Complete version Localrider Dec 11 Jan 12 issue

Localrider Magazine

OVER £6,000 OF PRIZES TO BE GIVEN AWAY! www.localrider.co.uk

CHAMPIONSHIP SPECIAL: December 2011 / January 2012 • VOLUME XI NUMBER 12

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CARING FOR THE VETERAN: Readers’ older horses & ponies in the spotlight

Hiding out in Wyoming www.localrider.co.uk

Alex Kelly rides with cowboys

12

COVERING KENT, SUSSEX, SURREY, HAMPSHIRE, BERKSHIRE & THE ISLE of WIGHT

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Contents December 2011 EDITOR

Fiona Rafferty fiona@localrider.co.uk Tel: 01892 863062

26

34

65

86

ART EDITOR Sam Reeves

ADVERTISING

Karen Ede karen@localrider.co.uk Tel: 01892 863062

Contact Localrider at: Localrider Magazine, Roundbale Limited, 2 Littleworth Cottages, Speldhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0TP GENERAL ENQUIRIES:

01892 863062

www.localrider.co.uk

Features

CONTRIBUTORS

15 All about Glucosamine

Alex Bonnell, Claire Owen, Sue and Jo Bird, Caroline Dilberto, David Ashford, Sally and Rob Gee, Toni Burrows, Alex Kelly, Julian Portch, Samantha Lamb, Lucy Nicholas, Jane Williams, Sarah Millis, George Gorman, Annette Falkin, Kit Houghton, The Pony Club, Fotograffs, Suzie Vickery, Laura Powell, Roberto Cubbedo, Steve Dawe, The Event Photographer, Real Time Imaging, Louise Carter, Tim Wilkinson, Pauline William BSc, MSc, MA, Vet MB, Cert EM (Int Med) MRCVS, Becky Hollows, ivisualise, Clare Barfoot, Ali Howe, Emma Haines, John Window, Stephen Bartholomew, John Britter, Oli Lawrence

Front Cover: Harry Charles and Murkas Headmore Little Lightning, HOYS 128cm Champion. This pony was bred by Sarah Oppenheimer of the Headmore Stud, who coincidentally this week also sold a homebred three-year-old, Whybanquo to Charlotte Dujardin and Carl Hester.

Photograph by Roberto Cubbedo

16 Hiding out in Wyoming COVER STORY

28 Sarah Millis’ diary

29 Taking it slowly – safe winter riding

39 Laura’s Diary

30 NAF British Riding Club Championships COVER STORY

72 Feed News

32 Pony Club Championships COVER STORY

91 Show Dates

38 The Showing Champions of 2011 COVER STORY 40 Horse of the Year Show COVER STORY 44 Tried & Tested – Winter Clothing 50 All I want for Christmas 62 Equine Cushing’s Disease

Roundbale Limited, publishers of Localrider Magazine take all reasonable steps to ensure that the information published in Localrider Magazine is correct and in good faith. However, we do not guarantee the correctness or completeness of material published in the reports, articles, or advertising. Neither we nor any other party (whether or not involved in producing the publication), shall be liable or responsible for any kind of loss or damage that may result to you or a third party as a result. This exclusion shall include servicing or repair costs and, without limitation, any other direct, indirect or consequential loss.

The views expressed in the editorial do not necessary reflect the views of the publication. Although due care is taken Roundbale Limited does not accept liability for loss or damage of material submitted for possible publication.

Localrider Magazine must not be reproduced in any shape or form or means without the permission of the publisher.

26 Surrey Union Hunt Opening Meet

25 Feet first for winter

48 Eventing through a recession Published by

20 Kent and Surrey Bloodhounds Opening Meet

64 Feeding the Veteran 65 Your Veteran horses and ponies in the Spotlight COVER STORY 80 Bedding – Tried & Tested

90 Father Figure – Richard John Martin 92 Classifieds 97 The trials & tribulations of Oli Lawrence 98 Reader of the Month – Jo Sellars-Waymark 98 Coming Next Month

Show Reports 24 Fort Widley EC Show 82 Blakewood Autumn Dressage 83 St Michaels Hospice Annual Show 84 Pulborough EC Halloween Show

Regulars

86 Hayling Island Show

6

88 Mount Mascal Stables Hunter Trials

News

12 Club News 20 Regional Roundup

89 Tweseldown Unaffiliated Championships

4 Localrider DECEMBER 2011

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NINTH ANNIVERSAR Y ISSUE

Welcome

40 I

89 Competitions and Special Offers COVER STORY 6

Win tickets to Apassionata

6

Win a Living Legends Calendar

7

Win a piece of Vintage Jewellery

7

Win a trunk of prizes worth £700

8

t seems incredible to be writing a welcome letter for our ninth anniversary issue.

The years have flown by so quickly and as I think back, the time seems packed full of wonderful horsey experiences, which include watching so many of you competing and having fun with your horses. This issue reflects exactly that and in celebration of 2011 we have focused on the various autumn championships, including the Horse of the Year Show.

And looking forward to 2012 I was delighted to read in Laura’s Diary that she has qualified her coloured horse, Alf, for the Badminton Grassroots Championships. I know many of you will also have qualified and I very much look forward to meeting you all at the Championships next May! We have taken the decision to combine the December and January issues this year, but don’t worry there is still plenty for you to read and with over £6,000 of prizes to be won in this issue, I think there is plenty to keep you busy until the next magazine is available on 1st February.

