopped straw bedding provided.

Check in at 12pm, check out by 10am.

Terms and conditions apply.

For more information call

01462 701110 or email info@farandride.com As a member of the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT), Far and Ride’s customers can book their trip with the assurance that they are financially protected

Dordogne Riding EQUESTRIAN HOLIDAYS IN SOUTH WEST FRANCE

Phone:(01929) 450273 Email: info@studlandstables.com

www.studlandstables.com

Love Horses?

Live the Scottish Equi Experience!

Dordogne Riding has been offering wonderful horse riding holidays in this lovely part of France, near to Bergerac, in the Dordogne for over a decade.

The 18th century manor house which is your home throughout your stay,with a heated pool, tennis court and extensive gardens offers a unique ‘house party’ atmosphere, intimate, cosy, welcoming and relaxed and the food and wines are delicious The riding is superb on horses you would be pleased to call your own,through stunning landscape and architecture - some of the best in France Unbeatably flexible - you can ride as and when you like. For non-riders there is so much to do. This place is also very easy to get to, fifteen minutes from Bergerac airport or train station. An all inclusive price with free transfers from/to Bergerac means that there are no hidden extras Come and spend time riding with us, contact Jane Hanslip on 07768 747610 or +33 (0)6 32 62 43 15 or visit www.dordogneriding.com

Horse riding holidays in beautiful surroundings at the UK’s largest Horse Riding Holiday Centre Scotland’s only 5* Equestrian Centre with its own 4* Bed and Breakfast accommodation… celebrating 28 years at Lanark and we’re still loving it! We are equally certain that you will enjoy your horse riding holiday.

★★★★★ 01555 661853 www.scottishequestrianhotel.com Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 11

Faster Riding Holidays in Europe Dolphin Coast Trail, Portugal Deserted beaches, lagoons, fishing villages and green coastal mountains are perfect terrain for the fit Lusitanos on this extraordinary ride along the Costa Azul in the south west of Portugal. Here the countryside is untouched save for the odd farm or fishing village, and the area around the mouth of the River Rio Sado is a wildlife sanctuary where you can see dolphins feeding and playing. Comfortable overnight accommodation, 8 day/7 night from £1,279

Catalonia Extreme Trail, Spain Cover 170km in just 4 days on endurance trained horses in the l’Empordà region of Catalonia. Long canters across forest paths, open plains and beaches eat up the distance and show you the best of what the region has to offer. This 5 day/4 night ride is an intense and exhilarating way to discover the people and landscapes of Catalonia. Available from £709.

Glacier Trail, Iceland Follow in the hoofprints of the Icelanders of old on this fast-paced trail across the heart of Iceland on Icelandic horses escorted by the traditional herd from which you pick a new horse each day. Visit Gullfoss Waterfall and Langjökull glacier, extinct volcanoes and wild glacial lakes at a fast and comfortable tölt gait travelling up to 35km each day.

7 day/6 night adventure from £1,885.

Puszta Trail, Hungary The Puszta, or ‘great plains’ of Hungary are ideally suited to faster riding with vast open plains, expansive meadows of wildflowers and forests and sandy paths. There are ample opportunities for long canters on fit and responsive horses through the World Heritage Kiskunság National Park, with wildlife, wild flowers and traditional pastoral life of the local farmers. 8 day/7 night circular route offers rural Hungarian culture with a touch of luxury: from £969.

Atlantic Coast Trek, France With 250km of protected beaches and one of the largest forests in Europe, the Atlantic coastline of France is a great choice for a riding holiday. There is access to the beaches all year round and sandy paths through the forest are perfect for long canters on the fit and well-schooled Anglo Arab horses on a point to point trek, covering up to 40km each day. There is the chance to canter through the surf or take the horses swimming when its warm enough. 8 day/7 night trail from £869.

12For | AUTUMN Your Horse Country Magazine more2017 details of &these rides and

many more, visit www.unicorntrails.com

Europe boasts an impressive variety of cultures and terrains, and since the advent of the budget airline industry it is now easier to get to than ever. For those who want a good paced ride Unicorn Trails have compiled a list of some of the best riding in Europe.

Trail to Jimena, Spain Looking to pack a lot of riding into a short time space? This short trail is for you! Fly in to Gibraltar in the morning and ride 30km to your first spectacular overnight; the medieval fortress of Castellar. Endurancetrained horses take you through the Parc Natural Los Acornocales, long canters on sandy tracks through shady cork forests, along old Roman roads until you reach the traditional white Andalusian village of Jimena with its 8th century Moorish castle. Ride on the beach with the rock of Gibraltar in sight (not summer). 4 day/3 night from £649.

Agadir Beach Ranch, Morocco Strictly speaking, this isn’t in Europe, but it’s just as easy to get to with Easy Jet flights from the UK. Set near the Atlantic Ocean just below the lesser Atlas Mountains, this hacienda-style ranch has lively Arabs and BarbXArabs who will give you a fantastic ride along the 18km of beach, or to local fishing villages to see more of the Berber culture. There is a spa to help you relax after a great day’s riding. The 8 day/7 night programme is entirely flexible. From £665; shorter stays on request.

Castellos of Tuscany, Italy Top class ride with super guide and service levels. Discover Italian history, nature and the rich charm of Sienna on this luxurious horse riding holiday through the Tuscan countryside. The fit, responsive and impeccably schooled hunters keep up a good pace throughout the day as you ride along ancient paths, across rolling hills, through dappled forests and alongside meandering rivers. The food is a highlight, focussed on local culinary traditions and wines. 7 day/6 nights from £2,250; shorter stays available on request for groups.

Kerry Trail Ride, Ireland This well organised trail takes you through the Killarney National Park in County Kerry with its mountain passes, lakes, peat bogs and golden beaches. Gallop along the beach on responsive Irish hunters and take a brisk trot along the old road to Cahersavane. Accommodation along the route is in small hotels and B&Bs which exude the infamous Irish hospitality and humour. 7 day/6 night point to point trail from £1,285; a 4 day/3 night option from £505.

Land of the Gods, Bulgaria Expect stunning scenery, an abundance of history, culture and fine wine on this ride along the border between Bulgaria and Greece.

The trail covers 300km between the distinct regions of the Rhodopes, Slavyanka and Pirin mountains. This 8 day/7 night point to point trail takes you to Rila Monastery, Trigrad Gorge, Dospat Lake where you can swim with the horses and Melnik, the smallest town in Bulgaria and famous for its fine red wines. Available from £1,185.

13 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country email usMagazine at sales@unicorntrails.com

or call 01767600606

explore Rajasthan embrace Tradition

PALACE TO PALACE ~ You may have heard of the ‘Golden Triangle’ - well with Horse India you ride the bit in the middle! Travelling by Marwari horse your senses are awash with the colours, sights and sounds of India. Join us to stay in old country palaces, dining on the roof by candlelight and under the stars.

DESERT DUNES ~ Chat around the camp fire with shepherds and camel herders, ride over the dunes, see chinkara gazelle and watch 50,000 Demoiselle Cranes come in to feed - a truly awesome sight!

Ride with us to canter along sandy camel tracks, canals, sand dunes and lakes - your Marwari horses await!

WHAT TO EXPECT ~ A riding holiday with Horse India will find you staying in old Palaces, bespoke haveli Hotels or re-creating the ‘days of the Raj’ by camping in their Maharajah ‘shikar’ tents - complete with decorated bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms and real beds - royal style ‘glamping’ in stunning locations!

14 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

THE HORSES ~ Marwari horses have curly ‘lyre’ shaped ears that rotate 180 degrees and touch at the tip! They are desert horses, ‘slight’ in build, and stand 15hh - 16hh, spirited but safe, but more importantly, * you cannot ride this breed outside India.* photographs copyright Horse India Ltd. by Caroline Moorey & Ignacio Alvar-Thomas

experience Marwari ride with

Horse India

Ride through magical rural Rajasthan ~ feel the spirit of the unique Marwari horse as you discover history, culture, forts and palaces by retracing old routes through the forests of the Aravalli Hills and by riding over the sand dunes of the Thar Desert.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS ~ Experience the famous horse and camel fairs of Pushkar, Balotra and Nagaur, take the toy train through the unspoilt Aravalli hills.

We have a fabulous range of holidays to suit all budgets, some are date specific but others can be taken at any time. Book now for a holiday of a lifetime!

LEOPARDS & LAKES ~ Ride from the magnificent Kumbhalgarh Fort through the shady Ghanerao forest of the Aravalli hills to Jawai reservoir in search of wild and free roaming Leopards!

Horse India offers an informative riding holiday experience, combining history, tradition and culture through our knowledge of the landscape, its people and, of course, its unique indigenous Marwari horses. * WHO: solo travellers, couples, friends, clubs, groups, fundraisers, families, children and non-riding partners * WHAT: Some rides are date specific, we ride on average 25-30km/day or 4-6 hours riding/day * WHERE: Equidistant between the blue city of Jodhpur, the lake city of Udaipur, and within easy reach of the pink city of Jaipur, Rajasthan, INDIA * WHEN: The best climate is September to April *DETAILS: Caroline Moorey UK Tel: 07726 930231 e: info@horseindia.com

www.horseindia.com

15 | AUTUMN Your Horse& & Country Magazine Horse India 2017 Ltd. Registered in England Wales No. 10163578

PROMOTION

New collections get their first Fairfax & Favor is unveiling the must-have new pieces that will be taking you from a day in the country to a stylish night out this season. Head of retail and branding Ben Buxton tells us what to look out for at Blenheim

S

ummer is under way as riders prepare for the upcoming Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials on September 13-17. An exciting display of dressage and mixed events culminating in a weekend of formidable cross-country jumping and tense show jumping, it is an occasion not to be missed for avid horse fans or simply those wishing for a memorable day out in the sunshine.

Fairfax & Favor will be returning with vigour to launch a few of their new collections, including the Electra Chelsea velvet boot, the Langly leather bag and their first ever clutch bag, the Foxley.

In affiliation with the new collection, we chatted with Ben Buxton, head of retail and branding at Fairfax & Favor, to discuss the allure of Blenheim and what products we should be on alert for at the Fairfax & Favor stand this year.

eventing is a highlight due to the calibre of riders competing in one of the final big events of the year.

The Fairfax & Favor stand is a must-visit in order to see all the latest products and enjoy a glass of bubbly with the team.

Why is Blenheim a good show for you?

There is a large crowd of spectators and riders who we get to meet regularly throughout each day in between events.

All of this is within a large shopping village, making it great to see friends from other shows and meet new people on a large scale. It also provides an opportunity to introduce new products that customers get to exclusively see and preview before everyone else.

What would you recommend is good to see at Blenheim?

Excellent trade stands within the confines of the beautiful and expansive grounds of Blenheim Palace, alongside an excellent programme of three-day eventing. The

Photo: Fulcanelli/Shutterstock.com

What’s new at Blenheim?

We have just launched the brand new Chelsea velvet boot, the Electra, which is the perfect smart evening boot available in red, blue and black.

In addition, we have our latest handbag, the Langly. It is an all-leather bag in mahogany leather, shaped and styled like the Windsor.

Finally, we have produced Fairfax & Favor’s first ever clutch bag, the Foxley.

Combining glamour and sophistication, it’s ideal for formal evenings and events.

Desert

Great shopping, socialising, a beautiful setting and an excellent programme of eventing are all part of Blenheim’s draw for Fairfax & Favor’s Ben Buxton

What’s your favourite thing to do at Blenheim when you’re not on the stand?

We have a number of other trade stands with whom we have an excellent relationship, so we take the chance to socialise and catch up after a busy season.

Otherwise, we are able to walk the crosscountry course in the evening, explore the idyllic village of Woodstock, or stroll back to our home through the gorgeous grounds of Blenheim.



16 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

Monte Carlo

What’s your most popular product at Blenheim?

You cannot beat a classic and for that reason the Regina boot always remains a favourite. However, this year we are launching the largest amount of new products ever. The brand new Amira over-the-knee boot has proven to be a massive hit.

Amira

PROMOTION

outing at beautiful Blenheim Pembroke

Desert

More than a brand... quintessential country style Fairfax & Favor brand ambassador Jonathon-lee Brookes says: “Whether in the city or in the country, Fairfax & Favor isn't just a brand but a gateway to the quintessential British lifestyle."

Fellow Fairfax & Favor brand ambassador Harriet Edwards says: “For me, Fairfax & Favor represent more than just a boot and shoe company. They epitomise quintessential country style – the Fairfax & Favor team have managed to design products that retain that classic countryside look which we all love so much – each piece is classic, timeless and elegant yet totally on trend at the

same time – an investment that will not only withstand but also compliment the whimsical and ever-changing trends that ‘fashion’ throws at us.

“These products can take you from the depths of your farm, stable or shooting ground to the streets of Chelsea and Mayfair with ease – and how many brands can honestly do that? Not only are their signature designs super stylish and bang on trend yet incredibly familiar and comforting at the same time, the products themselves are made from only the finest materials sourced from the best suppliers and are made by expert craftsman.

“So the products are stunning, but another thing that brings Fairfax & Favor closer to my heart is the people that make the company. Absolutely everyone in the team, which is headed up by childhood friends Marcus (Fairfax) and Felix (Favor), make the brand completely genuine and authentic – the boys created the brand so they could transition easily between the glorious Norfolk countryside and the streets of London because there was a huge gap in the market. So the products on offer do exactly that, made by people who understand not only the countryside but also that the people in it want to look good, too.”

www.fairfaxandfavor.com 01760 338199 Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 17

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Francis Whittington and Easy Target. Photo: Adam Fanthorpe

BEAUTIFUL BLENHEIM

T

AN INVITATION TO

he SsangYong Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials has been running in the stunning Capability Brown-designed parkland in front of the baroque Palace of Blenheim since 1990.

Now, the event is firmly established in the international equestrian eventing calendar as one of the most popular and well attended three-star events in the UK and Europe. Each September over 60,000 spectators and 200 of the world’s leading event riders and their best horses converge at one of the UK’s biggest tourist attractions, Blenheim Palace, to see this spectacular – and it’s not all about horses.

In addition to the three 3* classes and Eventer Challenges, there is a full programme of displays and demonstrations, more than 225 interesting and varied shops, stalls, food halls, craft pavilions and shopping emporiums, a range of catering choices, children’s activities and even a dog agility arena and fun classes. However, it is the world-class

the palace eventing and the famous cross-country course, beautifully produced and always challenging, that the professional riders come for.

The event was traditionally known as one of the leading CCI3* event horse classes, but in recent years an additional specialist class for eight-nine year old horses was introduced. This CIC3* is now a showcase for horses of this age worldwide. There have also been several Eventer Challenge classes for aspiring amateurs initiated over the past few years, and in 2016 the final for a new CIC3*

series, the Event Rider Masters, was added to the timetable.

This year, the event runs a week later than it has before – from September 13th to 17th – and has a new title sponsor in the form of Korean 4x4 specialist SsangYong Motors. The company will be launching its new Rexton model, which it is sure will be a hit with the public, especially those who need a reliable off-road vehicle with excellent towing abilities but which also looks elegant. Sneak previews of the new model proves it certainly is that.

The official event website at u

Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 21

Photo: Lisa Harber Photo: Sarah Farnsworth Photo: Adam Fanthorpe

www.blenheimhorse.co.uk is packed full of useful information for visitors and the latest news, but here is a summary of what’s going on…

There are three 3* “professional” competitions – the CCI3*, the CIC3* for eight-nine year old horses and the Event Rider Masters (ERM) CIC3*.

The CCI3* class typically sees 90 horses vying for its top prize. These horses and their riders are among the more experienced eventers at this, the last level before the coveted 4* status of Badminton or Burghley, and Blenheim is one of the most challenging at this level.

Like all eventing classes the CCI is a

three-phase competition, but it is run over three or more days. After the initial horse inspection (on Wednesday morning), which is to make sure the horses are fit and healthy, the dressage phase starts.

The dressage tests for the CCI3* take place over the first two days of the competition (Wednesday and Thursday) and involve each horse and rider completing a predefined series of movements which are marked by three judges who have different viewpoints of the arena. Horses must be obedient, flexible and supple and their riders must execute a correct and accurate test demonstrating their horse’s flair, capability

22 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

and a true partnership. Marks from the judges are averaged to give “good marks”, which are then converted into a penalty score (the lower scores being the best).

The next phase is the CCI3* crosscountry. At Blenheim, this is over undulating terrain with a series of complicated and substantially built solid fences. The cross-country track is about 6,000 metres in length (depending how “tight” the riders take the lines) and takes just over 10 minutes to be completed at a gallop – as close as possible to an optimum time.

With horse and riders averaging about 26 miles per hour, jumping fences which

BEAUTIFUL BLENHEIM

Photo: Adam Fanthorpe Photo: Adam Fanthorpe

are about 1.2 metres high and up to 1.8 metres wide, this is an exhausting phase and normally only 70 to 80 per cent of horses who start the cross-country will finish this phase and go on to the final test. Good cross-country horses are bold, fast and confident, but crucially in tune with their rider as a “combination”. Any refusals, run outs, misses, errors of course or seconds over or under the optimum time window are penalised and a fall means elimination.

The final stage of this three-phase sport is show jumping, but first there is another inspection to ensure the horse is not injured or too stiff to carry on, and

t Clockwise from top left: The dog agility show; tackling the river crossing; Piggy French and Seapatrick Dark Cruise in the CCI cross-country; the fun fair; Christopher Burton and Underdiscussion

this sequence of dressage, cross-country and show jumping is what makes the test a CCI and more demanding than the CIC level.

The final show jumping requires accuracy, boldness and speed over a course of collapsible fences. These again must be cleared within an optimum time to keep the penalty total low and for the rider be in the placings. Again, refusals, missed fences, errors and knock-downs are penalised and falls mean elimination.

Time faults especially can be very “expensive” as at this stage the riders may be separated by less than one penalty point. One pole falling could drop them

down several placings and prize money.

The CIC classes, both the 70 or so eight-nine year old horses and 40 riders in the ERM class, are also three-phase classes but with a different order of dressage, show jumping and crosscountry. This is less demanding of the horses and better suited to younger, less experienced horses.

While the dressage test is the same as the CCI3*, the show jumping track is different and the cross-country course is shorter and less technical with fewer combination fences and “questions” for the horse/rider combinations to tackle.

The show jumping for the ERM class u

Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 23

BEAUTIFUL BLENHEIM

is possibly the most difficult of the three show jumping tracks, since the horses in this class are the older, more experienced horses – the eight-nine year olds are still learning – and the cross-country likewise.

While the three-star classes are absolutely for those at the “top” of the game, for the ambitious amateur or “grass roots” rider who may be starting their careers or for whom riding is a diversion rather than full-time job, there are also a number of Eventer Challenge classes.

These classes are a combination of show jumping and cross-country fences in a grass arena, which riders have to complete within an optimum time with no errors, falls or poles down. The course is usually eight show jumps followed by eight cross-country fences and finishing over a larger show jump “joker”. There are classes at 90cm and 100cm for

Pony Club and Riding Club teams and individual British Eventing members, with competitors ranging in age from seven to 70. Prizes for the best placed riders and most stylish are hotly contested and exciting to watch.

Aside from these competitions there are also some fun classes in the Blenheim Attractions Arena, including high jump and bareback jumping, where you will see some of the pro riders letting their hair down and taking their saddles and sometimes shirts off for charity! The Blenheim Attractions Arena offers a full programme across all five days, giving visitors a great selection of equine and non-equine displays and demonstrations to enjoy and, along with the learning area nearby, some great opportunities to be entertained and learn something new. See the schedule of events below.

Finally, for the not so competitive riders on the Sunday there is a fun ride around

24 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

the tracks and paths of the north part of the Blenheim Estate.