Talking of busy, the last month has been very sociable. First there was the British Showjumping Ball in Birmingham, where our Intro League winners were presented with their prizes (full story next month). Then we were invited to the Fashion Show at the Elms Equestrian in Edenbridge and finally we spent a lovely couple of days at Oldencraig Equestrian Centre. Firstly to watch Strictly Come Dressage in aid of the Emile Faurie Foundation and the following day to meet some of the children from Saint Charles Primary School in Manchester, which is one of the beneficiaries of Emile’s foundation.

There will be a full report on both of these days in the February issue.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and don’t forget to keep in touch via email, facebook or twitter! Fiona Pictures from top left: The Elms Fashion Show, Emile Faurie and some of the Strictly Come Dressage winners, and our Intro League winners at the British Showjumping Ball.

✁

If you can’t always find a copy of this magazine, help is at hand! Complete this form and hand in at your local store, they’ll arrange for a copy of each issue to be reserved for you. Some stores may even be able to arrange for it to be delivered to your home. Just ask!

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Please reserve/deliver my copy of *Mag Name* on a regular basis, starting with issue Title

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Win with iRide

51 Subscribe to Localrider 54 Bumper Christmas Giveaways – over £6,000 of prizes to be won

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NEWS APASSIONATA at the O2 Arena APASSIONATA returns to London’s iconic O2 Arena venue for the second year running, 21st & 22nd January, with performances at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. With sellout performances all across Europe, the show takes audiences through a magical adventure showing the skill and beauty of man’s strongest and most trusted animal.

WIN!

For over nine years APASSIONATA has enthralled over 5 million visitors and has swept audiences off their feet in 40 cities across Europe. With magnificent horsemanship, breathtaking stunts and wonderful music, APASSIONATA is the perfect entertainment spectacle for the whole family.

WWW.APASSIONATA.CO.UK, 0871 620 7056 To enter send a postcard with your name, address and telephone number to: Appasionata, Localrider, 2 Littleworth Cottages, Speldhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0TP. The winner will be the first card drawn after the closing date of 9th January 2012.

The prize consists of four top price tickets. At least one adult over the age of 18 must be present. Tickets are valid for 21st January 2012 only. Tickets are subject to availability and promoter reserves the right to substitute prize for that of an equal or greater value if necessary.

Living Legends Calendars

L

iving Legends Calendars lead the world with calendar image innovation. International photographer, Caroline Finch said: “We were the first to produce the only two Totilas Calendars in the world (with owner approval!). We produced the first dedicated calendars for Laura Bechtolsheimer and Adelinde Cornelissen and we have a whole new range of limited edition Living Legend Calendars ready for unusual Christmas gifts.

Equus Black was born from so many customers loving the Totilas black image and looks set to be a show stopper – it takes photography to a fine art form enabling the focus to stand out on the exquisite black horse.”

Two dressage calendars: Dressage Legends and Dressage Inspirations feature Carl Hester and other top international riders as they strive for the Olympic dream. Arabian Essence, Felis Catus and The Black Labrador Calendar complete the stable. All calendars at 2011 prices including postage to go to anywhere in the world (UK & Europe £18.00, all other countries £20.00). Visit the website to view all at http://www.caroline-finch.co.uk/calendars.html We have three calendars to give away. To enter send a postcard with your name, address and telephone number and the name of the calendar you would like to win to: Living Legends Calendars, Localrider, 2 Littleworth Cottages, Speldhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0TP. The winners will be the first three cards drawn after the closing date of 31st December 2011.

WIN!

Fall Training Following on from his successful lecture/demonstration at LMEQ in July, Jon Pitts of Fit to Ride is returning in February to help riders learn how to fall more safely. How many people do you know who have broken a wrist, elbow or something worse as they have put their arms out to protect themselves as they have fallen from their horse. It doesn’t matter if you are a happy hacker, dressage rider, show jumper, event rider, race rider or purely hunt, if you spend some time in the saddle come along and learn how to fall the safe way.

The evening will focus on: 1 Looking at how falls occur and an awareness of how to reduce them 2 Examining how we traditionally deal with the inherent danger of our pastime and how we can better manage our own and the horse’s anxiety 3 Look at some preventative/fall exercises to be better prepared as a rider Fall Training Lecture/ Demo with Australian Olympic Team Human Performance Coach, Jon Pitts of Fit to Ride, 10th February at Littleton Manor Equestrian Centre, Reigate Surrey.

For more information email fittoride@lmeq.com.

BEIDS in partnership with Petplan Equine to support responsible riding The British Equestrian ID service (BEIDS) has teamed up with Petplan Equine, one of the UK’s leading horse insurance providers, to roll out the next phase of their nationwide safety campaign.

This exciting new partnership with Petplan Equine brings every rider in the UK the opportunity to register with BEIDS and enjoy three months of the service completely free of charge.

By registering free with BEIDS, riders and their families are offered the peace of mind that in the event of an accident, the BEIDS Emergency Support Team are just one call away and help is quickly on hand. With all your medical and emergency contact details held centrally, the support team will be able to identify a horse and rider and assist medical services with valuable medical information. They will also immediately telephone family members with details of any incident.

How it works; it really couldn’t be more simple: Visit www.beids.co.uk and click 3 months free family trial.

Use the registration code: TRIAL209903. Register your contact details and create your account.

The Hendelah Waley Equestrian Fund Assessment Day 2011 Orchard Cottage Stables, Lower Kingswood, Surrey hosted another extremely successful assessment day on 14th November where the standard of candidates was very high, making it difficult to choose who should be the beneficiaries this year.

The Charity was set up following the tragic death of Hendelah Waley 30 years ago to give assistance to those wishing to further their equestrian career. This year six people have been awarded bursaries to help with their training or exam fees. They are Holly Gee, Jodie McKay, Hannah Davis, Clare Jeffery, Lizzie Bline, and Lucy Hallett. Congratulations to all of them and good luck with their future careers.

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Please contact Fiona on 01892 863062 or email fiona@localrider.co.uk to submit your news to Localrider.

Whilst every effort is taken to ensure your news is included, the Editor cannot guarantee that all submissions will be published

Win with Vintage Equestrian

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intage Equestrian stock a fabulous selection of vintage and antique jewellery for the horse and countryside lover. The perfect Christmas gift - Vintage Equestrian stock unique and individual pieces including stock pins, charms, cufflinks, lockets, lapel pins. Some pieces are available in their original presentation boxes.

Vintage Equestrian are offering a Localrider Magazine reader the chance to win a beautiful piece from the Vintage Equestrian collection. Simply visit the website, www.vintageequestrian.co.uk and using the link on the competition page, send an email saying simply, ‘Localrider Magazine.’ You will be immediately entered into the draw for a beautiful piece of vintage jewellery.

WIN!

Meadowlea Saddlery Open Day! Meadowlea Saddlery would like to invite all existing and new customers to celebrate our first year trading in our new premises at Unit 1, Brocklands Farm, Alton Road (A32), West Meon, GU32 1JN. To celebrate this we are having an Open Day on Thursday 8th December this will not interfere with any weekend shows and you will be able to bring the kids we will be open until 8pm, there will be a 10% discount on all items brought in the shop (excluding feed and bedding) plus many more bargains and a free raffle.

During the day and evening there will be food and drink available non-alcoholic for those driving so come along and snap up those bargains. So come along and enjoy the day get your Christmas presents and stocking fillers early.

Loyalty Card: Great news for regular customers we are starting our loyalty card system if you spend over £30 and collect a card which will be stamped and signed collect 5 stamps and receive a £20 voucher to spend in the shop or give it to a friend as a gift.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our customers for their support in this last year and wish you all a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year and look forward to seeing you all in 2012.

The Tele-Tubbies The Brownbread Horse Rescue Centre in Ashburnham, East Sussex, recently held a second-hand tack sale to raise funds for the charity’s work. Their Field Officers from Sussex and Kent were on hand to discuss welfare issues with members of the public. Blessed with perfect weather buyers flocked to the Centre to snap up the bargains and most left laden with winter rugs for their horses. Donations of horsey gear were gratefully received from as far away as Heathrow! These generous donations have proved vital for funding the charity work that consists largely of dealing with severe cruelty cases. In the first instance the charity’s field officers always attempt to advise and educate horse owners where suffering is occurring. £1,080 was raised on the day and the organiser, Dinty Steains, said: “Please thank all those that came along and supported the sale.”

Close by were two RSPCA-rescued Shetland ponies, known as the “Tele-Tubbies” with a note saying that they were hoping for a new home. Several of the tack buyers wanted to loan them but none actually made the commitment, so they are still at the Brownbread Centre awaiting the offer of a kind home. (see photo) Ring 01424 892381 if you can offer a home or if you have any horsey gear to donate.

Worth £700

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WIN!

a trunk full of prizes for your horse!

T o celebrate the launch of their new coloured trunks,equine innovators, Equi-vation, are offering one lucky reader the chance to win a deluxe black travel trunk, personalised with their name and packed full of goodies for their horse The prize includes: Deluxe Black Travel Trunk, personalised with your name, Folding Saddle Horse, Deluxe Fleece Rug, Leather Headcollar with Rope, Set of Travel Boots, Set of Travel Bandages, 2 x tail bandage, Deluxe

Grooming Kit in Holdall, Shampoo, Conditioner and Detangler, Saddle Soap and Conditioner, plus Pro series Trimmers and a First Aid Kit. In order to enter you need to visit the Equi-vation website at www.easisoak. com and answer the following question.

What colour is the pony on the storage solutions page?

Turn to page 61 to enter this fantastic competition. The winner will be contacted after the closing date as we will need to know what size your horse is and the name you would like on the trunk.

DECEMBER 2011 Localrider 7

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NEWS

WIN!

WIN a lesson with Sarah Millis, treatment from Liz Oakenfold and iRide downloads iRide Revolutionises Training: iRide training downloads are offering one lucky reader and their horse or pony an opportunity to train with iRide artist and International GP dressage rider and trainer Sarah Millis. iRide’s expert Osteopath Liz Oakenfold will also assess the lucky winners’ strengths and weaknesses, in order to raise their combined performance, along with this fabulous prize you will receive five iRide downloads of your choice, to downloads and listen to whilst you ride. iRide’s library is a unique concept with a hub of topics and experts guiding you through ridden exercises and keeping you focused. Sarah Millis has recorded three valuable sessions to ride to, Developing the Influential leg and Seat, Tempo Control and Suppleness and Early Stages of Lateral Work. The Knowledge Centre offers non ridden downloads on correct bitting, saddle fitting and A Guided Tour of the Horses Mouth, starting at £2.99. Danielle Olding discusses Goal Setting and confidence building and Isobel Wessels talks you through Understanding the Training Scale.