Another key activity for visitors at Blenheim is the shopping. There will be the choice of more than 200 interesting and varied shops, food halls, craft pavilions, shopping emporiums and stalls – totally different to what you see on the high street and a great place to get something different, the perfect gift and a bargain.

There is a wide range of catering outlets offering everything from street food and gourmet burgers to three-course lunches and champagne afternoon tea in the main arena-side Marlborough Pavilion where you can sit in style to watch the CCI dressage and show jumping.

Admission to the SsangYong Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials for adults starts from £8 when booked online in advance and accompanied under-12s go free. For even more information and to buy tickets, visit www.blenheimhorse.co.uk

See Gray’s At Gatcombe Festival Of British Eventing With A Full Range Of Equestrian Inspired Leather Accessories Including The ‘Alice’ Bag £125.00 & ‘Barrington’ Holdall £225.00

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Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 25

Class-leading contenders S

sangYong Motor UK is the new title sponsor of the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials for the next three years.

The six-model SsangYong range of cars comprises SUVs, 4x4s, a one-tonne pickup and a large seven-seat MPV, and is perfectly suited to the horse and countryloving audience.

However, the star of the show and flagship of the range will be the all-new SsangYong Rexton, which delivers greater strength, safety, style and space than its predecessor. Featuring new technology such as Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto, this large D-segment SUV and authentic 4x4 inherits its DNA from the original model. With a robust 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine offering powerful performance, four-wheel drive and optional seven-speed Mercedes-Benz automatic transmission, the key fact for horse owners and those who tow a caravan will be its 3.5-tonne towing capacity. And for added reassurance, like all SsangYong cars, it also comes with an industry-leading fiveyear limitless mileage warranty.

The new car embodies robust and dynamic SUV styling and blends drivability with high levels of safety, which includes nine airbags. With a front-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive and 4x4, Rexton will be a class-leading contender. It will offer excellent driving characteristics on and off-road, balanced weight distribution, great towing capability and NVH performance.

Rexton is 4,850mm long, 1,920mm wide, 1,800mm high, and has a 2,865mm wheelbase. It will be powered by a new clean-burning diesel engine.

Tivoli 4x4

The all-new Rexton arrives in the UK this month, and its appearance at Blenheim is a key part of the company’s launch plans for this important new car.

Other models in the range include the Musso one-tonne pick-up, Korando with two-tonne towing capacity, Turismo seven-seat MPV, and the compact Tivoli and its slightly larger brother, Tivoli XLV – all available with four-wheel-drive.

Musso pick-up With its one-tonne payload, the Musso brings a new level of refinement to the market place, blending the suspension, engine and cabin finesse of a passenger car, the silhouette, space and seating for five that’s typical of a double cab, and the rugged workmanlike ability of a commercial pick-up.

The Musso will appeal to people needing a working vehicle with the practicality of

26 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

four-wheel drive and towing capability to haul up to 3.5 tonnes with the appointments of a family car.

Musso is powered by SsangYong’s latest e-XDi diesel engine, providing ample performance both on and off road. Priced keenly from just £16,395 (ex VAT), the car is comprehensively equipped giving a lot of vehicle for the money, with a five-year limitless mileage warranty.

There are two models to choose from. The SE has silver finish 18-inch alloy wheels, hard-wearing “leather-look” TPU seat upholstery, air conditioning, leather-covered steering wheel, remote central locking and CD and RDS radio with iPod and Bluetooth connectivity.

The EX features the luxury touch of leather upholstery with heated front seats, powered driver’s seat, seven-inch touchscreen RDS radio with iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, reversing camera,

BEAUTIFUL BLENHEIM

Korando ELX 4x4

Rexton

Musso

Turismo

heated, electrically adjustable power folding door mirrors and rear parking sensors. Six-speed automatic transmission with cruise control and a choice of hard tops are also options.

SsangYong Musso features a live rear axle supported by sophisticated five link suspension with coil springs giving a comfortable, car-like ride.

400Nm makes Korando one of the most powerful in its class. With a choice of two or four-wheel drive and a two-tonne towing capacity, Korando offers the practicality of a 4x4/SUV with the capability to go from muddy campsite to urban school run.

There are two models available, with the option of six-speed manual and six-speed Aisin automatic transmission.

Korando

Turismo

Starting from just £17,000, the Korando sets a benchmark of affordability in the rapidly growing compact crossover segment.

Designed for Europe in Italy by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Ital Design, the SsangYong Korando offers a highly contemporary look.

Powered by a 2.2-litre Euro 6 diesel engine delivering excellent fuel economy and impressive 139g/km CO2 emissions, the 178ps diesel engine and torque of

The SsangYong Turismo is almost without rival – giving users a car to transport seven adults in comfort with their luggage.

At over five metres long with a threemetre wheelbase, the car is larger than a standard-sized MPV people carrier. The Turismo has a choice of six-speed manual transmission or Mercedes-Benz 7-speed automatic, with prices starting at £19,750.

The ELX has an impressive two-tonne towing capability and selectable 4x4 with

low ratio as standard, making it especially practical for towing or driving off-road.

Tivoli & Tivoli XLV A contemporary B-segment SUV with a comprehensive specification and sectorleading prices from £13,300.

Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK Ltd, said: “Blenheim is one of the top international horse trials held in the UK, and perfectly complements the SsangYong brand focus on four-wheel drive and SUVs, vehicles particularly suited to those living in the country or who tow a horse box, caravan or trailer. As we launch our all-new Rexton 4x4, the timing couldn’t be better.”

SsangYong cars are manufactured in South Korea by SsangYong Motor, and imported into the UK by SsangYong Motor UK. Visit www.ssangyonggb.co.uk for more information.

Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 27

PROMOTION

Let nature help your horse weather the winter months

H

elping your horse or pony adapt from the months of summer sun and excellent quality grass to the colder, barren winter months ahead can be quite daunting. As the summer evenings draw in and the grass slowly stops growing, our paddocks will soon resemble the bare muddy fields that we had long forgotten. As you start to look towards hard feed and supplements to replace the natural goodness your equine has been enjoying from rich grazing and forage, you will no doubt be once again digging out those winter rugs.

With all of the above in mind this is no excuse for your horse to lose that healthy summer shine and natural glow. With a good diet you can ensure a healthy amount of fibre, vitamins and minerals to give your horse a balanced feed to support them through the tougher months.

It is equally as important to keep your horse’s coat and skin condition nourished and well prepared for the harsh winter weather ahead. The dedicated team at Wildwash have spent the last two years creating an amazing range of four natural horse shampoos.

These shampoos showcase the most innovative and groundbreaking natural ingredients, which will set new standards for horse care products.

Our products have many benefits: 1.The ingredients in our horse shampoos are incredibly healing and have produced astounding results for animals with skin and coat problems. We receive daily testimonials from our clients who have witnessed the wonderful results that our natural, well-researched shampoos can give.

2. These natural horse shampoos are great value. They all dilute at 32 to 1. We have designed our own mixing bottle and a 30ml portion of shampoo mixed with water is all that is needed to shampoo a horse. This means a one-litre bottle can give you up to 33 washes.

3. Our horse shampoos are natural and sulphate free and there is a very low lather. We have been taught to believe

that a high lather is needed but, in fact, it does not help the washing process at all.

A high lather takes a long time to rinse out and leaves a residue in the coat.

When using WildWash products, the rinsing-out process is very quick, saving lots of time and energy. The coat also dries in half the time leaving the coat soft and shiny. The difference is incredible.

We are very proud of the ingredients we use. We chose yarrow, angelica leaf, calendula and nettle to form the base of our shampoos, as we believe they have qualities that will benefit all horses.

Other ingredients we use throughout our range are organic aloe vera, neem, sea kelp and evening primrose oil.

Your horse may well spend the next few months going from stable rug to turnout rug with very little chance of allowing their skin to breathe and their coat to be enriched from natural sunlight.

Take advantage of the autumn sun and help prepare your equine friend in the most natural way possible with any of the Wildwash range.

If you are not sure which product will best suit your horse then please do not hesitate to contact a member of our team, who will be only too happy to help.

ď Ž Visit www.wildwash.co.uk, email info@wildwash.co.uk or call us on 020 7402 9672

Are you ready to rehome?

World Horse Welfare rehomes around 300 horses each year Whether you’re looking for a pleasure competition horse, a hack, a child’s pony, a youngster to bring on or a companion, you can be sure that every horse leaves with a full MOT, up-to-date vaccinations and no hidden surprises.

www.worldhorsewelfare.org/Rehoming Registered charity no: 206658 and SC038384

Rehoming 2017.indd 1

02/08/2017 10:37:16

THREE COUNTIES HORSEBOXES www.3countieshorseboxes.co.uk

We want you and your beautiful horses to be safe whilst travelling so everything at Three Counties is based on just this. We have extensive knowledge that we want to share with everyone so please just ring for a chat so we can guide you though the “minefield” of purchasing a 3.5 ton horsebox.

Our 3.5ton horseboxes happily take up to 16.2hh with a variable payload (depending on your bespoke layout) up to 1350 kgs carrying capacity.

We undertake any stage of conversions from just steel work in your own vehicle allowing you to finish it yourself with our help throughout your project.

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kate@3countieshorseboxes.co.uk if you have any questions feel free to ring whenever it suits you 07985 811 311 Based in Worcestershire and Somerset.

Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 29

PROMOTION

At last... bridles as good as their saddles Voltaire Design releases new high-end bridles and reins... for those who value style and substance

L

eading saddle maker Voltaire Design has produced a new line of bridles and reins to complement their successful saddle lines.

Voltaire Design now has two bridle offerings: a flash bridle and a grackle bridle, both with matching reins. Staying true to Voltaire’s style, both bridles come with the signature Voltaire blue patterned accent details for a sophisticated yet stylish look. Both the hunter and grackle bridles feature ergonomic headstall, double stitching for security, sheepskin padding (grackle only) and a rich chocolate leather colour in a one-size-fits-all design.

Offering matching bridles to complement

 Check out Voltaire Design’s products, including their new bridles, at www.

VoltaireDesign.com, find them on Facebook at Voltaire Design United Kingdom or on Twitter @VoltaireDesUK. To order bridles from your local representative, contact Mathieu Tireau on 07717 507560 (South), Florian Sintes on 07748 834686 (North & East) or Gabbie Robinson on 07799 817319 (Wales & West)

their saddles has been at the forefront of the minds of the Voltaire team since the success of their saddle lines. For those riders who want to look their very best and perform at the top of the sport, the Voltaire bridles were launched in the UK in May to coincide with Badminton Horse Trials and The Royal Windsor Horse Show, where Voltaire Design hosted trade stands.

Founded in 2010 by Brice Goguet, Voltaire Design was the first saddlemaker to combine fine, handmade craftsmanship with elements of fashion and flair, creating a line of saddles designed for the forward-thinking rider who demands style and substance.

Voltaire Design is fast emerging as one of the most in-demand saddle makers in the United Kingdom and is a regular presence at many of the country’s top competition venues, including Olympia, The London International Horse Show and Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials. Riders who compete in Voltaire saddles include Oliver Townend, Tina Cook, Darragh Kenny and Beezie Madden.

In addition to eight saddle models for jumping, dressage and cross-country, Voltaire Design also offers girths, leathers and more.

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32 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

Pro-Equestrian Surfaces unrivaled performance

£195 per bale +VAT Approximately 3 bales per tonne

Pro equestrian surfaces

Cofibre®: Stabilising fibre, a blend of mixed length, chopped, Polypropylene fibres consisting of 100% new material.

Beta-Ride®: pro-equestrian menage stabilising fibre, a blended mix of Polypropylene, Polyester and Nylon fibres consisting of 100% new material. Wide range of fibre sizes suitable for use with a wider variety of sands. (Silica, Leisure etc.)

Benefits:

• Greater Stability • Increased Surface Resilience • Energy Return for your Horse • Moisture Retention • Impact Cushioning reducing stress & Joint / Tendon injury.

Features:

• Provides a root structure to the sand similar to grass • Improves drainage whilst retaining moisture • Insulating properties helps to reduce freezing.

Advantages:

• Reduced Maintenance • Eliminates Riding Loose and Deep.

Natural Sand:

Sand Grains vary from Angular to Round.

The rounder the grain the less tightly The grains fit together. The more round the sand grain the more it will move and give less traction. Sub-Angular Grains compact less than angular grains yet still allow good traction and drainage. When selecting natural sand, you need to request magnified pictures of the sand and select the most sub-angular available.

Angular

Sub-Angular

Round

Existing Sand Arenas:

Manufactured Sand:

Crushed quarry stone called Fines or Duff The particles are sharp and will compact tightly. if used alone, being softer they break down into dust sooner and should be avoided.

Surfaces consisting of other types of sand benefit from using Beta-Ride®, The Addition of fibres will enhance the riding surface, providing stable footing and giving energy return for the horses.

Ordering Fibre Guidance no. of Bales Required: 40 x 20 metre - 9 Bales 60 x 20 metre - 12 Bales (Bales approx. 300 kgs.)

Recommended:

Composition / Information:

For the best results in new arenas we recommend Cofibre® with Sub-Angular Silica Sand (very fine angular grains for good compaction yet assisting drainage).

Chemical description - mixed plastics Chemical family - Polyolefin, Polyester No hazardous impurities or additives

Installation: We recommend that your sand riding surface be a minimum of 15 cm (6” depth) before installation of the fibre Mixing Ratio: The ratio of fibres to be mixed into the top 10 cm (4”) depth of your sand surface depend on the type of sand used in the riding surface and the riding discipline for which the surface will primarily be used, as a guide we recommend the following; Racing gallops: 2.5 kg to 4 kg per square metre surface area of sand.

Showjumping and dressage: 4 kg to 5 kg per square metre surface area of sand.

Installation of Fibre into your Sand Riding Surface: Cofibre® and Beta-Ride® are supplied in bales, these should be opened (remove wrapping and binding ties), and the fibres spread evenly over the levelled sand at the desired ratio (See above). Once evenly spread and properly mixed in with the sand, the riding surface should be re-levelled and rolled. The fibre should be rotated into the top 10cm (4”) of your sand surface using a rotavator or stone burrier. Once The fibre is properly mixed in with the sand, the riding surface should be re-levelled and rolled. The riding surface is then ready for use, performing at its optimum when the surface material is moist; during periods of dry weather, some watering will be required.

Maintenance: The sand and fibre surface is best maintained by a maintenance harrow, (consisting of harrow tynes and compacting rollers), operated on the ball-hitch of a ATV/UTV or the 3 point link of a tractor.

Cofibre® & Beta-Ride® are supplied x-factory - delivery charges apply.

+44 (0) 1269 595064 www.beta-ride.co.uk Beta-Ride® Pro Equestrian Services ltd, Unit 1, Penpound Garage, Heol Y Felin Betws, Ammanford, SA18 2HL

Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 33

Pride Horseboxes Coach Built Conversions

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 Standard tilt cab new builds (3.5–12 tonne)  Bespoke new builds  Restorations and refurbishments  Body swaps and refinishing  Full livings  Mechanical repairs/servicing

DARCY 1 NOW AVAILABLE (View the Darcy model on our website)

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visit www.pridehorseboxes.co.uk BEFORE

AFTER

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34 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

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Feed & Bedding Uncovered With the seasons changing and the summer grass slowly disappearing Your Horse & Country Magazine explore the different options available for your horse in the way of feed & bedding products.

From cosy straw to practical wood pellet there is simply so much to choose from!

Preparing your horse for the harsh winter months ahead is vital and choosing the right feed for your horse can help you in getting this right!

Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017   |  35

FAST FIBRE The Hay Replacer, Fibre Provider

Fast Fibre® • Super fast soak, in just 30–60 seconds • High Fibre – 26% • May be fed as a partial or complete hay replacement • Low calorie, low starch, low sugar* • Barley and molasses free • Balanced with vitamins and minerals *When compared to traditional diets with comparative energy levels

Contact our award winning nutritional helpline:

01362 822 902

helpline@allenandpage.co.uk Quote Ad Reference: Fast Fibre QS

www.allenandpage.com www.allenandpage.com

36 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

QUICK SOAK less than

60

seconds!

PROMOTION

Emma Hurrell BSc (Hons), equine nutritionist at Allen & Page Quality Horse Feeds, highlights the importance of fibre in a horse’s diet and discusses forage replacements.

The ideal forage replacement

A

s horse owners, we all know that fibre in the form of grass, hay or haylage should form the foundations of our horse’s diet. Fibre is not only vital to maintain digestive health and function but also satisfies the horse’s instinctive need to chew and provides them with a source of calories. Another important function is the generation of heat, which occurs when the friendly bacteria in your horse’s gut breaks down fibre. This helps to keep your horse warm, meaning fewer calories are used, so weight and body condition are maintained much better. If horses are not eating enough fibre, in a form they can manage, they may be at risk of weight loss, colic or gastric ulcers.

A low fibre intake is a common problem for older horses because they start to lose teeth or lose the grinding surface of their teeth due to wear. You may notice that your horse is pulling the hay out of his net but most of it is ending up on the stable floor, or you may find half chewed balls of grass out in the field where your horse has been quidding. Younger horses, too, may not eat as much long fibre as they should, particularly if they have been used to a routine where access to forage is limited, such as on a competition or racing yard or if they just don’t have much of an appetite for forage. But what can you do if your horse doesn’t eat enough long fibre?

Allen & Page Fast Fibre, a high fibre, quick soaking feed, is an ideal forage replacement. As Fast Fibre forms a soft mash, it is easy for horses to chew. This will ensure that your horse still receives an appropriate level of fibre in his diet, which will help with weight maintenance and will maintain a healthy digestive system.

Fast Fibre is even suitable for horses and ponies that are prone to laminitis because it is unmolassed and contains no whole cereal grain, which results in it having a very low combined starch and sugar content of just 7.5 per cent.

When used as a forage replacement, it is important to treat Fast Fibre like “a hay net in a bucket”. This means allowing access to the Fast Fibre throughout the day so your horse is encouraged to trickle feed.

For reference, 1kg (dry weight) of Fast Fibre will replace 1kg of hay. For very quick eaters, Fast Fibre can be fed in large, shallow buckets, as the shallower covering of feed in the bucket will encourage the horse to take smaller mouthfuls. Splitting the ration between two or three buckets

Contact the award-winning Allen & Page Nutritional Helpline

dotted around the stable or field with also encourage natural grazing behaviour, hopefully allowing for a break before you horse moves on to the next bucket.  For further advice on feeding your horse, contact our friendly, award-winning nutrition team on 01362 822 902, email us at helpline@ allenandpage.co.uk, visit our website www.allenandpage.com or find us on Facebook @allenandpagefeed

01362 822 902

Winter’s balancing act A

ll horse owners know that at this time of year, equine diets can be difficult to get just right, writes Kathy Carter.

Workload often drastically changes, with horsey activities ranging from energysapping hunting, to being roughed off and rested! The “average” horse owner is possibly also feeling a little despondent about the imminent reduced daylight hours

1

Feeding for weight gain

Yes, some horses head into autumn carrying some extra weight.

But for many horses and ponies, now’s the time to carefully manage a diet that helps to gain weight. Why? Firstly, the nutritional value of grazing drops sharply after summer, so most healthy horses will need to be fed more. Secondly, as it becomes colder, more energy (e.g. feed) is needed to maintain body temperature. Thirdly, if you are an owner who starts rugging in autumn, perhaps if you have a thinskinned horse or a veteran, the rugs may “mask” weight loss. Weigh-taping is a useful method of gauging weight, as well as checking your horse’s fat coverage with your hands.

Feeds for weight gain: 1. Start with high-fibre forages such as hay, haylage and fibre-chops.

2

Feeding for competition

Autumn and winter equine competition may be different to summer, with more arena-based events, but for the horse in hard work, offsetting energy needed against workload is a tricky balancing act. There are three key areas concerning the competition horse’s diet: energy, performance and mobility.

Horses require oxygen and dietary fuel to produce energy. Oxygen is taken into the lungs and burns up the glycogen in the horse’s muscles, providing fastrelease energy. Meanwhile, food in the horse’s system is converted into slowrelease energy.

A tailored diet should provide the horse with the necessary fuel; for example, horses needing stamina require sustained energy from digestible fibre sources and fat, while horses needing fast-release

– no more pre-work training sessions (unless you’re lucky enough to have arena lighting) or balmy evening hacks! Whatever your circumstances, you will be keen to get your horse or pony’s feeding regime spot on, to take him or her through to winter in good nutritional health. We’ve picked four key areas of seasonal equine nutrition to discuss.

Fibre is digested by the microflora in the hindgut through fermentation; the resulting heat warms the horse.

2. High-fibre sources of calories include sugar beet pulp, alfalfa chop or pellets, and dehydrated grass chop or pellets.

(Oil is a great, fattening feedstuff, giving up to three times the energy of cereals with the advantage of being “nonheating”.)

3. Haylage is another good feed product to add weight, and is generally more fattening than dried hay; as “conserved” grass, it is usually cut when it is more energy-dense.

4. Many owners also feed compound feeds and cereals to add weight – cereals which have been micronised are more digestible, and therefore more conditioning. Always divide large feed volumes into multiple “meals”.

energy for power-based movements are often given more “starchy” feedstuffs.

Remember, though, that even in fit competition horses or hunters, forage should provide at least 50 per cent of a horse’s energy requirement.

The main dietary energy sources: 1. Fibre is the “holy grail”, and a source of slow-release fuel, providing stamina without excitement.

2. Oil is a concentrated energy source, providing excellent slow-release fuel.

3. Sugars can provide short-term energy; they’re present in feedstuffs such as grass and molassed products.

4. Protein is made up of chains of amino acids, and is required for growth and repair of body tissues, and metabolism.

Soybean meal and linseed are particularly good protein sources.

5. Carbohydrates – fast-release energy

38 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

can be quickly gained from feeding straights such as oats, barley, maize and some coarse mixes. (Beware – excess starch can cause fractious behaviour, depending on equine activity levels and management.)

6. Supplements for the competition horse often contain ingredients to enhance digestion, e.g. prebiotics, probiotics, yeast and enzymes. The supplements may also contain cell membraneprotecting antioxidants such as vitamins E, A, C and the minerals iron, selenium and manganese.

7. Vitamins are important for the hardworking horse; the B group helps convert food to energy, while vitamin E aids immunity. The mineral iron boosts the production of red blood cells, aiding food metabolism, and is a haemoglobin component.

AUTUMN & WINTER FEED

begins

3

Feeding the veteran equine

Old age brings a range of physical equine challenges, magnified in the colder months. Worn or missing teeth can result in the inability to grind down food, meaning partially digested food can potentially cause impaction. Some older horses have a compromised immune system and reduced hindgut digestive capacity.

The latter means horses benefit from long grazing periods – regular chewing boosts digestion. Consider chopped hay replacers. Veteran diets should provide a balance of essential vitamins, especially B and C complex vitamins, vitamins E, C and A, and essential minerals including calcium and phosphorus for bone integrity.

Ideal feeds for veterans include: 1. Fibre. Leafy, soft forages such as meadow hay, chops and bagged hay replacers are generally well digested.

Sugar beet pulp is easy to eat, and

4

Feeding to avoid anxiety

Autumn and winter inevitably bring increased stabling and reduced turnout; it is a tricky time in terms of managing calories to “fuel” workload, but not providing excess energy.

Forage is very important to help satisfy the horse’s psychological need to chew. Horses on a low-fibre diet are more susceptible to developing certain stress-related stereotypic behavioural problems, as well as equine gastric ulcers.

Nutrition news l It is important not to underestimate the importance of forage for all equines – a recent study in the bioscience journal Animal (Ringmark et al, 2017) on feeding forage to young racehorses found that a purely forage diet, with no cereals at all, had no detrimental effect on muscle glycogen storage, growth or maintenance of body condition, and “seemed to promote good nutrition-related health”. l A study in the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition (Vergnano et al, 2017) logged nutrition-related

equine conditions at a veterinary hospital, finding that the three most common problems were chronic weight loss, chronic diarrhoea and equine gastric ulcer syndrome. Each of these conditions in the general equine population can be improved through dietary management. l We have already highlighted that linseed is a great protein source. A further study in the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition (Patoux et al, 2016) found that linseed oil also gives proven, physiological potential for increased performance. l A paper published in the Equine Veterinary Journal (Bush et al, 2017)

palatable.

2. All-in-one “veteran” bagged feeds are also available, with chopped forage, easily digested cereals, vitamins and minerals and microbial additions.

3. Compound feeds are useful for maintaining condition, with ingredients such as micronised or extruded cereals.

4. Balancers are supplementary feeds which balance the entire feed ration, improve feed utilisation and include vitamins and minerals. Many compound feeds and balancers include microbial additions like probiotics, which optimise beneficial gut microflora.

5. Many broad spectrum supplements are available with trace elements, amino acids and vitamins, plus specific feed supplements for issues like respiratory challenges or joint stiffness. Charcoal is a cost-effective supplement that’s ideal for aiding digestion, as it binds toxins.

Careful management and a diet targeted to workload are key for the “stressy” horse, taking into account the main dietary energy sources already mentioned above. But in addition, you could consider a “calming” supplement. Nervous equine symptoms have been linked to deficiencies of B group vitamins and magnesium, the latter being important in hundreds of reactions throughout the horse’s body, particularly blood pressure regulation. sought to ascertain whether aloe vera, which is sometimes used to treat equine gastric ulceration, was beneficial. While it was not as successful as veterinary medicines, the study horses did show some improvements on the natural remedy.

Whatever your equine’s dietary needs, ask an expert for assistance – feed manufacturers’ helplines are a great place to start. A maintenance feeding programme is generally two to 2.5 per cent of the body weight in feed.

Naturally, regular dental checks are advised, as well as programmes to manage worms.

Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 39

For Forage Since 1976

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40 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

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When choosing a hard feed in readiness for autumn and winter, it can be difficult to know what will suit you and your horse. Most of us feed to keep our horses feeling and looking well, whilst providing just the right energy for work. This is a balancing act to get right as seasons change, particularly if your horse has metabolic health issues like laminitis or Cushing’s. If you need feed to provide condition and health as well as useable, trainable energy, CoolStance Copra Meal fits the bill.

CoolStance Copra Meal is a unique feed made entirely from coconut white.

With naturally low starch and sugar levels, less than 11% NSC* and high coconut oil and digestible fibre, it is a great feed for all horses and ponies as well as being suitable for horses needing low starch diets like those suffering from laminitis or Cushing’s. It’s a great way to put on condition without excitability that could be associated with grain-based diets. Soaked to feed and energy dense, a little goes a long way!

One of the things we love about CoolStance Copra Meal is how simple and uncomplicated it is, just 100% white part coconut that has been dried, heated and pressed to extract some coconut oil… milled to a meal… soak, stir, feed! That is the secret of its success and why it suits such a wide variety of horses from racehorses to riding ponies, show ponies to eventers, cobs to Arabs, veterans to hunters. Though not a formulated complete feed it is naturally suitable as a sole hard feed for most horses in light or moderate work.

CoolStance is 10% coconut oil providing cool energy, glossy coats plus weight gain and condition. Coconut oil delivers energy uniquely – muscle glycogen created by MCT** fats found in coconut oil is more available than from other oils, improving stamina and quickening recovery rates. Some fatty acids in coconut oil possess antimicrobial and antiviral properties and may assist the immune system in fighting viral and bacterial challenges, leading to improved overall gut health and wellbeing.

Coconut oil is amazing stuff but not so easy to feed on its own as it is solid at room temperature! That is why we have developed a unique powdered coconut oil that is easy to feed, even on the coldest morning. Add to your horse’s feed for a coconut boost or add to CoolStance for increased benefit.

A simple, no filler, chemical-free, totally natural, 100% coconut feed. Available in the UK for more than 15 years, word has been steadily spreading - coconuts are the way to go. *NSC – Non-structural carbohydrates **MCT – Medium chain triglycerides

Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 41

BACK BY

POPULAR DEMAND

AVAILABLE IN STORES FROM NOVEMBER #feedtowin

dodsonandhorrell.com

42 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

PROMOTION

The ideal feed choice for working good-doers Competition riders, from top to grass roots levels, know their horses need something more in their feed buckets, when the workload increases, but are often not sure what. When so many of today’s horses are also good-doers it’s no wonder, they often make the wrong choice as traditional competition feeds generally come with extra calories!

B

aileys Performance Balancer is ideal for working horses who need quality protein, for muscle and top line, plus vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, for performance, without the calories associated with a mix or cube. Fed by the mug-full, alongside forage, it provides essential nutrients for a balanced diet without going to a horse’s head or waistline.

Ginger Goes Well on Performance Balancer Kings Ginger is one of Mary’s homebred horses and is out of Kings Temptress

by Olympic event stallion, Chilli Morning, so he certainly has the pedigree! Mary has brought him on carefully and, this year he has successfully made the step up to international 1* and Intermediate levels.

Mary is lucky to be able to event “Ginger” from the field for much of the season and, although her Devon pasture is really good and provides plenty of calories, she supplements it with Performance Balancer to provide essential nutrients, which it may be lacking. Ginger gets four cups per day, which is quite a small volume so can easily be given in one feed after he’s been ridden.

Dietary Building Blocks While hill work and schooling will help build his strength and top line, Ginger can only develop strong healthy muscles with the right nutrients in his diet. Amino acids are the building blocks of all proteins and Performance Balancer contains soya and alfalfa, as sources of good quality protein, as well as chelated minerals plus Yea-Sacc® and Digest Plus, to support the hindgut bacteria and ensure they’re able to make the most of the horse’s forage.

When the grass quality and quantity drops of towards the end of the summer, Mary adds Everyday High Fibre Cubes to Ginger’s feeds to provide some additional nonheating calories.

She varies the amount she feeds according to how the horses look but always tops up their diets with balancer because the vitamin and mineral levels in the high fibre cubes are not designed to support the level of work that an Intermediate eventer is doing. “I like feeding the high fibre cubes because I trust them to be non-heating and they are easy to give to the horses at grass,” explains Mary.

Mary feeds Performance Balancer to her horses, including those she keeps at grass

www.performancebalancer.co.uk Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 43

Exceptional forage for healthy horses A

t Devon haylage we are committed to producing the best quality haylage possible. Based on a sound nutritional knowledge of what horses need from forage along with dedicated customer service we strive to produce forage which is consistent in quality throughout the year. This is one reason why Vittoria Panizzon and her team have chosen us to supply them with their haylage.

Vittoria is a world renowned event rider achieving 11th place on Borough Pennyz in the 2012 Olympics, a mare bred and owned

by Sally Bullen. A fantastic result at just 9 years old, having only started eventing as a 6 year old! Pennyz is a phenomenal jumper and has gained a large fan club over her career! Vittoria’s other impressive achievements include: Photo courtesy of Bob Langrish

 2008 Olympics Beijing - 16th place individually on Rock Model.  Borough Pennyz CIC3* Belton 2013 1st place. 3rd place on Rock Model.

Vittoria says,

We chose Devon Haylage in order to have consistently good forage for our horses.

We travel a lot with the competition horses and it is so important to try and keep everything the same as possible as when you are at home.

One of the problems Vittoria has experienced with her haylage supply in the past is inconsistency. It is not ideal, especially for event horses to have a sudden change to their diet. There can be such variation in quality between haylage batches and types, dependent on who made it and with what species of grass, how much and of what type of fertiliser it received, at which growth stage it was cut and at what dry matter it was baled at. We have overcome this problem by having complete control of our production system from ‘seed to sale’. We own and manage all of the land used to make our four different types of haylage, we never buy grass in and strive to cut each different type of grass within the same weather window and at the optimum time of year.

This ensures our haylage is consistent in dry matter and nutritional quality throughout the year, a definite advantage to someone like Vittoria who understands the importance of providing her horses with exceptional forage that is consistent in quality.

 Badminton CCI4* Borough Pennyz 7th place. Pennyz made a fantastic debut at this level, jumping double clear inside the time to finish on her dressage score for 7th place.  2013 Europeans Malmo, Sweden.

Pennyz again jumped another brilliant double clear to finish on her dressage score and end up in 8th place!  2017 Tattersalls, Ireland.

Chequers Play The Game won the CCI3* class. He led from start to finish breaking numerous records on the way a personal best dressage score for Vittoria herself, and the lowest ever finishing score at Tattersalls!

Vittoria’s yard is home to around 25 horses who are mostly eventers but they also take some in for schooling, breaking and sales

livery. Bryony Milton, who is part of Vittoria’s dedicated team explains, ‘This means we have quite a mixture of horses on the yard.

We’ve broken in a Frankel filly this year, as well as a stunning mare by Balou De Rouet, but will also have the slightly fluffier allrounders in for schooling’ Due to the range of horses on the yard with different nutritional needs Vittoria was looking for forage that was suited to particular requirements and thoroughly tested so she knows exactly what she is feeding. Our four types of haylage are tested annually for both their nutritional and mineral values allowing customers to make informed choices when selecting the most suitable haylage for their horse. The mineral levels can then be used to supplement accurately taking into account the ratios and the antagonistic effect of minerals.

‘Consistency really is key for us’ explains Vittoria. ‘It is also really good to know the different nutritional values. You can then check them against what you want for particular horses in terms of energy or condition etc.’ Vittoria goes on to clarify, ‘The range of haylage that Devon Haylage supply means we can match the forage to the needs of the particular horse – some may need more energy, others might need more bulk, whilst some might not want the energy but need it to be dust free due to respiratory requirements!’

Vittoria and Bryony are well aware of the impact different forages and feeds can have on behaviour, explaining that in the past they have had horses come to them on other feeds that can make them a bit whizzy which makes their

devonhaylage.co.uk 01404 813100

44 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

Claire Burrow – Devon Haylage lives much more difficult! Vittoria believes a happy settled horse is much easier to work with. ‘All our horses live out at night all year round which helps to keep them nice and chilled!’ On the yard Vittoria feeds Pure Feed which is a great fibre based low sugar and starch concentrate feed, a perfect partner for our haylage!

Vittoria hopes to move some of the youngsters onto our haylage which is nutritionally suited to their work load and growth stage. She states, ‘Quality forage is vital for us! Not only is it of utmost importance to be feeding our horses the best, but feeding top quality forage can also keep your feed bills down. It’s a false economy to try and cut corners when it comes to feeding!’ This is such an accurate belief but one that is not highly held amongst horse owners when forage is concerned. It is worth remembering that forage should make up the main proportion of any horse’s diet. Forage therefore is the main source of protein in your horse’s diet and is also the cheapest way to provide it! It consequently makes sense that we dedicate as much time sourcing the best forage as we do choosing bagged feeds.

Part of our in depth nutritional testing which we carry out using services offered by Forageplus looks at the quality of the protein or the true protein contained in our haylage rather than simply the crude protein value.

We use the nitrogen to sulphur ratio in the haylage along with the amount of nitrates present to assess the amount of true protein or level of complete chains of amino acids contained in our haylage. We control the quality of protein in the grass by utilizing up to date grassland management techniques with precision applications of a specialist holistic fertiliser. Haylage which has many incomplete chains of amino acids or high levels of nitrates will not contain adequate levels of protein and may even over time cause liver stress and other undesirable health complaints. The diet would also need topping up with an extra protein source.

Vittoria hopes that our haylage will provide the youngsters with a good source of quality protein for growth whilst supplying adequate energy levels from the slow

release form of energy and then topping up with a bucket feed where necessary.

Haylage’s original claim to fame of course is its dust, mould and fungal spore free nature, something that it was originally developed for and still remains a valid facet of haylage even with the wealth of other reasons why Devon Haylage is great choice. Even good quality hay will have some degree of spore contamination, something that Vittoria wants to eliminate through feeding haylage. Vittoria told me ‘Top quality forage gives us peace of mind and assurance that its going to be mould free – this is so important from a respiratory point of view’.

At Devon Haylage we understand how important it is for discerning horse owners to trust a product which can have such an impact on their horse’s health. Forage is the base of any good equine diet and Vittoria understands that if you get the forage right and of the best quality it is much easier to tweak the diet elsewhere to get the very best out of our horses.

We are very much looking forward to working with Vittoria, Bryony and the team in the future and wish them every success for the rest of the season. For more information on our haylage please visit the website or email claire@devonhaylage. co.uk. We can also send free samples in the post.

Photo courtesy of Blackheart Imagery

Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 45

Cost effective winter feeding no compromise on quality

Keeping your much loved companion in good condition over the winter months

e: info@youngsanimalfeeds.co.uk www.molichop.co.uk www.sweetmeadow.co.uk

Youngs Animal Feeds For more information or to request a free sample please call 01782 791209 www.youngsanimalfeeds.co.uk Youngs Animal Feeds Ltd - home of Super Molichop, Sweet Meadow and Feathered Friends www.molichop.co.uk

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Hay feeder range that makes sense for safety and value

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Specialist products designed to be beneficial for both horse and rider Flexi-rac enables horses to eat in a more natural position, without contamination with bedding or droppings.

There’s no eating through nets, reducing the risk of possible injury or strain.  BREATHABLE – reduces the risk of mildew and mould spores even with soak hay.  FLEXIBLE – unlikely to be used for crib biting, scratching, etc.  REMOVABLE – for washing, changing net size, etc.  May be immersed in disinfectant to prevent infection.  Has replaceable components to reduce the cost.  Can be personalized.

Contact us now to find out how Flexi-rac can benefit you and your horse

Flexi-rac is British designed and manufactured, using good quality materials, at very reasonable prices.

Visit www.equisensedesigns.co.uk or call us on 01239 851 294 46 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

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Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 47

PROMOTION

What is your horse eating...

What your land needs and when For early season growth…

To stimulate root development, growth rate, and plant sugar formation, you need to increase the phosphorous.

To stimulate root and shoot development and disease resistance, you need to increase the magnesium, manganese and zinc.

For grazing…

To increase leaf development and growth rate, you need to increase the nitrogen and sulphur. There is a risk that nitrogen poisoning can occur in our horses’ grazing pastures or from eating hay that has accumulated high levels of nitrates during growth. It is important to spread the right type of nitrogen, at the right time, and at very low volumes.

For increasing root and shoot development and to improve disease resistance/drought tolerance, increase the manganese and crucially the phosphate and magnesium.

For bulk plant production, you should increase the potassium. Potash is crucial for good quality hay/haylage as it transports nutrients absorbed by the roots up in to the grass.

For late season growth…

To encourage plant development, increasing sugar content and crucial frost tolerance, increase the nitrogen, sulphur and potassium. For root and shoot strength and disease resistance, increase manganese and zinc.

To encourage stem strength and carbohydrate production, increase the copper and potassium.

For good quality hay…

To increase the protein content and carbohydrate accumulation, increase nitrogen, sulphur and potassium.

For plant development and hay/ haylage quality, increase the calcium, magnesium and manganese.

H

as your horse started chewing wood or eating sycamore seedlings?

Are they underperforming or just behaving a little oddly?

Sometimes horses eat or do unusual things when they have developed a vitamin or mineral deficiency.

By analysing your soil, you can assess the soil’s nutrient supply in order to establish what is available for the grass to utilise and supply all the essential nutritional requirements for your horse.