To enter please turn to page 61. www.equiwebuk.com

Take the stress out of transporting It is widely recognised that one of the greatest times of stress for horses is when they are travelling. So safety, reliability and ease of use for you and your horse or pony is paramount. Karen Chaplin says: “Here at Equi-Star being horse owners, regularly out competing and travelling our horses all over the country we understand the needs required. We are also always updated and improving, not only to suit current trends but functionality as well.

The majority of competitors are women who sometimes find the thought of driving their horse daunting. This is where the 3.5 tonne horsebox is so valuable in the market today, not only is it economical but extremely easy to drive. Here at Equi-star we now add as standard to all our horseboxes CCTV, which is viewable in the cab, not only so you can watch your horses while you are travelling, but it also works as a reversing camera.

This year we also introduced a new model ‘The Athena’ which offers a ‘sliding’ partition, making travelling a variety of different sized horses easy for one person.

Our horseboxes start from £16,500 including VAT. For more information please see our website www.equistar.com and come and join us on Facebook.”

Emma saddles up new sponsor and ticket to Nationals Qualification for the Winter National Dressage Championships has helped secure a sponsorship deal for Kent based paraequestrian dressage rider, Emma Kent.

The 24-year-old rider has clinched the deal with Speedgate Saddlery Stores, on the back of qualification to one of dressage’s top competitions, the Winter National Dressage Championships in April 2012.

Despite being classified as a grade III para-equestrian dressage rider, Emma also competes against able bodied riders and a second place in the open elementary class at the Petplan Equine Area Festival on her horse Gentle in September secured her place at the Nationals next year.

Currently on the lookout for a new horse, to accompany Gentle, Emma is on the British Equestrian Federation’s UK Sport funded World Class Development Programme, which works with talented

Christmas at Lingfield Park

A

riders to maximize their success.

“It’s great to have Speedgate on board as a sponsor and I look forward to working with them,” said Emma. “The next few months are all about continuing to put in the work with Gentle, but also the hunt for a new horse to help support my bid for future Paralympic success. I’m hoping to find a horse that has what it takes, in terms of talent and nature and would love to hear from anyone who thinks they might know of something.”

Emma was born with Holt Oram Syndrome which resulted in her having severely shortened upper limbs. Her right arm is a radial club with no thumb and deformed shoulder and scapula. Her left arm is only attached by tissue with just two fingers and a partial ulna bone. In 1991 Emma had surgery to correct a hole in her heart called an atrial septral defect.

s the weather turns colder, thoughts turn to celebrating the festive season and Lingfield Park is the perfect venue to do just that.

We’re holding nine meetings throughout December which are perfect for an afternoon celebration with work colleagues, clients or friends.

You can choose from mid-week or weekend dates and jump or flat racing so that you get the perfect backdrop to your event.

Working with our award-wining in house catering team, you’ll be able to choose menu options including a festive selection, prepared freshly for you using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.

They’ll work with you to tailor menus to suit both your requirements and budget ensuring both you and your guests relax and enjoy the day.

Our range of exclusive suites are ideal for accommodating groups of eight upwards and all

Funded by UK Sport, the Development Programme works with talented riders to maximise their potential and deliver success. The Programme underpins World Class Performance and, together with the Equine Pathway, they comprise the Equestrian World Class Programme. It incorporates the three Olympic sports of dressage, eventing, showjumping and the Paralympic sport of paraequestrian dressage.

showcase fantastic views of the finishing straight and the winning post. All the amenities you need for your race day including betting facilities are also close to hand.

Our two Saturday fixtures (10th and 17th December) are a particularly good time to bring the family as Santa will be based in his Lingfield Park grotto taking last minute present requests from children who have been good. There’ll be carols from the choir of St John’s Church, Dormansland whilst the Old Sweet Shoppe will be here to transport you back to your childhood with traditional sweets on sale.

Tickets to all of these race meetings are available now priced from £13.50. Accompanied children aged under 18 are admitted free of charge. Call 01342 834 800 or visit www.lingfieldpark to book.

8 Localrider DECEMBER 2011

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Christmas Open Day At Coldblow Equestrian Centre

Pony Rides & CaRRiage Rides! also...

Father Christmas grotto (with presents!)

Posting Box for Letters to Santa

Christmas Cup Cakes & Mince Pies From the Equi Classroom Kitchen

Pony Club stand

(With lots of gift ideas for pony & horse mad young people)

Riding Lesson gift Vouchers Michelle diprose animal artist (Why not commission a painting as a Christmas Present?)

art & Craft stand from This art of Mine art studio Bring & Buy Stall, Face Painting, and more!

Sunday 11 December • 11 am – 3 pm Where to find us!

Coldblow Farm, Coldblow Lane, Thurnham Maidstone, Kent Me14 3LR Tel: 01622 739997 www.coldblowequestrian.co.uk

Back a Winner

INVEST IN THE FUTURE OF EVENTING

Emily Baldwin is looking for Investors/ Owners to help find a horse capable of competing at World Class Level aiming for Rio 2016.

She is the only female British rider to have won two World Cup Eventing rounds.

She is on the verge of Senior Team selection having been reserve for Senior GBR World and European Teams.

Sarah Verney Development Discipline Co-ordinator for the British Equestrian Federation’s UK Sport Funded World Class Development Programme:

“Emily is one of the few riders who can turn in a performance on a World Class Stage.”

Yogi Briesner Performance Manager Eventing Performance Manager Equestrian Team GBR:

“There is life beyond 2012. Emily has proved that she can compete with the best in the world. With the right support, it would be realistic to think that Emily could be part of future Senior Championship Teams.”

Whether you want the pleasure of being part of a successful eventing team or want to expand your business marketing opportunities into the world of top level eventing please contact Emily on 07809 749 273

www.emilybaldwineventing.com DECEMBER 2011 Localrider 9

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NEWS One Amazing Product does it all!

Roger Stack awarded The Showing World Outstanding Achievement Award 2011

T

he Showing World Outstanding Achievement Award was presented to Roger Stack. Roger is renowned by all who know him for finding fine horses, hunting hard over the winter, producing Keith Luxford’s big winning cobs, and more recently for his role as Director of Showing at Hickstead.

Having received a standing ovation from the assembled audience Roger, well known for his wry humour, brought silence to the house as he regaled them with tales of how his extraordinary career began and made special thanks to the Hickstead Team for their support and for the excellent facilities that make his job as Showing Director such a pleasure.

More information on the Showing Council/Showing World Show Personality of the Year Awards can be found at www.showingawards.co.uk

Shapley’s Original M-T-G has been tried and tested in the USA for over 70 years. Now widely used in the UK. Original M-T-G creates an ideal environment for promotion of healthy skin and hair regrowth, even through the heaviest of scabs. M-T-G is oil based and can be applied to coat, mane and tail, even if the skin is damaged.

For more information on Original M-T-G and the rest of the Shapley’s range, please visit www.shinyshowhorse.co.uk

Pennie is Top Party Planner at Your Horse Live When Your Horse Live set the challenge of becoming a party planner for their big event, Pennie Wallace of Writtle College, near Chelmsford, Essex rose to the occasion. The team at Your Horse Live were looking for the person who could get the most friends together to come to the event.

Pennie, a Senior Lecturer in Equine Studies took up the opportunity and managed to get a group of more than 50 friends and students together for Your Horse Live at Stoneleigh in Warwickshire.

As a reward for her efforts, Pennie was presented with a luxury hamper worth £250, full of goodies including fine wines, chocolates and preserves.

Said Pennie: “Winning the hamper was brilliant, lots of treats and lovely food to enjoy, it couldn’t be better. I have been coming to the Your Horse Live event at Stoneleigh since it started, and have Winner Pennie Wallace (right) with often brought a group colleague Dr Isobel Gowers of students with me. The show is such a marvellous educational experience for our students, with so many demonstrations, talks and experts on hand to answer questions on so many different facets of equestrianism.”

Stamp out Mud Fever Equine America Fungatrol Cream provides a waterproof barrier whilst also conditioning and helping to protect the skin from bacteria and fungus infections. Available in 400ml RRP £16.99.

Equine America Fungatrol Shampoo can be used to wash the whole horse or individual areas which will help to protect the skin from bacteria and fungus. This powerful lathering shampoo is a great start to the Fungatrol programme. For best results, leave on for 20 minutes before rinsing. Available in 473 ml RRP £11.99. www.equine-america.co.uk

Maidstone Pony Club Launch Young riders can join a new Pony Club Training Centre near Maidstone. Coldblow Equestrian Centre near Detling launched the club this autumn and it welcomes riders without their own ponies or horses. They already have 30 members signed up in just over a month but still have space for more. Coldblow is running a Special Christmas Open Day on Sunday 11th December and invites anyone interested to pop in to find out more.

As an official Pony Club centre the Kent based riding school will run regular teaching and fun events backed by the national organisation including the chance to earn Pony Club Achievement Badges.

The Centre’s Chief Instructor & owner Clara Pilkington BHSII said: “We are going to offer the traditional Pony Club mix of fun and learning. We have a marvellous bunch of horses, ponies and staff at Coldblow who will really help youngsters progress and enjoy their riding.”

Membership to the new centre is open to riders under the age of 21, and will provide special teaching and mini-badges very young members. The Sleepover Camps & Day Rallies for all ages have already proved extremely popular! The training and livery yard is an approved British Horse Society riding school.

For further details contact Coldblow Equestrian on 01622 739997 or visit www.coldblowequestrian.co.uk

Filming at Honnington Simon Travis sent this picture of his pupil Susi Rogers-Hartley, during the filming of an RS-tor advert for tv.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK

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YEARS AR NT A We’ve crafted the highest quality fencing and gates for generations of owners – unique designs and specialist installation backed by outstanding experience and expertise.

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club news Limpsfield Riding Club Autumn Camp 2011

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embers of Limpsfield Riding Club enjoyed the club’s first ever residential training camp at High Meadows, nr East Grinstead over the weekend of 10th and 11th September.