At Lordington Park Agronomy, we look at the soil’s nutrient supply, its pH and crucially the cation exchange capacity (CEC) – the ability of soil to store positively charged nutrients, known as cations. The interaction between the soil type, total CEC, the organic matter and the individual cations determines where and how the soil isn’t working productively.

Once we know all that, we can rectify what your horse needs.

So, let’s take a look at the stuff we analyse in more detail.

What are trace elements?

Trace elements occur naturally in soils at concentrations of less than 100 mg kg−1.

Some of these are essential micronutrients for plants, and therefore animals. They include zinc, copper, manganese, boron and sodium.

Soil pH The soil pH describes how acid or alkaline your soil is. A pH of 6.5-7.0 is neutral, an acid soil has a pH value below 6.5 and soil above 7.0 is alkaline. It is important to know whether the soil is acid or alkaline, as this directly affects nutrient availability for the grass. Crucially, the pH determines

the grass species that the environment can productively sustain for happy horses.

Different plants thrive in different soils.

What is organic matter?

Soils are composed of a mixture of sand, silt, clay (the mineral content of the soil that we can’t alter, but has a direct impact on productivity) and organic matter – the engine for healthy grass. Soil organic matter is any material produced originally by living organisms (plant or animal), such as dead plant parts and animal droppings deposited on the soil surface, roots that have died and decomposed and carbohydrates from living roots called exudates. Over time, worms convert the organic matter into valuable humus for the sward to utilise.

The cation exchange capacity Cation exchange capacity is a measure of the soil’s ability to hold positively charged

Micronutrients Trace Element Analysis Optimal range:

Back Front Right

Cu

Zn

So3

Mn

Fe

B

Copper

Zinc

Sulphate

Manganese

Iron

Boron

ppm / mg/L

ppm / mg/L

ppm / mg/L

ppm / mg/L

ppm / mg/L

ppm / mg/L

5-8

7.00

10.00

10 - 25

50.00

0.9 - 1.5

7.4 Ideal 4.1 Low 4.1 Low

2.2 Low 3.7 Low 3.1 Low

27.7 Ideal 24.0 Ideal 26.2 Ideal

9.5 Low 4.6 Low 5.0 Low

64.2 Ideal 44.5 Ideal 36.7 Ideal

1.4 Ideal 1.4 Ideal 1.4 Ideal

p An example of a soil analysis by Lordington Park Agronomy

48 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

PROMOTION

and why? ions, which influences soil structure, nutrient availability and how soil reacts to fertilisers. The cations are the major nutrient suppliers to the grass: calcium, magnesium, potash. If any of these are unavailable for the grass to utilise, you won’t have a happy horse! In fact, it is liable to be “difficult to manage” or certainly underperforming.

In summary...

The interaction between your soil type, the total CEC, the organic matter, and the individual cations determines where and how the soil isn’t working productively to generate nutritious grass.

Once you have analysed your soil, you can then determine a fertiliser strategy to benefit your horse and its environment.

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www.lordingtonparkagronomy.co.uk Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 49

Sleep tight

F

or those of us with stabled horses, bedding is potentially the most costly and time-consuming element of our horsey management regime. Of course, stable bedding isn’t just about comfort – it is a method of injury prevention, and a great time-saving tool. A good stable bed can encourage your horse to lie down, give protection from hard surfaces and slipping, encourage him to urinate and, of course, provide insulation and comfort.

But perhaps one of the main considerations where horse bedding is concerned is the part it plays in promoting equine respiratory health. A recent study in the International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health proposed that there may be unsafe levels of airborne allergens (such as pollen, fungi or spores) in many stables.

“These particles do not only directly affect the respiratory system, but might also act as a carrier, conveying toxic contaminants and agents such as bacteria, and posing risk to either horses or staff,” the researchers warned (Kováts et al, 2016).

Here, we take a look at the most common types of horse bedding, and consider their “pros and cons”.

Rubber matting With the right stable drainage, rubber matting can halve mucking-out time, and is also a great insulator – it also has low running costs, and provides a non-slip base – great for injury prevention. There are types of rubber matting for all budgets, from simple squares of thinner matting, to shock-absorbing systems with multicelled, rubber-crumb sections.

Pros Once fitted, running costs are low. Rubber matting drains well (if good drainage and stable design is in place underneath) and reduces the risk of injury.

Cons It is hard to remove if you change stables or livery yards. Initial set-up costs can be costly.

Straw While many yards linked to farms do successfully utilise straw bedding (commonly wheat), the fungal spores present in non-dustextracted bales may induce respiratory challenges. However, if it is well maintained and fully mucked out daily,

... and get the bedding basics right. Kathy Carter looks at the options for your stabled horse then traditional straw beds can work well for some horses. There are also some great bagged, chopped straw alternatives.

Some are even treated with formulations to aid equine respiration, and steamsterilised versions are also available for optimum horse health.

Pros Traditional baled straw is costeffective and rots down well as a fertiliser.

Bagged, chopped straw alternatives are especially good for equines with respiratory challenges, or simply older horses.

Cons Horses can sometimes eat traditional barley and oat straw bedding, and it can become smelly when wet with urine.

Wood-based products There are multiple woodbased products available these days. Good quality, dust-extracted baled wood shavings are popular, easy to muck out, and make very good deep littered beds.

Dried, shredded wood fibre bedding offers low dust levels and also makes a comfortable bed – it tends to be relatively clean to use and handle, and is virtually dust-free and odourless. Some pelleted

50 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

wood products require some soaking prior to use, and the application of water is very beneficial for reducing dust content. Dried wood pulp bedding is similar to wood fibre bedding and is produced by drying the pulp at extreme temperatures.

Pros Wood-based products are generally quick to muck out. They store and stack well, have high levels of absorbency, and are good for respiratory challenges.

Cons Shavings can stick to the horse’s mane, tail or hooves, and some wood products can take a while to rot down.

Paper-based products Shredded paper is relatively dust free and can often be obtained cheaply from local sources. It also has good thermal qualities and high absorbency levels so, if regularly mucked out and managed, helps to reduce ammonia levels. Look out for products made from nontreated paper. Baled, chopped cardboard is a great, bio-degradable bedding product – and if the card is corrugated, urine quickly runs through to the floor of the stable, leaving the top surface dry and fairly odourless.

Pros The sections of clean paper and

AUTUMN & WINTER BEDDING specifically airway inflammation, is especially common in older horses, and recurrent airway obstruction can lead to irreversible structural changes in the horse’s airways. (Source: The Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice, CM Marr, 2016.)

Why should we be concerned about hoof challenges?

Hoof structures can be damaged by the ammonia content of the urine. Hoof horn is made up of bonded keratin molecules; when the bonds are saturated, the horn swells, expands and weakens the hoof, causing cracks. Bedding is key, as urinesaturated bedding leads to increased levels of ammonia in the stable, damaging the horn of the hoof and weakening the outer layer. The infection thrush is also a problem – it is commonly caused by dirty beds harbouring bacteria.

cardboard trap warm air, providing a cosy bed. Paper is particularly cost-effective.

Cons Paper can be heavy, post-muckout, and tends to blow around in the wind.

Hemp Dried hemp is an increasingly popular bedding choice, and is readily available in dust-free bales. It is comfortable and very absorbent. Hemp beds tend to soak up liquids at the base of the bed, leaving a fluffier, drier top layer.

Pros Hemp is an environmentally-friendly product – it is also good for helping prevent or manage equine allergies, and composts readily.

Cons In theory, as a crop, hemp bedding could be inconsistent in terms of its quality; however, this shouldn’t be an issue with a quality product.

Bedding basics What issues can unsuitable equine stable beds cause?  Capped hocks and elbows – areas that are swollen or bruised when the horse lies down or gets up.  Getting cast – horses that enjoy rolling

may be prone to getting stuck in the stable.  Some horses that eat their bedding may be prone to colic.  Equine inflammatory airway disease (IAD) and recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) – these are conditions predominantly linked to hypersensitivity to mould spores. Vets tend to regard respiratory challenges as a spectrum of chronic inflammatory airway diseases that resemble human asthma.  Thrush – an infection of the clefts of the frog of the horse’s foot.

Why should we be concerned about respiratory challenges?

Inhaling dust and mould spores can lead to inflammation of the horse’s airways, reduced air space and irritation of the cells. But equine respiratory challenges are complex, and require holistic thinking.

For example, it is important to note that, in potentially dusty environments such as stables, warm days worsen the respiratory risk factors to the horse, as do high-pollen days. Thus, trying to reduce the dust levels all of the time will definitely help a stabled horse to “breathe easy” on hot days, and occasions when pollen levels are higher.

(Source: Equine Veterinary Journal, Bullone et al, 2016).

In addition, respiratory disease,

Top tips  Remove the horse while mucking out, and skip out as often as you can.  If you need to “deep litter”, encourage the wet bedding to “compact” at the base by not disturbing the contents too much – keep toping up the clean top layer.  Limit stabling time as much as is practical, to enhance equine health.  Bear in mind that a horse diagnosed with inflammatory airway disease or recurrent airway obstruction, in addition to a good management regime, may also need ongoing veterinary medicines such as corticosteroids and bronchodilators.

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Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 51

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Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 53

Maxibed is the obvious choice of bedding for your horse Warm, comfortable, easy to maintain and eco-friendly

MaxiBed Animal Bedding is made from locally sourced, clean recycled wood fibre. It provides an ideal bedding material for horses and ponies.

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ood pellets are the fastest growing equine bedding in the UK but many people are unsure or unaware of what constitutes a high quality wood pellet. There is a huge difference between a pellet for fuel and a pellet for bedding. Here are three key factors to look out for: 1. Source: Pellet producers have a wide variety of material to choose from: recycled wood pallets, waste wood, trees with bark and virgin white de-barked pine. There are problems with some of these sources: recycled and waste wood has an unclear chain of custody and may have been used to transport hazardous goods, while waste wood and trees with bark can leave a dark pellet which is non-absorbent. Furthermore the high cost of virgin white de-barked pine has put off many producers from supplying such a pellet.

2. Colour: Virgin white wood pine creates white wood pellets. If the pellets are brown then they will contain bark, different types of wood, or waste/recycled wood.

It’s important to note that bark is non-

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absorbent so while you are buying the same quantity you are getting a less absorbent pellet, and probably one that was made for fuel.

3. Absorbency: The main reason we use pellets over other types of bedding is because they are such an absorbent product. Not only has the wood been highly compressed but the moisture has been reduced from 40% down to 4%, which means pellets are just bursting to absorb any liquids.

It’s important to note that wood is a natural product and it takes care and attention to create a good and stable, high quality product. Some producers ensure white wood pellets while others offer inferior fuel pellets and pass them off as horse bedding. The market is still developing, and whether you use it as a supplement to your current bedding, or you are looking to switch, then these three key points should steer you in the right direction.

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WW W. PURE W OODP E L L E T S. C O. U K Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 55

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Tel: 01464 820011 Email: info@puffinpellets.com www.puffinpellets.com 58 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

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Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 59

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60 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

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One of their top sellers in the equestrian market is “No Bute The Original”. This is a strong liquid infusion of the devils claw root. Devils claw has been used for hundreds of years for its beneficial effects on the joints. The No Bute range from The Animal Health Company also includes:  No Bute Premium, the power of the devils claw with added glucosamine, MSM and vitamin C;  No Wheeze, which has peppermint, eucalyptus and liquorice root;  Navilam ‘0’, devils claw with the addition of hawthorn;  And finally No Bruise, a handy soothing spray containing witch hazel and arnica.

As well as the range of equine products the company also offers a full range of supplements, grooming, skin care, cleaning products and a complete food for your canine companions, along with supplements for joint care, general health, rehydration powders and calmers. Also available are vitamins and minerals to help keep your dogs and other small pets in peak condition.

A recently introduced product is Hyper-Coat Prime supplement, which is loved by showing dog owners as well as those with pets that suffer from poor skin or coat condition. Hyper-Coat Prime is 100% cold pressed hemp seed oil. This oil boasts 87% omega oils and contains omega 3, 6 and 9. Customers have seen a great improvement with their dogs’ and horses’ coats and general condition, with the supplement also available in the equine range under O-Mega Shine. A little goes a long way with as little as 10ml a day to a 16hh horse.

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01787 476400 Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 61

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62 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

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Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 63

by ing d k fe as Mary y& l i em

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64 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

GASTRIC ULCERS as part of a balanced diet

Taking the highs with the lows Keeping up with the

KINGS

Kings

Your Horse & Country Magazine-sponsored riders Mary and Emily King on the ups and downs of an exciting, rollercoaster season so far.

Photos by Amy Lathrope-Reid/Indy Equine Photography.

Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 65

KEEPING UP WITH THE KINGS

Mary... in competition

I

thoroughly enjoyed going off to the three-day events in May, which rounded off the horses’ “spring” season. First was Houghton CCI* with Billy. He was such a good boy doing a personal best in the dressage and was clear in the time cross-country, but sadly one showjump down made us slip rapidly

from third to 13th out of 85 starters. But overall I was very happy with his progress this spring.

I took Bobby and Joey out to Tattersalls in Ireland the following week for their first CCI*. It is such a fun event, made even better by the perfect going, and the lovely group of people who came out to help and support (and enjoy the Irish craic!).

Both horses finished on their dressage scores – neither did exceptional tests but jumped lovely double clears, with Bobby finishing fifth and Joey 16th (out of 50 starters). They then had a couple of weeks’ well deserved holiday with plans to progress this autumn up to CIC** level with a possible CCI** at the end of the season.

With a little warm-up run at Chepstow Horse Trials we headed off to Barbury International the following weekend. Billy and Bobby both performed well in their first ever CIC** with smart dressage tests, and smooth, clear cross-country rounds (but I didn’t push them for the time) with both just being a bit “green” over a jump into a quarry.

Joey, who is a bit behind the other two, went well in the Open Novice finishing fifth.

All three then competed at Wilton – Billy and Bobby in the intermediate and Joey in his last ever novice, having upgraded to intermediate at Barbury. Bobby came third. Billy was in the lead after the dressage but I decided not to push him fast cross-country because he had qualified for the British Novice Championships, which were the following weekend at Gatcombe, and Joey came eighth.

Sadly Gatcombe turned out to be a complete disaster! For the first time ever, in the whole of my 40 years of eventing, I missed my dressage. Due to an accident on the M5, the three-hour journey from home to Gatcombe took more than seven hours, and that was with a police escort helping us past another two hours of gridlocked traffic. We arrived after the dressage for the British Novice Championships had finished so that was the end of that for Billy and I.

66 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

BRANDS

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Emily... in competition

W

e had a great few weeks away at the spring three-day events, competing at Tattersalls, Houghton and Bramham.

Zara headed to Houghton for the under-21 National Championships. She started with a fantastic dressage score of 42, which put us in the lead after the first day. She then zoomed around the testing CCI** cross-country track, coming home clear inside the time to retain our lead going into the final day. She then jumped very well in the final showjumping phase but just touched the second fence, which proved extremely costly, moving us from the lead down to fifth place. This was obviously disappointing, with victory being so close, but she finished fit and in great condition, so that’s the main thing.

We then zoomed home and had a quick turnaround for Tattersalls International, in Ireland, where I had Quinn and Amme competing in their first ever three-day event. It was really exciting seeing how they fared with travelling abroad, stabling away and their first longer cross-country course. They were unfazed with the big atmosphere and posted great dressage tests, putting them in the top bunch going through into the cross-country where they u

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KEEPING UP WITH THE KINGS

both delivered fantastic rounds. Amme is quite a spooky horse and what he found most difficult was galloping along between the crowds – but he gained confidence and improved with every jump. They both were slightly tired on the final day, I think more mentally than physically, so unfortunately both had a couple of fences showjumping, which slipped us down out of the top few places. Despite not finishing in the top 10 I was still super-pleased with their performances and am very excited for their futures.

We then had a quick turnaround catching the ferry back to the UK, repacking the lorry and heading up to Bramham Park, where Dre was competing in the under-25 CCI*** and Currant in the CIC. Dre was contesting his first ever CCI*** and the cross-country is always a serious test, usually determining whether they have true CCI**** potential.

Unfortunately for Dre, after posting a lovely dressage test that put us third, I had to retire him halfway around the course as his health wasn’t 100 per cent. It turns out he has a food intolerance, which was making him feel very lethargic and giving him bad stomach pains. Our horses’ health is by far the most important thing, so we would much rather forfeit a good result to make sure they are happy. Currant did a beautiful dressage test of 45 in the CIC***, but he found the showjumping a bit too testing. After stopping at the first fence I decided to jump a few more fences then retire, feeling it was slightly too much of a question for him at this stage of his career.

So it was not quite the Bramham we were hoping for. But this is how the sport works; there are many, many ups and downs and you have to really enjoy the highs when they do happen and take the low events to really reflect, analyse and learn from.

Great Witchingham was the first event back for me after a week’s rest, where I had Zara competing in the final trial for the Young Rider European Championships.

She did an amazing dressage test of 27, which put us in the lead and followed that up with a fantastic clear showjumping, around a testing and up-to-height course.

She gave me a fantastic ride around the course but at the second-to-last fence she totally misread the jump and we had an extremely uncharacteristic fall, which resulted in elimination. As a consequence, we were not selected to represent team GB at the young rider European Championships in Mill Street. This was infuriating as I know Zara is a talented horse with a good cross-country record.

With this being the final trial our results

had to be perfect, as this was a key event the selectors were picking from. This was seriously disheartening, especially after everyone’s efforts, from my home team to my sponsors and owners, but these things happen and you have to reflect on your mistakes and come back bigger and stronger at the next event.

We then headed to the beautiful Barbary Castle, one of my favourite events in the eventing calendar, with Zara and Currant in the CIC** and Dre in the ERM. Zara redeemed herself, as she went on to win the big CIC**, posting a beautiful dressage test of 42, followed by a smooth and quick double clear to take the title. It was a fantastic result for her against some top Olympic horses and lovely for her owner

“

This is how the sport works – you have to really enjoy the highs when they do happen and take the low events to really reflect, analyse and learn from

which caused me to turn too tight to the planks. Dre didn’t properly see the fence and, with us being quite close to it, this caused him to stop – a silly, costly error on my behalf. He went on to jump the rest of the course beautifully. I then decided not to run him cross-country as I knew I’d have to race him flat out to get the time.

Knowing he wouldn’t finish in the top three, I thought there wasn’t much point risking the strain on his legs.

Currently we have a very rare weekend off, which is almost unheard of. So we are enjoying it with lots of training at home and catching up with friends and family. My aim for the autumn is to try to avoid quite so many of the famous “up and down” event results... and try to post more of the “ups”!

Again a huge thank you to my incredible home team and my amazing owners and sponsors – none of this would be remotely possible without all of their individual hard work. Fingers crossed for a great autumn! 

Jane, after all of her incredible support for me. Currant did a lovely test, but after a couple of showjumps down I decided to take him steady cross-country. Dre started off well with a personal best at three-star level of 39, followed by an immaculate clear showjumping and then my best ever cross-country round on him around a hard CIC*** track. But a slight steering error caused us to accumulate 20 penalties, which slipped us down the leaderboard. It was obviously annoying not being able to have a podium finish, but I need to take the positives away – he jumped all the big questions and really gave me an amazing ride.

Gatcombe Park was not as successful as I’d like, with Dre and I having a costly stop in the showjumping. The time was very tight Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 69

KEEPING UP WITH THE KINGS

Mary... at home

D

uring their summer break the horses have their six-monthly flu boosters.

They are out day and night, except if they are getting too fat, when they come in for either the night or day to curb their waistline! The only food they have is half a scoop of Baileys balancer. I love them to have no rugs on at all if possible, but if the flies are around they have Bucas flysheets and masks on, or if it is rainy they wear a thin Bucas waterproof rug.