The camp was organised by the current Chairwoman, Alex Bonnell and was attended by over 20 club members, with 11 staying for both days and the others coming for individual lessons and to join in the socialising!

The participants enjoyed flatwork lessons on both days with Alex Wyatt BHSI and Leanne Wall BD trainer, as well as a session with positional expert Russell Guire of Centaur Biomechanics. During

Russell’s lessons riders were videoed in walk, trot and canter and then watched back the video with Russell before undergoing ‘improvements’ to their positions.

To compliment the ridden sessions Michelle Cogger also gave lessons on her Mechanical horse which meant that members who were unable to bring their horses could also join in the fun. The whole weekend went very smoothly with the horses enjoying the luxurious private yard and paddocks and the riders enjoyed plenty of food and drink. The camp is sure to become an annual event both for its training and social side and reflects the current committee’s desire to make sure that members enjoy lots of fun and value for money from their membership subscriptions. More information on future events can be found by visiting: www.limpsfieldridingclub.org

Teresa Chandler and Casper having an indoor lesson with Alex Wyatt

Members using the Spillers Weight bridge during the feeding advice sessions Valda Ingham and Mellisa Rose during their lesson with Leanne Wall Sandra Goatley and Stig during their session with Centaur Biomechanics

Camp Organiser Alex Bonnell and Bailey during their lesson with Leanne Wall

Limpsfield Riding Club Summer Dressage Championships Words by Alex Bonnell and photography by Claire Owen of Attic Photography

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impsfield Riding Club ended their popular Summer Dressage Series with a Championship Show held at Hilders Farm, nr Edenbridge in Kent. Members and non-members contested classes including Walk & Trot, Prelim and Novice. It was a lovely sunny day and there were certainly a lot of happy horse and rider combinations.

Both Judges Jenny Barry and Jan Blackmore commented on the high standard judged and all of the competitors received lovely rosettes, with sashes to the winners of each class, generously sponsored by UK Rosettes, First Fix Builders of Crawley and equestrianbay.co.uk.

The new dressage Series started in October so check out the clubs website for dates and classes www.limpsfieldridingclub.org

The winners of each class were: Walk Trot: Lara Hobday - Teddy’s Boy Prelim 18 - Restricted: Kate Gibson - Mr Moo Prelim 18 Open: Poppy Naylor - Rowfanina Red Shoes Prelim 15 –Restricted: Kelly Bowring - Snoopy Prelim 15-Open: Nicole Wilson - Dunmore Girl Novice 22 Restricted: Kelly Bowring - Snoopy Novice 22 –Open: Samantha Brown - Rochester

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Left: Becky Rogers braving the inclement weather at Adult Camp Right: Lisa Parker (Club Chairman) having fun at Camp

Fran Armitage tackling the water at Fair Oak cross country Gavin and Stacey at full tilt with Alison Tucker from the Osbourne Refrigeration Scurry team driving them

Rogate and District Riding Club

Having fun in the water?

Words and photography by Sue and Joe Bird of jsbeephotography

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ogate and district riding club celebrated the completion of their first year in October.

In addition to numerous, successful and well attended, training days and competitions throughout the first year they also held a sponsored ride. The event was held at baker barracks, Thorney Island run in conjunction with The royal Artillery equestrian centre and on a bright and breezy day it attracted 55 riders from the surrounding area who enjoyed a route over a variety of terrain; farmland and coastal paths were explored together with optional cross country fences. A very welcome barbeque was waiting their return at the finish. A total of £800 was raised and donated to the Air Ambulance and The royal Artillery charitable Fund.

September saw members enjoying an “Adult camp” based at Sandylands equestrian centre, rogate. despite it being the start of a new term at school, usually heralding the return of summer weather, the first day was held with gale force winds and torrential rain. The dining marquee took off so all catering facilities had to be moved to the spare area of the barn stabling. riding instruction on the first day was impossible so the intrepid instructors faced a barrage of questions as an impromptu Q & A session took place. Weather conditions had abated somewhat by late afternoon and the members appreciated a riding and driving demo by Osbourne refrigeration’s team. They enjoyed the opportunity to “have a go” with some proving to be naturals under the expert tuition of Alison Tucker.

The weather over the remaining days perked up considerably allowing everyone to enjoy top quality instruction covering dressage, show jumping and cross country, which was held at the nearby Fair Oaks course, a short hack away. In addition to the instruction there were hacks out to local pubs (particularly enjoyed by the male members!) everyone who attended had a great time, voted the catering as brilliant and the instructors inspirational.

With the winter approaching a series of dressage competitions and show jumping events have begun to keep everyone out of mischief.

Sue Burton during cross country practice - taking a flyer!

Enjoying the cross country?

Worplesdon & District Bridleways Association Dressage Show

Emily Baigent and Dolly Daydream

Words by Caroline Diliberto and photography by David Ashford Photography

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n 2nd October, one of the warmest October days on record, the Worplesdon & district bridleways Association (WdbA) hosted its first ever unaffiliated dressage competition at merrist Wood’s indoor arena in Guildford, Surrey. basking in temperatures of 29 degrees, friends and family gave their support to over 100 competitors. Keen to encourage WdbA members and local riders who maybe hadn’t tried dressage before, the classes were Walk/ Trot, Prelim and Novice. The judges were available after each class to give help and advice, and many competitors enjoyed themselves so much they said they would definitely enter the WdbA’s 2012 dressage competition.

The WdbA protects and promotes bridleways and permissive horse rides in the Worplesdon area, and holds fundraising events for bridleway projects. In 2011, the WdbA has run many successful events, including lecture demos, pleasure rides, and a dressage competition. The WdbA regularly has event entrants travelling from as far away as West Sussex and berkshire. To find out about the WdbA and its plans for 2012, visit www.wdba.org.uk.

Below: Vicky Bender-Smith on Obelisk Z

RESULTS: Intro B: 1st Chloe Wodger (Touch of Honey), 2nd Georgie Smith (Dancing Flame), 3rd Stephanie Garrett (Cassius), 4th Mags Lopez (Ameera), 5th Jackie Sands (DJ), 6th Lucy Kirkby (Twinkle) Prelim 7: 1st Vicky Lanham (Summertime Delight), 2nd Lorraine Holloway (Chinnor Hamlet), 3rd Vicky Bender-Smith (Obelisk Z), 4th Jo Howell (Maximum Break), 5th Ian Richards (Connor S), equal 6th Alice Pooley (Robbie) and Caroline Shenton (Callum)

Mags Lopez on Ameera

Prelim 18: 1st Tracey Smale (Salopian Bentley), 2nd Wendy Brennan (Barons Brief Encounter), 3rd Laura Heathcote (Lady Jasmin), 4th Claire Miller (Sharp Discovery), 5th Caroline Shenton (Callum), 6th Carol Mercer (Buffy) Novice 24: 1st Sophia Halder (Condor), equal 2nd Bekka Brennan (Barons Brief Encounter) and Tracey Smale (Salopian Bentley), 3rd Val Bray (Cumara), 4th Sarah Oenter (Shadow), 5th Margy Harvey (Mary’s Jester), 6th Lauren Harris (Malcolm)

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club news Arundel and District Riding Club AGM and Prize Giving Saturday 12th November 2011

Front Row: Phoebe Harvey-Mayson, Lucy Parks, Abigail Parks, Eden Davey, Alisha Howard Middle Row: Courtney Fellows, Aimee Bolesworth, Eleanor de la Fuente, Eloise Needham Back Row: Melissa Coleman, Helen Underwood, Claire Kennedy, Jack Harvey-Mayson, Jasmine Coote, Martin Coote, Donna Luck, Luke Gee, Koren Marner, Charlotte Edwards, Abbey Davey, Shane & Bianca Fellows

Joydens Riding Club Words by Toni Burrows

Words by Sally Gee and photography by Rob Gee of LRG Photography

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drc’s AGm and Prize Giving evening was a fun event with lots of trophies, gifts and super rosettes presented to those who excelled in their chosen ridden disciplines and to the non-riders who gave their time and effort to ensure the club had a successful and happy year.

This year Sam butler stood down as chairman and was presented with a beautiful orchid for her service to the club.

Sam will stay on the committee to run the show jumping events for 2012. The club welcomed last year’s secretary Sacha Parks as the new chairman.

Adrc is a small independent club which runs many varied events during the year, including showing both in-hand and ridden, eventers challenge and working hunter shows, show jumping, gymkhanas and dressage. The club which has a real family atmosphere is open to children and adults to join. Adrc’s club field is in Ford lane, Ford near Arundel, with events open to members and non-members. The club welcomes new members who can work towards being in the 2012 prize winner’s photo!

For more information about ADRC visit their facebook page or www.arundelridingclub.co.uk

Right: Our star rider, 14-year-old Ruby Fryer and Cimmaron

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oydens riding club was founded in the 1950s and is based in bexley Kent. Affiliated to the brc, we have around 50 members of all ages and abilities. The club has really raised its profile this year and with an ever growing following and team of committee members 2012 looks to be a good year. Wendy Tucker has taken over chair person and with lindsay burrows in the vice position, Joydens is in good hands. Toni michelle burrows is still event organiser and team captain.

2011 started off well for our teams with Toni michelle burrows winning the senior, and ruby Fryer winning the junior, rWHS brc first round qualifier. Joydens then went on to win the Kent county Teams championship, also taking third place. The winning team consisted of louise bowman, ruby Fryer and Georgia edwards.

In the teams competition at Hickstead we had bad luck, as we were in the lead but unfortunately our final rider and her horse went down due to the slippery conditions. We quickly recovered our winning streak with a great end to the year at the annual teams friendly competition organised by dartford and district riding club where we took home The moat Hotel champion cup, winning against 33 teams in great style, with clears from rebecca Hicks, Toni burrows, ruby Fryer and Georgia edwards.

One member had to jump off and we elected ruby riding her eight-year-old gelding cimmeron, She beat off 10 others with her amazingly fast round to take first place.

We would like to say a big thank you to everyone that continues to support the club, without the members, helpers and those that attend our small shows we would not be able to achieve any of this, your names may not be on the winning trophies but you are all part of this, we are always looking to grow and get new riders and horses to represent us, so keep working hard and soon you will be on our winning teams.

Our next show date will be Sunday 4th December at Old Bexley stables. Please visit www. joydensridingclub.info for more information.