Our yard sticks to a rigorous worming programme, using Equest in the summer and winter and Pramox in spring and autumn, with three-monthly intervals between each dose.

Despite spraying the docks early this year they seemed to keep popping up everywhere, so I am enjoying going round the paddocks with my Logic topper making it all look tidy.

We have had such an exciting time with four out of the five foals being born, with the fifth and final one due at the beginning of September.

The recipient (surrogate) mares from the Beaufort Embryo Centre have all been brilliant mothers. Two foals are Zara x Royaldik, two are Zara x Jaguar Mail and one is Tess x Cevin Z. The things to check with a newly born foal is that they are suckling well, that they pass their first lot of droppings, which are black and sticky, and that their limbs look straight and normal. It is important that the mare has passed all of her afterbirth, too.

Three of the foalings (belonging to Jane Del Missier, Emily’s owner) went without any hiccups, but one foal (mine!) was born with contracted tendons, and the mare retained some of her afterbirth. They had to come into the stable for a couple of days, where our vet treated the mare and injected the foal with a drug which helped to relax the tendons. Sure enough, in a couple of days the legs corrected themselves. Both mare and foal are doing well now.

I let my goddaughter, Katie Corbin, whose mother Annie had worked for me for 10 years during the Eighties and Nineties, name my foal. She chose Kings Belief – with Barry for his stable name!

The in-foal mares all had a course of three herpes injections this spring, and they had a tetanus injection one month before their due date to give the

“

I let my goddaughter name my foal.

She chose Kings Belief – and Barry for his stable name!

foal a bit of immunity. We let them all foal out in a field by our house rather than bringing them in, going for the natural approach.

I had a lovely couple of days in July with Liberty Trails on Dartmoor. I was asked to host a two-day ride and it was absolutely glorious weather, making the scenery even more beautiful and breathtaking. I was spoilt with a couple of nights with the guests in the superb Bovey Castle Hotel, where my husband David joined me – what a treat. n

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Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 71 CC Debited

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There are over 100 million working horses, donkeys and mules across the developing world. For many of them, suffering is a way of life.

Brooke is one of the world’s foremost equine welfare charities, dedicated to improving the lives of these working horses, donkeys and mules.

Led by Brooke Patron Alastair Stewart, Friends of Brooke are a passionate group of individuals who support us in this important mission.

As well as enabling Brooke to respond wherever the need is greatest, our Friends receive exclusive updates and invites to special events with programme staff, bringing you closer to our work in the field.

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‘Horses have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I am proud to support the work of Brooke and am delighted to invite you to join Friends of Brooke, a fantastic way to become more closely involved.’

To find out more about Friends of Brooke, please visit www.thebrooke.org/Friends or contact our Major Relationships team on 020 7653 5863. www.thebrooke.org Registered Charity No. 1085760

72 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

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e’ve designed our shelters after talking to horse owners about what they really want from a field shelter, so we at Woodscott can be sure they deliver on functionality, durability and value for money as well as looking stunning in any landscape. Gaining planning permission is an issue for most owners, so our bespoke shelters – crafted in the Woodscott joinery workshop in East Devon – are the ideal solution.

The shelter’s design means that horses can walk right through, creating a light, airy space within a sturdy shelter. They’re large enough to accommodate several horses at once, allowing each horse individual freedom. We also offer end closing panels and closed ends with doors.

The frames are made from weatherproof, sustainably-sourced timber.

They are immensely strong, but still lightweight enough to move easily. They’re available in a range of sizes:  4ft to 12ft wide  4ft to 10ft high  4ft to 20ft long Our most popular shelter is 8.5ft high, 12ft wide and 16ft long. However, we can discuss alternative sizes to suit your need.

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Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 73

Brightening your horse’s sunset years

VET’S ADVICE with Dr Judith E J Maxwell MRCVS BVSc Bsc (hons)

L

ike humans, your horse will face different health challenges as he or she ages. After enjoying many active years of riding, your companion may be finding it harder to shrug off infections and those aching joints. But, with the right care, there’s no reason your horse can’t enjoy their golden years in good health.

Arthritis Just as in people, the older horse is more prone to developing arthritis. The majority of older horses tend to get arthritis in the lower joints of the leg and, in particular, the hock and pastern joints. The joints can deteriorate with damage and inflammation, so steroids and anti-inflammatories (bute) can be useful to manage this. If we want

to try to maintain the horse without longterm drugs, the use of a good quality joint supplement with a high level of glucosamine is essential. Chondroitin and PSGAGs have been useful in maintaining a good quality joint fluid.

Worming Older horses can become more susceptible to higher worm burdens for several reasons, and therefore performing regular worm egg counts on your geriatric horse can be very beneficial for keeping on top of increasing populations. Blindly worming is of limited value to your horse and the others in the paddock and, as mentioned in previous editions, there is increasing resistance to wormers.

74 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

Therefore, limiting their usage and using the most appropriate drug when required is essential.

Frequently high worm egg counts are also a useful indicator of other concerns with the geriatric horse, as it could represent a reduced immune system (possible Cushing’s) or marginalisation of the older horse into areas that are not normally grazed by the herd and are used for muck middening (frequent toilet area), an issue that may need to be addressed by moving him or her out of the herd and into a less demanding herd.

Cushing’s PPID, or Cushing’s, is a disorder that affects horses over the age of 15. The posterior pituitary part of the brain becomes dysfunctional and starts to secrete high levels of normal “housekeeping hormones”. We will see this becoming apparent in the horse’s coat, excessive urination and drinking, changes in behaviour, increased dental problems and an increased susceptibility to infections, including high worm burdens, eye, sinus, dental, respiratory

VET’S ADVICE

and foot infections, to identify a few. If the Cushing’s remains untreated the horse will remain in a “hyperinsulinaemic” state and the effects can most dramatically affect the growth of the foot, in particular the laminae. It is all too common to see an older horse that has had a prolonged period with Cushing’s going on to develop laminitis. Thankfully, we can now treat this disease very successfully and there is a simple blood test (free from a lab fee from June to November), which your vet can do when they are performing their routine vaccinations or dental exam.

Teeth An annual dental examination of a horse is perfectly acceptable for the middle-aged horse; however, the older horse may need more frequent checks. Horses’ teeth grow continuously throughout their life and constant eruption of the teeth allows for horses to eat reasonably tough, fibrous forage and grind down this food through attrition to allow it to be more nutritious and digestible.

Once horses get past 20, their teeth start to wear out as the constant growth and grinding will affect the growth rate of the teeth. The older horse will therefore have an increased likelihood of developing loose and wobbly teeth, infections, gaps and displaced teeth. The majority of these problems can be dealt with much more easily if picked up sooner and if the older horse refuses to eat hay, packs food in their cheeks or is seen quidding (when chewed piles of hay drop from the mouth) then you should book them in for an examination as soon as possible.

Coat Frequent coat care of the older horse is essential, as daily grooming of the coat will help remove excessive dust and loose hair. I also think it is very important to remove the rug once a day from the horse’s back to allow you to evaluate the degree of sweating and if the rug has slipped or started to rub. As a vet we do get called each year to see a significant number of horses that have “dramatically lost weight in the spring” when the rug has been removed for the first time that year. In reality, the weight loss has been happening for a few months but has been going unnoticed as the rug has been covering the whole horse.

Older horses are also more prone to developing a louse infestation in the winter months, and again this can sometimes be tied in with Cushing’s, the decrease in the immune system and the increase

in the thickness of the coat. Most of my Cushing’s cases do benefit from having their coats clipped off in the winter as they can’t regulate their body temperature very well so tend to sweat and become uncomfortable quite easily. So clipping and a good selection of different weight rugs can help manage them through the winter months.

Vaccinations Older horses are just as likely to pick up equine influenza and tetanus as younger horses, and if their immune system isn’t as strong then they will really struggle to cope with the influenza infection. Tetanus is everywhere and is mainly found in the ground; therefore, every horse should be protected from tetanus regardless of age and performance. Unfortunately, if a horse gets a cut and develops tetanus it is unlikely to recover without swift and immediate veterinary care, so it is always better not to take the chance.

Groups and behaviour Being mindful of where your horse sits in the pecking order is important for monitoring their overall health and wellbeing. A healthy, happy older horse will still be able to maintain its normal position in the group and be able to mutually groom their friends and move around the field drinking and eating freely. The older horses that are finding the group herd stressful tend to lose weight and spend a lot of time resting in corners and not interacting with other horses. They will also exhibit more aggressive behaviours towards other herd members as they will feel threatened more as they may not be able to run away or defend themselves as easily – usually due to sore feet (laminitis) or stiff joints (generally hock arthritis).

Dental checks and blood tests for Cushing’s are vital in the older horse



Feeding Nutrition in the older horse can literally make or break them. The older horse needs careful consideration as to exactly what they need to make sure their requirements are met. The demands of an older horse can be quite far-ranging and therefore it is always worth speaking to your vet or a nutritionist before commencing with a feed plan.

Due to the problems mentioned before, the older horse can experience a host of nutritional demands that could be an article in its own right. The fundamentals of feeding an older horse are that it is good quality, easily eaten and digested and a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Hay and haylage are usually our choices for feeding during the winter months and the decision has to be made based on the advantages and disadvantages of both. Personally, I feel that hay is the better choice for an older horse that is of normal body condition and not in high-level exercise. Due to the older horse being more susceptible to dust, spores and inflammatory overload, I do prefer this hay to be streamed before feeding as it makes it more palatable, easier to chew, more nutritious and it contains less bacteria/ fungi.

Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 75

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For a clip that’s a cut above A

s soon as autumn arrives, horses start to develop a thick winter coat.

For horses that live out, unrugged, their winter coat offers essential protection from the cold, wet weather.

However, for horses that are that are in regular work, a winter coat becomes a hindrance, causing them to sweat heavily.

By clipping a horse, you can minimise sweating and enable them to cool and dry quicker and more effectively. Horse clipping therefore not only cuts down on grooming time, but can also prevent a horse from catching a chill.

Our horse clipping website – horse-clipping.co.uk – has been created by Lister Shearing Equipment to help you get the best clipping results.

There are many different types of clip and it is important to make sure you have the right clip for your horse. We have created a guide to the different kinds of clip from full clip to bib clip, including videos to show you every step of the way.

When considering the types of horse clip, you should think about:  What level of work is your horse doing?  How much does your horse sweat?  Is your horse stabled or turned out?  Do you have suitable rugs?  Does your horse feel the cold?  Has your horse been clipped before?

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Buying a set of horse clippers is an important investment and one that will last you many years, so you want to make sure you choose the best clippers for your needs. We offer a wide choice, from light to heavy duty, mains powered or battery powered and in a range of shapes, sizes and weights.

“

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Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 77

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78 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

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A specialist equine veterinary practice run by Nelson and Thomasia Rowe and based at The Equine Clinic, Bradley Green, near Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire.

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Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 81

animal care made easy

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Botanica products can be used on all animals and humans. For horses, they have been proven to work well on general skin conditions, mud rash, rain scald, cracked heels, cuts and wounds, capped hocks, sweet itch and ring worm.

We have been using Botanica Products for the past few years on a variety of different conditions including: cracked heals, cuts and sores, rain scald, sweet itch and mud rash. It has always worked well and we are very pleased with the results.

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PROMOTION PROMOTION

Planning ahead for winter nutrition and healthy skin A

t this time of the year it is worth planning for the winter months.

The change will entail a change in management, including feeding, and in most cases this will mean a gradual increase in the hard food and roughage.

This is the time of year when we would see an increase in the levels of colic and I think many cases can be associated with this change, so any new feeding should be introduced over a week or so.

The quality of the forage has become a hot topic in our clinic as it seems that there is less good quality hay available year on year. Poor quality hay can lead to coughs and if there is any doubt it is worth getting the hay analysed for spores and dust. It is also important to store the hay well as damp conditions can spoil it and also lead to mite infestation.

Bedding will also fall into the same category as forage as any increase in spores or dust here may trigger a cough, so it is worthwhile getting the best quality bedding you can. What bedding you get will depend on your own situation and how easy it is to dispose of the waste material.

There are many types available but the important rule is to make sure that the sides of the bed are pulled down once a week so that moulds do not get a chance to grow. If there is any chance that there is mould growth then the application of a contact disinfectant to the stable floor area is sensible.

Ventilation is also important in these winter months and sufficient airflow is essential in stabled horses. If you are unsure, then talk to your vet about this.

There is always a large number of skin complaints at this time of year – horses’ coats are getting thicker and it is difficult to know what rugs if any to put on them.

Damp skin will allow infections to build up – ringworm and bacterial infections are common. As a general rule, use an

 Good foot care will help guard against infections in the wetter, colder months

anti-bacterial and anti-fungal wash after exercise and allow the skin to dry before putting rugs back on, and wash tack and grooming kit so as not to transfer any infections. Ringworm is highly infectious and is difficult to treat when it gets hold in a yard. Commonly, antifungal topical treatments are used but there has recently been renewed interest in a ringworm vaccine that has been used over the summer to treat sweet itch.

Mud rash or pastern dermatitis is often associated with white legs as the white skin is considered to be more prone to infection. The skin can become chapped and then swollen with sores and scabs.

These need careful washing and drying as they are very sore and and then perhaps an application of an antibiotic cream that may contain steroids. This is often best bandaged onto the affected area. In some cases, systemic antibiotics are necessary.

Early aggressive treatment often will pay off, but this can be a very recalcitrant condition and often takes a long period of time to heal before the horse can go out normally.

As a preventative there are many creams that are available that act as barriers to keep the skin clean and dry. It goes without saying that your vet will advise you to keep out of mud, although this is often easier to say than do.

Rain scald is a similar condition occurring mainly along the top line in horses wintered out. Large areas of skin and hair can be affected and again prevention is best – applying sulphurcontaining creams can help to minimise the risk of getting this.

Infections in the foot can occur more often in the winter as the foot goes from being in the dry to the wet – this allows the white line to expand and let grit and dirt in. Good foot care with regular foot trimming helps to keep the white line and sole intact. In some cases, the application of Stockholm tar can help to reduce dirt getting into sensitive areas.

Foot growth can be helped by adding biotin supplements to the horse’s diet and regular painting of a foot hardener can help in those horses that have a tendency to split the foot at the edges.

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Our clinicians are all riders and are therefore in a unique position to understand problems that can lead to reduced performance; such as difficulties in turning, changing legs behind on a turn, not landing consistently with the correct forelimb leading, having rails down, losing power – problems that can mean the difference between winning and losing.

We pioneer new treatments and constantly review their success, to provide evidence-based results.

We also investigate why things go wrong, so that we can advise riders and trainers about prevention strategies.

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86 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

PROMOTION

Has your horse changed shape... or is it your saddle?

S

addles come in all shapes and sizes with different styles made for all the different riding disciplines.

General purpose (GP) saddles should allow hacking, hunting, and jumping (up to 1.2 metres). A jumping saddle (jump) will have more length to the seat, offering a flatter seat than the GP saddle. This reflects the folding movement of the upper body of the rider for jumping at speed. A jump also offers a large flap over the shoulder for use with short stirrups, causing no interference with your horse’s shoulder movements, if the point of the tree is above the rotation point (as discussed in the last edition of Your Horse & Country Magazine). A dressage saddle encourages a still seat, where upper body movement and balance reflects the point of balance for your horse.

Every saddle, regardless of type, needs to fit the horse width-wise through their skeletal frame, which does not change. It is very important to make sure the fit is neither a narrower “frame” nor a wider one that will move forward or rock in motion.

It should be measured to sit with the tree frame above the point of rotation of the shoulder, otherwise any horse movement will cause it to swing and rub across your horse’s spine and loins.

The panel is a cushion that moulds to the shape of your horse under the weight of a rider, it is there to protect the horse from the tree frame. As much as we do not want a hard, lumpy, uncomfortable cushion, too soft is equally no good as it will compress and cause damage to your horse. Therefore, a “custom saddle” even if mismeasured may appear to fit your horse well for six months or so, after which you might be told

Saddles come in a range of styles and shapes, but they should always be the correct fit for your horse, above



that your horse has changed shape. It is likely that he hasn’t changed shape and, in fact, the panels may have needed more attention to flocking at the point of fitting (see earlier edition of Your Horse & Country Magazine Magazine).

If a saddle becomes unlevel because new loose flocking has migrated back from the stirrup bars then the chances are your new saddle is damaging your horse because it is putting balance to the fore and compressing the area of muscle behind the shoulder, instead of allowing your horse’s piston-like topline to move equally.

If it is level pommel to cantle, it will not be pushing down behind the shoulder to do this rotating motion and the rider will find themselves automatically in the upright correct position, with shoulders, hips and heels running in a balanced line.

The length of your saddle is solely for

rider comfort and is based on leg length and desired riding position. Pelvic width and seat bone position can vary as each of us is different and will adapt to different riding styles for different disciplines.

The difficulty in fitting saddles to a horse comes where 90 per cent of horses have a wasted topline muscle to some degree. It is often the case that this can go unnoticed as the sight of our horse becomes familiar to us and we accept their shape as “normal”.

It is the topline muscle structure that defines your horse’s frame and “holds” his spine and rib cage together. It is this muscle that has to flex in a spring-like action to bring movement at the front and back together and propel the horse into a forward movement.

If your horse has a poor topline condition, it is this we need to correct in order to get your horse moving correctly under the properly fitted saddle.

You can use whatever padding necessary under a saddle to level it, but flat pressure takes much longer to restore a nice flat topline, or you can make use of the Stephens patented gel pads. The larger the holes in the pad the better, as this will allow a much better blood circulation, meaning there is no chance of muscle tissue being completely starved of blood, therefore allowing the muscle to redevelop.

If you are struggling to find the correct saddle fit or think your horse may be suffering from a poor topline condition and muscle wastage then please contact us.

Saddle Wise Southwest have been fitting saddles for more than 40 years. We can offer a range of used saddles that, for the novice, have more shape and stick-ability.

We can also have saddles custom-made to fit your horse both now and in the future, saving you on cost and stress.  Visit our website at www. saddlewise-southwest.co.uk or call Jenny direct on 07875 707 683.

Saddlewise-southwest.co.uk – total South West mobile fitting Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 87

Awesome

autumn Mists, mellow fruitfulness, hearty meals by the fire... Kathy Carter on why autumn ‘conkers’ all seasons

W

e’re approaching one of the most beautiful of our British seasons: autumn. This season runs from September to November, and in September usually heralds mild, bright mornings with average temperatures in the teens, and relatively long days.

William Shakespeare famously loved the changing seasons. In Sonnet 73, he poetically wrote: “That time of year thou mayst in me behold, when yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang upon those boughs which shake against the cold, bare ruined choirs, where late the sweet birds sang.”

The Autumn Equinox The Autumn Equinox, also known as Mabon or Harvest Home, commences when day and night are of equal duration before the descent into increasing darkness – it falls on September 22 this year. In Latin, equinox means “equal night” – equi meaning equal, and nox meaning night. Do you remember Neil Young’s song Harvest Moon? (“But now it's getting late and the moon is climbing high. I want to celebrate, see it shining in your eye, because I'm still in love with you... on this harvest moon.”) Well, traditionally Autumn Equinox signifies the time when the farmers brought in the harvest, and the full moon nearest the equinox is often called the harvest moon.

Many faith groups see this time as the final festival of the season of harvest; Pagans will be celebrating and thanking their goddess for providing enough food

88 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

to last the winter, and Druids will meet at Stonehenge to greet the equinox with songs and music. As the equinox is a worldwide occasion, elsewhere across the globe, people in China celebrate a mid-autumn festival relating to the harvest, while Native Americans in Southern California celebrate Hutash, a sun ceremony that coincides with the September equinox. Meanwhile, those interested in astrology may celebrate this period as a time when sun enters the sign of Libra – the Scales of Balance. It is certainly a celebratory time!

Ready for the hibernation of winter We are all, animals and people alike, slowing down after the excitement and activity of the summer months, ready for the hibernation of winter. We’re also happily picking ripe sloes and elderberries, and watching in awe at the arrival of migratory birds (see our panel further on, which details some of the birds to look out for). With the children returning to school, and the summer paddling pools, tents and barbecues being packed away, autumn truly heralds a new beginning, and is a time to reflect on the past season.

Technicolour dreamcoats Most of us associate autumn with the falling of leaves, and the changes in their colour – the beautiful show is at its prime in October, when we see a truly spectacular technicolour dreamcoat of u

AWESOME AUTUMN

Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 89

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AWESOME AUTUMN

Bewick’s swan

Flying visits

A chill in the air... n For horse owners, autumn sees the tail end of the competition season, culminating for many of us with the world-famous Badminton Palace International Horse Trials.

It’s a time to assess your horsey summer successes, plan for maintaining equine fitness over winter, perhaps consider following or riding at a hunt and, of course, think about clipping and rugging.

We know that equines feel the cold red, golden brown and purple foliage. This display is said to drastically improve our mood, according to Forestry Commission England, whose survey found that 96 per cent of us believe that beautiful autumn colours make us feel happier.

Our warm, sunny summer surely means that we will have seen a great growing season for trees – the extended summer sun will have allowed them to build up plenty of sugars in their leaves. Leaves contain green chlorophyll, which harnesses energy from sunlight to combine water and CO2 to create sugars. What we witness in

completely differently to us, but, in general, if the temperature is between 5°C and 25°C, the horse or pony can still comfortably maintain their body temperature without feeling hot or cold.

However, persistent rain can quickly leave a horse feeling cold and miserable, and a wet horse in a cold wind will lose heat quickly and find it harder to stay warm – the rainy autumnal periods are when many horse owners choose to start rugging up. autumn is the chlorophyll breaking down and other compounds like carotene taking over and producing rich autumnal colours, before being absorbed back into the tree, ahead of winter.

We can now look forward to the leaves turning golden brown, the sun going low in the sky, and the nights starting to draw in. At the other end of the day, autumn heralds beautiful, ethereal misty mornings – perfect for a brisk dog walk! Meanwhile, our British parks and arboretums will shortly be ablaze with the fiery colours of Far Eastern exotic plants, while our

n According to the RSPB, the birds that arrived here in spring and summer from the south to breed, having spent the summer months holidaying here, are now returning south with their young.

They include swallows and martins, warblers, nightingales, cuckoos, swifts and ospreys.

Conversely, in autumn we see adventuring birds from the north and east coming to our shores to spend the winter in the UK, where the weather is milder and food is easier to find, before heading off again in spring. They include redwings, Bewick’s and whooper swans, and many kinds of ducks, geese and wading birds.

Many water birds also spend the winter on the sea around the UK coast, including common scoters, great northern divers and red-necked grebes.

You may also see a variety of winged “passage migrants” stopping over en route on their long journey north or south, such as green sandpipers and black terns, who only stay for a few weeks to recuperate and rest.

Swallows

glorious woodland areas will be aglow with native trees, including beech, ash, field maple, alder, oak and cherry. Do check out our “Seven Seasonal Treats”, which includes some lovely places to visit.

Along a similar theme, autumn is the prime time for fabulous fruits; look out for sweet clementine or mandarin oranges.

These seedless wonders are ideal for your seasonal menu planning. Of course, apples and pears are both lovely autumnal fruits in abundance at this time; look out also for cranberries and late blackberries – lovely autumn staples, with their colourful hues. u

Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 91

AWESOME AUTUMN

Enjoy the

harvest

Seasonal cooking is a great way to keep “in sync” with the passing of time, and the availability of great British foods. Interestingly, foods in season often contain the nutrients, minerals and trace elements that our bodies need at this time of year!

There’s also a lovely, comforting, psychological aspect to cooking seasonal produce. While many of us crave bright berries and succulent fruits in the summer months, suddenly the autumnal menus are gleefully bursting with roasted tomatoes, lentils, harissa and cumin, for that warmfrom-the-inside-out feeling!

We’re no longer salivating for quick, raw salads and crunchy, fruity bites, as now is the time to apply heat to intensify and extract flavour, and slowcook meals for a softer, warmer eating experience. What could go better with a roaring pub fire and a warming ginger wine than a root vegetable medley, with parsnip, swede and pumpkin?

You will undoubtedly see many beer festivals around Britain at this time of year – look out for white, Belgian-style wheat beers to accompany your herby sausage dishes; tart, berry-inspired beers to accompany your smoked fish dinners, and dark porter ales to go with your game pies and rich dishes.

1 7

7

seasonal treats

1. Westonbirt National Arboretum in Gloucestershire A stunning 19th-century arboretum with around 2,500 different tree species. Check out the famous maples in October, for a true splash of colour.

2. Faskally Woods, Perthshire 200,000 acres of arboreal delights, including beautiful woodland on the banks of Loch Dunmore. There’s oak, alder, birch, aspen, poplar and conifers to wonder at.

3. The World Conker Championships Various competitive conker events are held at Southwick in Northamptonshire, in October. The perfect chance to show off your conkering prowess, while supping a pint at the Shuckburgh Arms!

4. The New Forest in Hampshire

5

6 Photo: CA Eccles/Shutterstock.com

92 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

Photo: Albert Pego/Shutterstock.com

2 This national treasure covers more than 50 square miles of National Park, and is home to mighty redwoods, sweet chestnut and beech trees, as well as the famous New Forest ponies.

5. The Country Living Fair Harrogate in Yorkshire sees a craft fair at the end of November that showcases an emporium of handmade and homespun delights.

Ideal for stocking up on gifts, and perusing the latest crafty concoctions.

6. Burghley Horse Trials, Lincolnshire This heralds the end of the elite eventing season – a celebration of equestrian skill, and the ideal opportunity to shop for a range of British products, from homeware to jewellery, on the trade stands.

7. The Great Cornish Food Festival in Cornwall For three days at the end of September, Truro’s Lemon Quay plays host to an event dedicated entirely to Cornwall’s food and drink industry. It’s not all about the pasties! n

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It is easy to personalise your kit with well-known brands such as Le Mieux, Griffin Nuumed, Thermatex and Premier Equine in stock along with a full range of clothing and accessories.

Alternatively, we can help you to create something that is truly unique using bespoke rugs, saddle cloths and stable apparel in your colours.

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94 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

PROMOTION

Home heating made simple In a world of rising fuel bills and concern for the environment, take back control

H

eating the home is one of the critical concerns for every household, especially those with children or the elderly. In recent years fuel prices have reduced for an interim period, making it less of a strain on the budget, but they are likely to increase in the not too distant future. Electricity is also under evergrowing demand from new technology and it is harder to generate enough of a supply using environmentally friendly methods alone.

With a range of home heating options available that all largely require electricity, refined or produced fuel or which operate inefficiently, contributing to global warming and pollution, end users can be forgiven

for feeling they cannot do right for doing wrong and can find themselves stuck in a rut with their heating bill.

The Ecco Stove hybrid masonry heater fills this niche by offering a simple-toinstall wood or solid fuel-fired heater that conforms to all current UK certification and has also passed the 2022 European design standards for efficiency.

Exclusive Silicon carbide is increasingly being used in a range of technologies due to its superior properties over traditional materials. The use of silicon carbide in woodfired masonry heaters is exclusive to the Ecco Stove range. Combining both

masonry heater and high-efficiency stove technology the Ecco stove provides a constant or intermittent heat source that generates gentle heat waves through the home, room to room via natural convection generated by the unique properties of the silicon carbide (mineral) body.

This method of heating is suitable for both insulated and uninsulated properties with a single control method and simple batch loading. Heat stored for up to 12 hours after the fire has gone out in the silicon carbide body is distributed through one to 15 rooms up to an area of 280m² (depending on which model is chosen) without the need for radiators, electrical connections or air ducting.

With the highly efficient burn from the combustion chamber the CO emissions are lower than that of a tree decomposing naturally in a forest. As heat can be distributed without pumps the electrical, oil or gas demand on the property is also reduced. As the Ecco Stove can be fuelled with wood, smokeless fuel and briquettes to mention a few, the homeowner is in complete control of their heating bill.  You can call, email or visit our team to find out more about how the Ecco Stove can heat your own home on 01527 857814 or email sales@ eccostove.com. You can also visit our website www.eccostove.com

01527 857814 www.eccostove.com Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 95

PROMOTION

Do you want a Beta-Ride ? ®

Dr Danielle Holt discusses the importance of arena maintenance

M

y name is Danielle Holt and I have spent the last six years carrying out research on equestrian surfaces. In that time I have completed a Masters by research and a PhD investigating the effects of variations within an arena surface on equine biomechanics, some of which has been presented at international conferences and published in scientific journals. Away from research, I am a keen event rider, a BHS-accredited Professional Coach and have vast experience in arena maintenance.

Back at the start of July I took my horse, George, to Little Mill Equestrian in South West Wales to have a ride on their BetaRide® surface. I was extremely impressed with the way it rode, so much so that my partner and I have now joined the team to represent the North of England for BetaRide®. This is because we believe in the product!

From a rider perspective, it improved my horse’s way of going and supported him through turns, at speed and during transitions. From a research perspective, a surface must support your horse both vertically and horizontally during the

hoof-surface interaction without being too “holding” or increasing the forces and accelerations beyond what the horse is accustomed to. Forces and accelerations are generated with every step that our horses make: accelerations peak during the initial impact when the hoof collides with the surface and forces peak during mid-stance when the limb is supporting the weight of the horse. It is the functional surface properties that will determine the magnitude of these forces and accelerations and that is why training and competing on a suitable surface is crucial.

The high quality fibre additives that have

96 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

been developed exclusively by Beta-Ride pro equestrian surfaces® and Cojarac® have shown to significantly reduce compaction*. This will serve to dampen impact shock by reducing peak vertical accelerations based on some of the work that I have done previously [1]. The fibres also increase elastic deformation of the surface, which is the amount of recovery or rebound after a load has been applied, ie. after a hoof print has been made. This improves responsiveness or how “active” the surface feels, an important factor that will optimise performance.

Arena surfaces are becoming

PROMOTION

increasingly widespread and they are not a cheap investment. After installation, the most essential part of aftercare is maintenance! This is absolutely key to preserving the longevity of an arena.

Maintenance does not only involve levelling the arena but also includes removing organic matter (droppings and horse hair, to you and me) among other checks that should take place at least once a year.

How often is your arena maintained? A very popular answer is approximately once a week but this should depend on the amount of horses using the arena. As the number of horses increases, the frequency of maintenance should also increase.

There are surfaces on the market that can withstand greater use; however, maintenance should not be overlooked!

Regular levelling with custom-made equipment will: l Reduce compaction l Reduce variation and improve surface uniformity l Ensure the surface components remain evenly mixed (please note that this only applies when there is sufficient moisture in the surface) l Prevent drainage issues A greater number of horses using the arena between maintenance sessions has been identified as a risk factor for lameness during a study on dressage horses [2].

It creates a more compact surface with less elastic return [3], suggesting a more “dead” feel for the horse and rider. Greater surface compaction can also affect the ability of the arena to drain. This can make the surface deep or boggy under wet conditions, something that has also been identified as a risk factor for lameness [2].

A different study investigated the longevity of maintenance using a surfacetesting device [4]. Impact firmness increased and cushioning reduced once a hoof print had been made, suggesting the peak forces and accelerations would increase with repeated use. Large variations across the surface have been shown to result in irregular forces acting on horses’ hooves [3]. This does not only pose a risk factor for injury but may affect stability, leading to rapid gait modifications so the horse can stay balanced.

So there are just a few research articles,

Pro equestrian surfaces

but all pointing towards an increase in maintenance and greater efforts being required to provide a consistent surface!

Does this happen in practice, though?

From a practical viewpoint, regular arena maintenance can be time-consuming, but long term it will not only prove to reduce

the risk to your horse but will also be financially beneficial due to preserving the surface condition. Please do not hesitate to contact us at Beta-Ride® for a no-obligation chat about your arena and how we can help to improve your surface. *Against a reference surface

References [1] Holt, D., Northrop, A., Owen, A., Martin, J. and Hobbs, S. J. (2014) Use of surface testing devices to identify potential risk factors for synthetic equestrian surfaces. Procedia Engineering, 72, 949-954.

[2] Murray, R. C., Walters, J., Snart, H., Dyson, S. and Parkin, T. (2010b) Identification of risk factors for lameness in dressage horses. The Veterinary Journal, 184, 27-36.

[3] Kai, M., Takahashi, T., Aoki, O. and Oki, H., (1999) Influence of rough track surfaces on components of vertical forces in cantering thoroughbred horses. Equine Veterinary Journal Supplement, 30, 214-217.

[4] Tranquille, C. A., Walker, V. A., Hernlund, E., Egenvall, A., Roepstorff, L., Peterson, M. L. and Murray, R. C. (2015) Effect of superficial harrowing on surface properties of sand with rubber and waxed-sand with fibre riding arena surfaces: a preliminary study. The Veterinary Journal, 203 (1), 59-64.

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Where equestrian style leads... ... fashion follows. From dressy dressage on the catwalk to country chic on the high street, the influence is everywhere, says Kathy Carter

F

ashionable riding clothing is, of course, not a new thing, particularly for female horse riders. Since the latter part of the 16th century, when riding overskirts and cloaks were first introduced, ladies have been dressing for riding.

Eighteenth-century riding habits saw elaborate trimmings, fancy buttons, neck frills and form-fitting clothing around the torso; by the 19th century, tailors had also introduced cotton and wool versions, for different seasons. Many of these accents can still be seen in mainstream fashion –

equestrian design has been a big influence on mainstream fashion for many years now, most notably with the classy polo shirt and the long, slim-line riding boot, both perennial wardrobe staples.

A good example of equestrianism influencing the catwalk is the likes of high-end fashion designers Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Hermes and Burberry, who often showcase elements of equestrianism within their catwalk collections. Recent seasons have seen tweed jackets with elbow pads, leather riding boots with spur-rests and even fashion jodhpurs hitting the shops.

Photos: FashionStock.com/ Shutterstock.com

Enduring horsey items One of the most enduring horsey fashion items is the polo shirt.

In the 1920s, Rene Lacoste designed a new tennis shirt that wasn’t as tight and restrictive as its predecessor.

Polo players had been wearing pressed collars since the late 19th-century to keep their collars from flapping in the wind. However, they soon latched onto the shorter sleeved tennis shirt, and readily adopted it for use in polo. This shirt became even more popular when, in 1972, Ralph Lauren featured the shirt with a logo depicting a polo player and pony in his new collection, “Polo”.

Ralph Lauren has definitely helped to turn the humble polo shirt into an

everyday wardrobe essential.

Breeches and jodhpurs for riding were originally designed to be practical, long trousers; snug from the calf to the ankle, with reinforced fabric protecting the inner calf and knee from rubbing.

During the 1920s, ladies started to ride horses astride rather than sidesaddle, so there was a new demand for jodhpurs that were fashionable as well as practical. One of the first high-profile women to adopt the wearing of jodhpurs was Coco Chanel.

She transformed the “practical” jodhpur into a fashion statement, both on and off the horse. While for leisure riding there’s currently a preference for the more sporty “riding tights” that are more akin to gym sportswear, traditional riding breeches are, of course, still popular for competitions.

We all love a tailored riding jacket and they can be traced back to the late 1600s;

 Designers have borrowed equestrian essentials such as polo shirts, jodhpurs, riding boots and jackets, and given them a twist for the catwalk

FASHION they became increasingly popular as time went on, and in the second half of the 18th century, the jacket became fashionable as well as practical. In addition to riding and hunting, they were worn for travelling, walking, visiting and even in the home.

In recent years, there have been more designs, colours and styles to choose from, making blazers and tailored jackets most definitely on trend. Mainstream fashion often takes inspiration from equestrian styling, making sure the jackets remain flattering, well-cut and trendy.

Equestrian and country style clothing is generally flatteringly tailored, and a great way to show off either a svelte figure or gorgeous curves.

Competition clothing If you compete horses, then the right kit is essential. Technology moves on apace these days, meaning modern materials are everywhere, creating benefits like breathability, waterproofing, stretch, warmth and smoothness in a competition garment without losing style. Many competition jackets are even shower-proof and machine washable, with good shaperetention properties. Here, we take a look at ways to showcase a sense of fashion in the main riding disciplines:

Jumping Within the field of show jumping, riders can be relatively flamboyant with their colours; for example, many of us are now embracing team colours, bold primary hues and outer clothing that has elements of shine and glamour, to pick up overhead lighting and “fit” a showy competition environment. There’s a good deal more “bling” available now, too, like flashy or elaborate decoration, to unleash your inner sparkles.

Riding boots for show jumpers are tall, and usually in black or brown – but this is one area where you can be flamboyant.

There are ostrich, crocodile and even kangaroo leather boots available, as well as detailing at the top – for example, a long, plain boot with a patent top. You can also find subtle crystal detailing on boots, and spurs that twinkle in the light.

Jumping breeches are commonly white or beige, but they often feature discreet design elements like crystal detailing and fancy belts. A single-coloured riding jacket is required for jumping (or the less-popular

tweed), but you can be daring with your colour scheme, for example with greys, reds and greens. A light-coloured shirt with a stock or secure tie is a wardrobe staple, but there are many competition shirts available now that are smart and elegant at the neck area and more flamboyant everywhere else, if you want to showcase your individuality!

Dressage Dressage riders are often seen as elegant and sophisticated in their competition-wear, and many dressage enthusiasts are still fans of the discipline’s traditional styling. Coats are relatively reserved, fashion-wise, although very discreet elements like pinstripes or fancy buttons are sneaking in! Boots are one of the few areas where you can be more expressive – the use of patent is becoming popular, whether on the whole boot or as an embellishment, and spurs can be sparkly, too. Perhaps the most surprising way to express your individuality as a dressage rider is via your helmet! Many riding hats come with “blingy” options now, like crystal detailing that catches arena lights – some are discreet, but there is also the opportunity to go “all out” with patterns and diamante.

Eventing If show jumping fashion is about flamboyance, and dressage is about sophistication, then eventing can perhaps be regarded as being more about practicality. Performance materials are commonly seen – all clothing has to work incredibly hard to withstand the increased likelihood of falls, the longer periods in the saddle, and the effects of the elements that outdoor competition sees. On the whole, this discipline may not be the place for excessive fashion flair; however, functionality and advanced material technology are mainstays on the XC field, and you can always bring out your coloured ostrich boots and sparkly spurs for the show jumping and dressage elements!

New for 2017 If there’s a trend within equestrian fashion for us mere mortals, as

opposed to the top-end designer fashion houses, it is definitely for the functional horsey wardrobe that will take you from school run and stables visit, to coffee with friends and supermarket shopping!

These days, all of the horsey manufacturers are producing items with classic lines that are not necessarily obviously “horsey”, in bold prints and colours that mean you can wear your “horse and countryside fashion” items all day long, without embarrassment.

Quilted jackets are still everywhere for what designers like to call the fall/winter season, and denim breeches have definitely become a wardrobe staple for us horsey folks, with some even offering waterproof properties.

Riding boots that double up as “country boots” are again proving popular, but do shop around for sturdy ones that have a suitable ankle, as “baggy ankles” don’t do your riding or your fashionista status any favours! Scarves with animal or bird motifs are definitely a wardrobe staple – if you don’t want to update your whole wardrobe, then these are a great way to add a splash of fashionable colour.

Colour-wise, the leading fashion bibles are citing Pantone’s autumnal shades of Peony, Butterum, Bluebell, Maple and Port for this season – that’s navy, light brown, light blue, dark orange and maroon, to you and me – as well as pale pink and red hues. In the mainstream fashion world, it seems that the various shades of orange are key colours to “rock” this autumn, while in the horsey sphere, red and navy are clearly de rigueur, with the odd splash of purple or violet.

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The Horse Trust welcomes the longest serving Household Cavalry horse, Viscount

A

fter almost 22 years military service Household Cavalry horse Viscount has been welcomed at The Horse Trust’s Home of Rest in Buckinghamshire. Viscount, a 17hh Black Gelding, Irish Sports horse retired to the Horse Trust from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment after 21 years and 11 months of service in the British Army.

Viscount served The Household Cavalry with distinction in all aspects of service, from parades to training new recruits. His calm demeanor saw him rotate around different posts throughout his service, from carrying senior Officers as an Officer’s Charger to Royalty on Ceremonial Parades.

Viscount completed his military training aged just five, passing out in as a Military Working Horse in 1997 and has been involved in Queens Life Guard and many State occasions during his service.

In his last four ceremonial seasons, he carried musicians from The Band of the Household Cavalry; a duty notable for requiring calm and consistent horses that can be ridden with limited instruction as the musicians largely give direction using only their legs while carrying their instruments.

After the last of his duties,Viscount went to the Defence Animal Centre before retiring to his new home at The Horse Trust. Viscount stepped off the lorry very calmly on the hottest day of the year and enjoyed a long cooling shower from the Trust’s Care team before being released into the fields where he quickly befriended fellow Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment veteran Belize who had retired on the very same day.

Viscount has taken the mantle of ‘Longest serving Military horse’ from Remus who also retired to the Horse Trust in 2012. Like Viscount, Remus was a truly remarkable horse and began service in 1991 as a four-year-old serving for an incredible twenty-one years until arriving at the Trust at the grand age of twenty-six to enjoy a well-deserved period of peaceful retirement after his long service.

Jeanette Allen, CEO of the Horse Trust said “The Horse Trust is proud of its relationship with the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and providing horses like Viscount with a home in their retirement after a lifetime of public service is our privilege. With the help of our donors we are able to provide these hard-working equine civil servants the opportunity to relax and enjoy their twilight years just being a horse.”

Success Stories

OBI was a rescue case who came to The Horse Trust in 2011 when he was found tethered at the side of the road in a horrific state with mutilated genitals that required immediate surgery. Once recovered from his terrible ordeal, he was rehomed to one of the nurses that nurtured him back to health at the Royal Veterinary College. He has made an incredible transformation and is enjoying life to the full in his new home winning lots of rosettes!

OBI

STARLIGHT arrived at The Horse Trust in 2012 as a welfare case.

We nursed her back to health and helped her regain her confidence.

In 2016 she found a truly wonderful home and is now taking part in local shows and enjoying some one to one pampering.

104 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

STARLIGHT

Suppor ting our other work You can help support our residents who cannot be rehomed by sponsoring them today. It costs on average £4,500 per year to care for each of our 100 horses, ponies and donkeys. Our work is funded 100% by public donations and is only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

Duchess Diaries:

The not so Royal rescue of an abandoned pony feed or seek out water supplies. Duchess arrived underweight and extremely lethargic, suffering from internal and external parasites, which had made her skin sore from itching.

Her estimated age was just 4 years old.

CAESAR

Retired Thames Valley Police Horse Height: 18.2hh Service: 10 years Likes: Strawberries

FALSTAFF

Retired King’s Troop Horse Height: 17.3hh Service: 8 years Likes: Ears being scratched

In September 2016, The Horse Trust welcomed another welfare resident.

It has now been almost a year since Duchess’s arrival and her future is looking much brighter now that she is in our care at The Horse Trust. She will soon commence a training programme and will be assessed with a view to her suitability for rehoming. It is hoped that one day Duchess will go on to find a forever home after all she has been through.

Duchess, a gentle piebald mare was found starving and dehydrated by the New Forest Agisters after she’d been abandoned on the common land of the New Forest in Hampshire. It was clear to the Agisters that this little mare who was very thin and unsteady on her feet, had been callously dumped.

Domesticated horses such as Duchess who are simply released into the ‘wild’ are unlikely to survive as they are not able to forage for

Helping The Horse Trust

FIDGET AND WIDGET Rescue Shetlands Height: 34 inches Arrival: August 2014 Likes: Getting up to no good!

GLADYS, LOLA AND NORA Rescue Donkeys Colour: Skewbald Arrival: January 2008 Likes: Ginger biscuits

Visit www.horsetrust.org.uk for the full list of residents available to sponsor

Be part of the world’s oldest horse charity by sponsoring one of our horses, ponies or donkeys.

A small gift makes a big difference towards helping to care for some of Britain’s most deserving animals who have served our nation, or those that have been rescued and are in desperate need of special treatment.

Starting from just £2 per month you will receive a personalised certificate and fact sheet that includes stunning photos of your chosen four legged friend, along with updates on them throughout the year.

Come and visit us when we are open to the public - Thursday to Sunday from 2-4pm (including Bank Holiday Mondays). Meet our residents, drop in to our Black Beauty Tea Room for tea and homemade cakes, or simply just relax and take in some of our beautiful views here in the heart of the Chilterns.

With your help, we can give these animals the life and retirement that they truly deserve.

For more information on how you can help, visit www.horsetrust.org.uk.

The Horse Trust Slad Lane, Buckinghamshire HP27 0PP www.horsetrust.org.uk info@horsetrust.org.uk 01494 488464

/The Horse Trust @horsetrust thehorsetrust

Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 105

Take a tour of the

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he Cleveland Bay combines warmblood performance and native hardiness. Though specifically noted for its distinctive solid bay colour, the breed is characterised by its activity, movement, substance and stamina. One of England’s oldest, the breed has been fixed in type since the 17th century and is well known for its prepotence, stamping partbred progeny with its distinctive physical likeness, apparent in many modern sporthorses whose development incorporated Cleveland Bay bloodlines.

Cleveland Bays have excelled at the highest levels in dressage, driving and eventing, as well as in the hunt field, while still appreciated as capable, versatile mounts for riders of more modest ambition. They do their best when given time to build a trusting relationship with their human partners. Easy to keep and happy to live out all year, they showcase their versatility, hunting one day and hacking or participating in riding club another. You might find the same horse

competing locally in dressage, show jumping, endurance, driving and in the show ring. A true all-rounder.

The Cleveland Bay horse was already a rare breed when the Cleveland Bay Horse Society and its stud book were established in 1884. This stud book has been continually maintained and protected for over 130 years and is the only official internationally recognised stud book for Cleveland Bays. The breed’s influence is especially impressive in light of its small numbers, estimated to be fewer than 750 purebreds worldwide.

Every foal counts Listed as “Category 1-Critical” on the Watchlist of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, fewer than 30 pure foals are currently being registered each year and the number of UK filly registrations is dangerously low, averaging 10 a year. Ideally all purebred mares suitable for breeding need to add at least two daughters to the stud book if the breed is to have a future.

Georgina - Photo courtesy of MJB Photography

Help is available from the society via grants, supported by the Horserace Betting Levy Board, to encourage the breeding and promotion of pure Cleveland Bays in the UK. The society promotes breed classes at shows around the UK and runs a performance scheme for pure and partbreds. The society also has a pure breeding programme to help mare owners select suitable stallions.

The breed is advertised as a “British breed with a history and a future” and enthusiasts are fighting to keep that future assured. For more information about how you can support the Cleveland Bay, visit ■ www.ClevelandBay.com or

Visit us at the Horse of the Year Show, this October, on Stand F54, in the retail area.

Cleveland Bay  Warmblood performance plus native hardiness  Critically rare yet still competitive Patron: HM The Queen

The Society maintains the worldwide stud book and licenses stallions for pure and part Cleveland Bay breeding. Grants are available to support UK pure breeding.

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Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 107

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108 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

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n inexpensive way of owning your own tractor is to build one from a flat pack.

With a little mechanical know how, some common sense & a few rounds of tea you would soon be the proud owner of a tractor that you’ve built yourself!

Siromer Tractors supply a choice of flat pack options, ranging in horsepower from 16hp - 35hp.

Friends & neighbours will certainly be impressed when you tell them you built it yourself plus you will have acquired a great working knowledge of how your tractor operates; making it easy for you to service and maintain.

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The tractor as it arrives in it’s “flat pack stage”

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The rollbar being fitted

Prices start from £4,450 (excl. VAT) These are high quality compact tractors that are designed to be easy to maintain & yet can perform a myriad of jobs around your smallholding. With over 1 Million Siromer Tractors in service around the world their reputation speaks for itself. Plus you’ll benefit from great customer service, parts & advice - all just a phone call away.

So, do something rewarding this year & take on the flat pack challenge!

We’re waiting to take your call. . .

■ For details of a Siromer dealer near you, or your free brochure pack contact Siromer. Tel: 01253 799 029 or visit www.siromer.net

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Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 109

SPECIALIST PLANNING ADVICE

The Test of Time

I

n the UK, planning permission will be required for all types of development including the erections of new buildings and the change of use of land. But what happens when works are carried out without the benefit of planning permission? It is possible to be granted a Certificate of Lawful Use or Development (CLUED) for a change of use of land or buildings which has been carried out more than 10 years ago, for buildings which have been substantially completed for in excess of 4 years and for a dwelling which been used as such for over 4 years.

More often than not, these cases only come to light when a neighbour has informed the council of a breach of planning control. Unauthorised development can go unnoticed for several years but once the council is notified the problems begin. The Local Planning Authorityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enforcement team may then serve a notice to the property owner

informing them of the breach. At this stage, the sensible option is to instruct a planning agent to help deal with the issue and ensure that the situation can be made lawful.

If a building is equipped with the essential facilities required for day-to-day domestic living and can be described as a dwelling for at least four years then its occupants are entitled to apply for a Lawful Development Certificate. The certificate will confirm that the dwelling can be occupied lawfully.

One of the biggest stories to hit the press in recent years is that of Robert Fidler who built a four-bedroom turreted house which he hid behind hay bales for seven years. Mr Fidler clearly thought that he would get away with the four-year rule and be allowed to keep his castle, however following a lengthy legal process was forced to demolish the property in 2016 to avoid jail. The crucial issue in this case

was that, with the hay bales in place the dwelling was substantially completed and Mr Fidler knowingly set out to deceive the local authority. The Localism Act allows for a local authority which has become aware of a development that has been deliberately concealed to apply to the magistratesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; court for a planning enforcement order.

One of the most common queries that we are asked at The Rural Planning Practice relates to the change from agricultural to residential. This will require the use of aerial imagery to show that the land has been used for domestic, rather than agricultural, purposes for over 10 years. It will often be necessary to provide photos showing the land being used for recreational purposes which could include activities such as playing cricket, tennis and entertaining friends and family. For the council to be satisfied of this they will often ask for a Statutory Declaration and Exhibit to be

Helping to unlock the potential of your land, buildings and assets www.therpp.co.uk

office@therpp.co.uk

sworn and witnessed by a solicitor. The key issue relates to the use of the land.

In planning speak there is no definition for the word “curtilage” and rather, the land should be classed as or domestic use.

There are several recent High Court judgement cases which seek to disprove the “curtilage definition” and give considerable food for thought when establishing what is actually being applied for. The implications for these types of certificate being granted are substantial as the use of the land as domestic opens the opportunity for residential development as gardens are classed as brownfield, the use of which for houses is encouraged in sustainable locations. As a result, Local Planning Authorities are becoming increasingly reluctant to grant permission for this.

One successful case study where we achieved a Certificate of Lawfulness for a client was in South Gloucestershire District

Council. We were approached by a client in 2016 after receiving an enforcement notice from the council for the erection of buildings without planning permission.

Overtime our clients eventing business had grown, and without applying for planning permission, he had added facilities to support this. This included stables, a horse walker and several outbuildings. Staff flats had also been added into the internal stable yard and our client had converted a barn into residential use for his own family.

It was vital for his business and livelihood that we achieved retention of the buildings on site and we prepared two separate applications; a Certificate of Lawfulness and a retrospective planning application.

We could demonstrate that many of the buildings on site had been in existence for over four years or change of use for ten years and this was confirmed by detailed shown through photos and aerial photography as well as other documents and press cuttings.

The rules for Certificates of Lawful Use or Development (CLUED) are relatively simple, the onus is on the applicant to prove that on the ‘balance of probability’ the change of use has occurred. Aerial photography showing the implemented change is a useful tool, as are photos showing the use taking place. The importance of keeping records of receipts and orders becomes apparent in this case also and letters from friends, family or anyone who has witnessed the change of use taking place will strengthen the argument.

The Rural Planning Practice are experienced rural planners. We have offices in Cirencester, Gloucestershire and Cranbrook, Kent and would be delighted to assist with any planning queries you may have.

Tel: 01285 719568 (Cirencester) 01580 201888 (Cranbrook) Email: office@therpp.co.uk

 Residential Development and Extensions  Listed Buildings  Equestrian  Permitted Development  Planning Appeals  Agri Business  Certificate of Lawfulness  Rural Buildings  Objections  Local Plan Submission

CIRENCESTER 01285 719568

CRANBROOK 01580 201888/ 715378 Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 111

Welcome to Winning Post Consultancy We are a specialised company with over 25 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience in constructing All Weather Riding Arenaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Gallops, working in some of the best yards in the business.

Riding Arenas and Gallops From small private clients to professional Equestrian Centers both our indoor and outdoor riding arenas are given the same meticulous attention to detail.

We offer a free site visit, anywhere within the UK to determine the exact requirements for your project. This includes a full site survey, with details of the design, planning, sighting, drainage, base construction, fencing, and the Riding Surface itself.

Every stage of the project is fully explained to give you the Riding Arena you want.

All this information is used to provide you with a competitive quotation, along with a 5 year guarantee.

After acceptance, work commences using the latest machinery and laser levelling technology operated by our own fully trained team.

Within a short period of time your arena or gallop will be completed.

Sportrack Synthetic Riding Surfaces Our range of synthetic surfaces covers all aspects of the market and each equestrian discipline is catered for.

Sportrack Eco-Ride Sportrack Eco-Ride, a premixed surface containing specially cut synthetic fibre blended with multi washed silica sand. This is our entry level surface and is ideal for the livery yards where a surface is needed for different abilities.

Sportrack Pro-Mixed Sportrack Pro-Mixed is our premier dry mixed surface containing equestrian approved multi washed and blended silica sands accurately mixed with our specially manufactured synthetic fibres to produce a surface which is used in competition venues and professional yards Sportrack Waxed This surface is based on washed and blended silica sands, with a combination of synthetic fibres, blended with a hot wax coating. This is an ideal surface for indoor schools,lung pens and gallops.

Sportrack Pro-Waxed Our top of the range surface where horses work on the surface. High graded, washed and blended silica sands, mixed with specially cut synthetic fibres, coated with a hot wax coating. Installations include, racing gallops, polo, showjumping and dressage establishments.

Sportrack Stabilishing Fibres As well as premixed surfaces we can supply Sportrack Stabilishing Fibres to add to existing sand surfaces. These specially cut synthetic fibres will enhance any existing surface, adding stability. Delivered on pallets anywhere in the UK, this is a very cost- effective way of improving your riding school.

Sportrack Complete Fibre This is nothing but synthetic stabilising fibres laid on top of a geotextile membrane and compacted to a finished depth of 150mm. This gives a very cost effective surface.

 Full Gallop and Riding Arena inspections and reports.  Complete construction of new Gallops, Canter Tracks and Riding Arenas.  Refurbishment of existing Gallops, Canter Tracks and Riding Arenas.  Supply of Sportrack Synthetic Riding Surfaces (Premixed and Waxed).  Supply of Sportrack Stabilizing Fibres, Equestrian Grade Silica Sand and Rubber Crumb.

Should you need any advice on the construction or surface merits please talk to us. We are proud of what we build for your enjoyment. For more information please visit our website or check out our most recent work on Facebook or phone us.

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114 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

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Supporting your horse from the hoof up!

oddson Equestrian Flooring provides a great, cost-effective way of helping with the upkeep of your horse. Our flooring provides warmth and comfort as well as saving you time and money on cleaning and bedding.

Helping to insulate the stables against cold, hard concrete floors, our flooring will reduce fatigue (swelling) on your horse's legs. Adding a substitute flooring on top of the concrete stable floor also offers great cushioning on your horse’s joints, without the need for additional bedding. Having a qood quality stable flooring from Doddson will also help offer a slip-resistant surface for your horse, especially when they are getting up from an afternoon nap or a nice roll in their warm, fluffy bed!

Founded 30 years ago, under the name Lightfoot Surfaces Limited, we developed LS4, a three-part mix that is trowelled onto a prepared surface, such as wood, steel, concrete or aluminium to name a few.

The product has been improved over the years and is now called Granlatech LS4. It provides a seamless, slip-resistant surface which is completely impervious and very hard-wearing.

We have supplied and installed this flooring around the world for various horsebox manufacturers, including Rice Trailers, Richmond Trailers, Brown Bros Ireland, Boeckman coach builders in Germany – and even in Prince Phillip’s own horsebox. We have also installed Granlatech LS4 for Sheikh Mohamed in Dubai, the Al Thani family in Bahrain, the Sultan of Brunei, the Sultan of Oman and many more.

Granlatech LS4 has been used extensively on horsewalkers, in stables, vets’ rooms, walkways and passageways.

We have also installed it in equine swimming pools.

All of our products have been specifically designed for use under or around horses.

Our rubber mats are 6ft x 4ft x 17mm thick and can be used in stables, passageways and walkways. The mats are strong and can be easily fitted.

Our rubber pavers have been designed for use in parade rings, walkways, passageways and horsewalkers. We also have coloured pavers that will keep their colour in direct sunlight for those areas that always need to look their best.

The wall padding that we supply and install is a very hard-wearing, high-density foam and reduces stable injuries caused by horses kicking the walls or doors.

We have supplied and installed this product for HRH Queen Elizabeth II at her stables in Sandringham and many more establishments around the world.

We also sell wood shavings in large flakes, which come in 20kg bags. We can deliver anywhere in the world, whether it is one bag, one pallet, one lorry load or a container full.

 For further information, please contact Doddson Equestrian Flooring & Bedding Ltd on on 07802 270568, email chris@doddsonequestrianflooring.co.uk or visit www.doddsonequestrianflooring.co.uk Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 115

Stables expertly craftedbuilttobysuit you British craftsmen

Whether you need one stable or a complex, the wide range of options within our Intro, Ideal and Elite ranges is sure to meet your requirements.

When you purchase any of our fine range of quality buildings we want you to feel proud you have selected a Jon William Stables product.

We do this by creating equestrian products that have been built by craftsmen. We strive to build the best possible product we can, so we are confident you will be proud to own it. We firmly believe our business cornerstones drive us to perfect every Jon William Stables product.

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quality equestrian buildings built by British craftsmen We want you to be proud of your purchase. We are proud to create it for you.

Call us now and select which product is perfect for you and your horse.

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Landscaping & Groundworks Specialist Groundworks Landscaping Artificial Grass Tree Surgery Block Paving Building Work Extensions Conservatories Design & Construction

116 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

ASteele Contracting are an established company operating in the Bristol and Gloucestershire area.

We are proud of our high standard of workmanship and have the experience and expertise to construct or renovate any project to make your dreams a reality!

Call for a free quote t. 01453 702908 or 07854 999 528 e. info@asteelecontracting.co.uk For a full range of services visit www.asteelecontracting.co.uk

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https://www.facebook.com/RoyalRubber/?ref=page_internal Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 117

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FOR A

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Feature border for water features Holes drilled for water fountains

CJ Arenas will construct or build either block stables or wooden stables to meet your requirement

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Email: info@newbridgetarpaving.co.uk Tel: 01805 804 567

If you are looking for a West Country based company to construct a quality riding arena or horse stabling, then look no further

(subject to correct planning permission)

• Post and rail fencing in either straight or half rounded finish • Any size sand school can be constructed to meet your requirements • All riding surfaces are available, Refurbishments to existing sand schools • All site work undertaken and completed by CJ Arenas in the Devon and Cornwall area

Visit www.cjarenas.co.uk

or call 07813 574160 for more information or a no obligation quote 118 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

■

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Nationwide suppliers of quality National Building Stone for:

Surfacing and Resurfacing Asphalt Porous Asphalt Coloured Tarmacadam/Asphalt Asphalt for roads, driveways and parking areas Fuel-resistant asphalt/fuel resistant tarmac Choose any colour chipping of your choice Tarmacadam/Asphalt surfacing specifically designed for sports High performance and multi-purpose surfaces Pre-packed cold asphalt repair service Hot tar and chipping surfaced dressing

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Premier Horse Walkers

– that’s the Hancox promise

We are a leading manufacturer of premier stables and stabling products. Visit our website and see the quality of our work

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WHY INVEST IN A PREMIER HORSE WALKER ?

Even better, give us a call to discuss your ideas, however large or small

02476 316 938

Direct drive system (No belts, chains or pulleys) Minimal maintenance No hydraulics, eliminating oil warm up time in winter Super silent Forward / reverse with auto turn at 10 minute intervals 6ft wide paddles as standard Electrified paddles as standard 4, 6 or 8 horse with a choice of surrounds 2 year warranty

FROM ONLY £3,250 (EXCLUDING SURROUNDS) DELIVERED AND INSTALLED on your base

www.premierhorsewalers.co.uk 01405 704172 / 07522905152

Horse Walkers PremierPremierHorse Walkers

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Great Customer Service & Great Customer Relationships Service & Relationships

Riding Arenas - Menage Covers - Stables Riding Arenas - Menage Covers - Stables Tack Rooms - Wash Rooms - Muck Stores - Horse Walker Tack Rooms - Wash Rooms - Muck Stores - Horse Walker @PHCBuildings @PHCBuildings

Steel Framed Buildings Steel Framed Buildings

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Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 119

PROMOTION

Spotlight on getting your lighting right

Site surveys are FREE if required

I

ndoor arena illumination enables the safe movement of both horse and rider at every level of participation.

The actions of both must be clearly seen by spectators, riders, officials and trainers. The lighting should provide even illumination over the total floor area, while shadows should be avoided, as these may cause horses to shy.

On outdoor arenas, side-lighting systems are the most cost-effective solution. The position of the columns and angle of the lights are crucial to achieving the ideal uniformity across the arena.

The eye level of a rider is typically between two metres and 2.5 metres above ground level and may significantly increase when jumps are taken. This should be considered when determining the right mounting height for lights. The normal height is from six metres up to 12 to 15 metres for full competition level. Glare to both horse and rider should be limited as much as possible. The main course direction for showjumping and dressage will be along or diagonally across the principal arena axis.

In both indoor and outdoor arenas, the lighting must be adequate to enable the safe progress of both horse and rider over the jumps, and it is very important that a high degree of lighting uniformity is achieved with sufficient floodlighting positions to remove any shadowing around showjumping fences.

Most purpose-built arenas are rectangular in design, although the overall dimensions may vary considerably. The smallest arena size for dressage tests is 20 metres by 40 metres. Any arena in the region of 60 metres by 20 metres is more widely accepted.

Kim Prestwood of Jumping Jack Flash said: “So many people think it is OK to use any type of lights and put them anywhere, but this is not the case. I have been installing equestrian lighting for 30 years so for advice and to discuss your requirements, please give me a call.” n Call Kim on 07768 837454 or visit www.jumpingjackflash.co.uk

All of our outdoor lights are asymmetric, which in simple terms offers: l Wide beam l Definitive distribution within stated area l Can effectively throw four times its mounting height in a horizontal position l Virtually no upward light spill l The possibility of glare is reduced to nearly nonexistent due to the design and positioning of the lamp

Sports Lighting Jumping Jack Flash

Specialists in the lighting of indoor and outdoor arenas 01803 844 833 | sportslighting@hotmail.co.uk 120 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

Built with pride CUSTOM BUILT 3.5 TONNE HORSEBOXES Finished to a high standard, optional features available We carefully select our vehicles for conversion into horseboxes. As horse owners ourselves we know the importance of having transport which is safe, practical and comfy for horses and the occupants travelling with them. All are built to a high DEFRA standard and we welcome any inspection.

Our coach built horseboxes can be stalled for two rear facing horses. Optional of standard length or extended to allow for separate grooms area, both can be driven on a standard UK car licence.

 CUSTOM HORSEBOX BUILDS  HORSEBOX MODELS  HORSEBOX REPAIRS  FIELD SPORTS TRAILERS

CALL US TODAY 01279 777 733

to find out more about our horseboxes and current stock.

www.thehorseboxcompany.co.uk t: 01279 777 733 | m: 07816 519 177 or 07817 337 111 | e: enquiries@thehorseboxcompany.co.uk Units 3 Meesdenbury Farm, Meesden, Hertfordshire SG9 0AY

Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 121

CLASSIFIED DIRECTORY ANIMAL WELFARE

The MacGregor Centre, Coxstone, St. Maughans, Monmouth NP 23 5QW

Tel: 01600 750 233 | www.swhp.co.uk Registered Charity 266247

Curly found abandoned and in a deplorable and emaciated condition on a mountainside near Abergavenny.

Her survival was extremely doubtful.

Your guide to the best horse and country products and services

On arrival

Thanks to the highly skilled and dedicated care given

by SWHP and Curly’s determination to live she is now fully recovered and looking forward to finding a new home.

Curly some months later

SWHP rescues abused and neglected equines from all over South Wales and the Borders and nurses them back to health to go on to lead happy and successful lives in homes matched to their age and fitness.

We always have a selection of horses and ponies looking for loving homes.

To rehome an equine from us is one of the most rewarding things you could do!

We are wholly reliant on fund raising and legacies to continue our much needed work.

www.swhp.co.uk ANIMAL WELFARE

Horses4Homes is an equine rehoming charity helping and supporting owners to find loving, forever homes for their horses via its robust rehoming/loaning/sharing service.

Companions to Competition Horses Available.

Advertise your business to over 120,000 readers nationwide.

Call us now: 01454 318 780 122 | AUTUMN 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

s o too ats can to find o SNIP m.

SPCA, They are orking

■ Contact SNIP on 07830 387130 visit www.snipcats.org or follow SNIPcats on facebook

CLASSIFIED DIRECTORY

■ Carol’s Farm Club is in St Ives, Cambs www.farmclub. co.uk

ANIMAL WELFARE

ANIMAL WELFARE

Rehome with Confidence!

Fed up with Rodents Ruining Your Tack & Feed? facebook.com/

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cats es Carol erchant

Are you able to provide a loving home to a horse or pony? If so, please contact us.

Fight Back with a Feral!

We have a choice of rehoming schemes and horses and ponies of different sizes and abilities.

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and their ntroduce bound and m the livered been fully ents and – cages, etting hanging

hey are ob!”

Feral cat charity SNIP urgently needs homes on stables and farms for healthy, neutered feral cats. They are rescued from London’s meanest streets and make perfect mousers for your stables!

Is there room in your home and your heart?

You can make a difference 

Free service. Release pen and starter pack.

We deliver up to four hours drive from London.

CALL US TODAY ON

07830 387130

01626 355969 office@mareandfoal.org

ge them the ble that smell

www.mareandfoal.org Registered Charity No. 1141831

SNIP registered charity no. 299258

ANIMAL WELFARE

ANIMAL WELFARE

The Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust Registered Charity No: 1096814

FIGHTING POVERTY FEEDING FAMILIES

The Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust Brewery Arms Cottage, Stane Street, Ockley, Surrey. RH5 5TH

Tel: 01306 627568

Email: ghdt@gambiahorseanddonkey.org.uk

www.gambiahorseanddonkey.org.uk We are a registered charity that provides essential veterinary services for working equines and their owners in The Gambia. Through education and training about animal welfare the lives of people and animals can be greatly improved, but we need YOUR support to continue our work.

Gambia Horse 90x130.indd 1

24/01/2017 09:18

Your Horse & Country Magazine AUTUMN 2017 | 123

CLASSIFIED DIRECTORY SERVICES

EQUIPMENT, MACHINERY AND TOOLS

www.mayfield-engineering.co.uk  Manufacturing a range of Arena Levellers for all surfaces

 Specialising in robust designs ideal for large

establishments, professional arenas and gallops

 Models also available for Quads, compact tractors and garden tractors

 All come with Side Grader Blade for pulling in track  Easy to operate  Fully adjustable tines for depth



5ft wide towing models for fibre/sand—Prices starting at £810



6ft wide tractor mounted models for fibre/sand—Prices starting at £935



All prices exc. Delivery & VAT

Call 07703 110132 / 01225 891014

CLASSIFIED DIRECTORY HEALTHCARE

HOLIDAYS

Bring your horse on holiday to the Derbyshire Peak District

Manufacturers of natural herbal creams, washes and sprays.

Used to treat all skin conditions.

Botanica’s herbal blends work to promote healthy cell growth and complete recovery without scarring e.g. rain scald, mud rash, cracked heels, girth scald, cuts, grazes, sweet itch etc.

Natural herbal cream, washes and sprays for skin conditions, created using a unique blend of natural ingredients that promote effective and complete healing... naturally!

LCH Laboratory Paris tested.

Can be used before, during and after competition.

Essential year round kit!

Our Herbal Cream has UVA & UVB properties which is great sun protection all year round! Perfect for you and your horse!

• Luxurious self-catering log cabins and pods • Stabling and grazing for six horses Quote • Access to Pennine Bridleway YHC when making • Routes for all abilities your booking • Log-fired hot tub and sauna

Tel. +44 (0)28 4173 9151 Email: enquiries@botanica.ie

www.hoegrangeholidays.co.uk

Visit: www.botanica.ie

Call: 01629 540262 Email: info@hoegrangeholidays.co.uk RETAIL

SERVICES

Stablecare South West ® The UK’s Specialist Manufacturer of Rugs and Equipment for Small Equines

Rug Washing, Re-Proofing and Repair Service Guaranteed weekly turnaround, including repairs Fair price, including collection and delivery All areas covered Telephone 0117 9611 515 Mobile 07778 369 334 Email stablecaresouthwest@gmail.com

COMPLETE RANGE OF RUGS AVAILABLE IN SIZES FROM 2’-5’

www.dinkyrugs.co.uk MAIL ORDER CATALOGUE AVAILABLE TACK & TURNOUT LTD. Tel. 01279 410300

www.horserugcare.co.uk

CLASSIFIED DIRECTORY RETAIL

RETAIL

A comprehensive range of quality branded products for the equestrian

Patey Hats, are handmade with skill and artistry of the highest level.

Being produced and developed entirely on UK shores allows our Hat Making professionals complete control on the construction of your bespoke Headwear.

Everything equine from the store your horse would choose!

Postage from just £2.99

Holding the Highest Possible safety standard, the Patey PROtector conforms to Snell E2001, approved across all equestrian disciplines.

www.equinegiftcompany.co.uk

Email - sales@equinegiftcompany.co.uk

Tel 07748 185 828

Facebook.com/equinegift Twitter @equinegiftco

The Patey PROtector is the safest Hand-made hat on the market offering a unique combination of elegance, style, and comfort fit.

BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN MANUFACTURERS OF HATS PATEY (LONDON) LTD

PRO tector

“Safety Never Looked so Good”

Patey Hats, Unit 12 Caterbury Industrial Estate, 297 Ilderton Road, SE15 1NP 0207 732 7123 www.pateyhats.com enquiries@pateyhats.com

RETAIL

RETAIL

All Stitched Up Designs

Prices from

£25.00 Sizes

ONESIES

Newborn to adult XXL Eventing and Racing colours bespoke to you

CLASSIFIED DIRECTORY RETAIL

RETAIL

Laland & Bo CREATORS OF BRITISH COUTURE TWEEDS EXCLUSIVE JEWELLERY UNIQUE GIFTS

facebook laland&bo | email: lalandandbo@hotmail.co.uk www.lalandandbo.com RETAIL

RETAIL

Horse Hair Jewellery

Fleeces

“Keep your horse close to you”

£22

Jackets

£85

Jollytots Equestrian Harry Hall Baby Chester Jodhpurs

£22

Stylish Equestrian Clothing for Tots to Teens!

Dinky Jods - Equetech Dinky Jodhpurs

£20

www.tailendjewellery.co.uk Perfect keepsakes & unique gifts

Need some help?

Call 07740 946349 (Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm)

HyPerformance Tractor Heart Jodhpurs

£20

www.jollytotsequestrian.co.uk

Hoodies from

£22

HyPerformance Heart Tot Jodhpurs

£20

CLASSIFIED DIRECTORY EQUIPMENT, MACHINERY AND TOOLS

CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

ALDERSHOT EQUESTRIAN LEADING SUPPLIERS OF EQUESTRIAN PENS, TREADMILLS, EXCERCISES AND MORE

Our customers represent the complete spectrum of the equestrian world, from large professional yards with over sixty horses to individuals with two to three horses. As well as supplying equipment for all sizes of sports horses, we design and make pens, horse walkers and treadmills for ponies and miniature horses.

For customers who have specific requirements, a difficult site or need to make use of an existing building, we will design a product that meets their needs.

HORSE WALKERS • EQUESTRIAN TREADMILLS LUNGE PENS • MESHED FIELD PENS • AMERICAN PENS

email horsetech@btconnect.com telephone 01256 851546

www.aldershotequestrian.co.uk

SERVICES

CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE

Suppliers and installers of all types of

equestrian fencing, post and rails, schools and arenas

New arenas • Refurbishments • Lunge rings All Weather Gallops • Choice of surfaces Equestrian Groundworks and Fencing Free no obligation site visit and consultation is available throughout the UK

Richard Jones Fencing contractors For FREE advice and estimates

For a friendly efficent service

Tel 0800 032 5595 Mob 07778 628 205 rjonesfencing@aol.com

Tel 01420 562441 Mob 07702 260788 Email info@tjarenas.co.uk

www.richardjonesfencing.co.uk

www.tjarenas.co.uk

CLASSIFIED DIRECTORY TRANSPORT

TRANSPORT

Ken Gamble International Horse Transport Ltd

We are a Cotswold-based company, established in 1987.

Offering local, national and international services with twice weekly trips to Ireland along with regular trips to France and other destinations as required.

Shared and private loads are available.

CALL US TODAY 01453 511400

All travel documentation, ferry bookings, import/export licences can be arranged.

All of our vehicles are DEFRA inspected, approved and fully licensed.

Our four vehicles range from a two horse Theault, to four horse, seven horse and 11 horse capacity. All are modern and custom built with fanassisted cooling, temperature monitored and have CCTV fitted.

Overnight stabling is available at home and abroad if required in transit.

All our drivers and grooms are certificated, very experienced and are recruited locally from within the equine industry.

From roof to floor we do it all

From leaky roofs to rotten ramps we offer a repair/ refurbishment service to all parts of your horsebox plus servicing, repairs, pre mots

We pride ourselves on our welfare standards and professionalism.

01451 844716

Actrees Farm, Unit 6, Berkeley, Gloucestershire GL13 9PP

www.kengamble.co.uk

Come and see us at our new premises

www.horsebox-repairs.co.uk

mobile: 07836 5875 301 email: ken.gamble@btconnect.com CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

sustainable materials affordable

eco friendly

Paynetts Farm, Cranbrook Road, Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 1DY bespoke design

Tel: 01580 212141 Mob: 07710 480259 Email: info@timberspecs.com

Log homes, holiday chalets, mobile homes.

All built to your requirements, delivered and erected anywhere, we offer builds in round, square, cavity and random log up to 360mm thick meeting all current building regulations.

• • • • • • • •

Sectional Timber Buildings Timber Built Garages Log Cabins Flood Proof Cabins

Mobile Homes Club Houses Country Parks Garden, Studio & Office Buildings



Bespoke Design Service And Technical Data

The Natural Way To Build For more information on all the buildings please visit our website..

Web: www.timberspecs.co.uk Email: info@timberspecs.com Tel: 01580 212141 Mob: 07710 480259

Paddock Maintenance Services across Somerset, Devon & Dorset Weed Control Fertiliser Applications - inc. organic based products Soil Analysis and recommendations

Maximise the health of your grass with out professional help: Bespoke equipment for all sizes of paddocks Qualified BASIS Professional Advisor recommending the most suitable products Annual programmes or one-off treatments

Other services include: Lawn treatments Moss and algae control - any surface Hard surface weed control

Tel: 01404 891444 or 07775 827611 email: carladey@cwc.uk.com

www.completeweedcontrol.co.uk

CLASSIFIED DIRECTORY SERVICES

RETAIL

Game Farm, Latteridge Lane, Bristol BS37 9TY

 Gifts and Jewellery.

Nags ‘n’ Nannies PLACEMENT AGENCY ESTABLISHED 1988

 Clothing including Ariat, Horseware,

Lazy Jacks, Jack Murphy and many more.

 Footwear including Ariat, Le Chameau, Woof Wear, Gumleaf and Dublin.

 Qualified Hat & Body Protector Fitters.  Stockist of Point Two Air Jackets and Racesafe Provent 3.0

www.patrickpinker.com

The friendly placement agency for grooms, nannies, mother’s helps, housekeepers and couples

01454 228109

Nags’n’Nannies is a long established placement agency.

We offer a personal, professional, bespoke service.

OPEN: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm and Sunday 10am-4pm

CAFÉ OPENING SOON

Are you looking for work or searching for staff?

Call or email for an informal chat Our experienced staff are here to help you.

Please call 01248 602814 or email info@nagsandnannies.co.uk

www.nagsandnannies.co.uk CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

Make full use of your arena all year round Cost effective outdoor arena led lighting

RETAIL

Stand no 38 Near the Blenheim arena Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials

Maximised light quality & distribution No permanent fixings Off-grid solutions Supplied, installed and commissioned by qualified electrician

www.eleko.co.uk 01793 731962

See a video of our innovative lighting on Facebook or our website

www.superxcountry.co.uk | mail@superxcountry.co.uk

The instant feedback you get from seeing your horses ouline and your seat and application of the aids is like having a trainer watching your every move, without the hourly rate!

Our Arena Mirrors are surrounded in Galvanised Steel - Last longer than wooden backed ones Guaranteed non Warp - Supply and Fit Service Nationwide

READER OFFER 4 for ÂŁ 1000 + VAT Call us on 01902 791207 or email info@mirrorsfortraining.co.uk for a brochure

www.mirrorsfortraining.co.uk

A THOROUGHBRED WITH THE PULLING POWER OF A DRAY

The powerful Musso pick-up has a 3.5 tonne towing capacity and a one tonne payload.

Its efficient 2.2L engine with 400Nm torque will make any going good.

All starting from £16,395*ex. vat.

Fuel consumption figures in mpg: Musso: Urban 29.0 – 32.0. Extra Urban 43.0 – 46.0. Combined 37.0 – 40.0. CO2 emissions in g/km: 186-202. *Musso SE including delivery

charge, Road Fund License & first registration charge. Model featured is a Musso EX excluding VAT and including optional metallic paint at £18,895. Prices are correct at the time of going to print, but may be modified or changed at any time.