Right: Moat Hotel Champions, left to right: Georgia Edwards, Ruby Fryer, Toni Burrows and Rebecca Hicks

Louise Bowman and JK’s Cally

Toni Burrows and Tipster jumping at Hickstead

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feature

Local horse owner joins the club

All about glucosamine

Lauren Barber and Ernie

A local horse owner and rider, Lauren Barber from Hildenborough, has been selected as one of three riders nationally to join the new Grand Meadows Riders Club.

Glucosamine is available in two forms, hydrochloride (HC) and sulphate – HC is the original extract form of glucosamine, while glucosamine sulphate is chemically modified with sulphur. Sulphate is said to degrade more easily than HC.

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he Club is the result of a collaboration between Grand Meadows equine supplements, based in America, and the products’ exclusive UK distributor, Equine Management Ltd. “We have set up a scheme to help reward and promote up-andcoming riders via sponsorship,” explains Equine Management’s Stephen Biddlecombe. “Lauren is one of just three riders currently, the other two being based in Bristol and Yorkshire, whose horses are provided with targeted supplements from the Grand Meadows range, distributed in the UK by Equine Management. Lauren is also able to offer the products to her friends and family at a discounted rate.

We are very keen to spread the word about these market-leading products at grass roots levels, and are delighted that Lauren has come on board with us.”

Lauren owns Cheque Mate (Ernie), a 10 year old, dark bay, 15.2hh TB gelding. The pair currently competes consistently at Novice level affiliated dressage, having done their first elementary this year. “I was very lucky to be picked to ride for Team Southern at the Senior Inter Regional competition at Keysoe, Bedfordshire at the end of May this year. It was a great honour to represent my region at such a prestigious competition and it was extremely exciting, as having won the warm up class individually, our team went on to come second in the whole competition,” she says. “I enjoy dressage training as it gives you a great sense of accomplishment, and also helps you set goals and aims for the season. Although - as everyone knows with horses – the best laid plans often fall foul to equine antics that are out of your control!

Ernie and I also like to hack around the surrounding countryside in Kent and I have also enjoyed BE eventing in the past; although dressage is our main competitive focus now.” Lauren says.

Lauren works within the equestrian industry as a PR consultant, and has owned Ernie for seven years, since he was three – in 2010 Ernie was diagnosed with bone spavin, which highlighted the importance of joint support; after treatment and careful management, Ernie is now back competing successfully and Lauren advocates the use of the feed supplement Mega Grand Flex, from Grand Meadows. “I can feel the difference in Ernie when he is being fed Mega Grand Flex – he finds lateral work easier, recovers quicker after intensive training sessions and I am happy in the knowledge I am safeguarding his future,” she states.

Its sister-product, Grand Flex, was the first ever joint-support product to contain Glucosamine; Mega Grand Flex was introduced to help horses that have not responded to traditional joint supplement ingredient levels, and contains all the important co-factors in original Grand Flex; it delivers 12,500mg of Glucosamine and 10,000mg of MSM, an organic sulphur, per measure.

Many people believe that joint nutraceutical supplements can improve joint function in horses, and Glucosamine is a very popular and well-established ingredient.

Glucosamine is an amino sugar and a member of the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) group of compounds, which are known as the building blocks of cartilage. GAGs are chondroprotective agents, ie compounds that protect cartilage, and are negatively-charged molecules found naturally on cell surfaces, such as joints. The earliest feature of joint degeneration is a loss of GAGs from cartilage. GAGs act as natural shock absorbers and lubricants, but if they are destroyed, for example through injury, they are unable to protect the joints.

Could a product such as Mega Grand Flex help your horse to recover quicker after intensive training sessions?

GAG supplementation is usually given when an animal’s joint is subjected to greater wear and tear, such as after injury; during old age, when the body’s systems are less efficient; or simply as a preventative measure, for horses that compete regularly or train consistently.

If you would like to be considered as a Grand Meadows Rider, please email info@equineman.com with a biography of your riding and competing experience, and a photograph of you and your horse. december 2011 Localrider 15

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FEATURE

Hiding Out in

Wyoming

Cody, the former home of Buffalo Bill, who the town was named after Above: Alex on the amazing Possum Left: The Irma Hotel (once own by Bill himself and named after his daughter).

Below: One of the cabins at the Hide Out

Regular contributor, Alex Kelly, left traditional ‘local rider’ territory when she headed out West to Wyoming to spend a few days at the Hide Out Ranch courtesy of top50ranches.com.

Here she shares her experiences both in and out of the saddle.

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rom the moment you walk across the asphalt on the tiny yet busy Cody Airport and see the Big Horn Mountain Range where Colonel Custer took his last stand, your mind imagines pioneers, the Wild West and, of course, the legendary theatre impresario “Buffalo” Bill Cody, who the town is named after.

As I’m driven towards my destination, the Flitner Family run Hide Out Ranch, my eyes soak up the surroundings of open pastures, properties and of course the mountains. The ranch is at the foot of the range in a town called Shell, which has a population of just fifty.

Just like John Wayne

Long ago I fell for the romantic notion of working on a cattle ranch, riding across wide open spaces, sitting by the campfire and sleeping outside just like John Wayne. But I also know myself and I’m happy to admit that after a long day in the saddle, I need a glass of wine, a good meal and a comfy bed. All this and more can be found at the Hide Out, this is ranching on a luxury and bespoke scale! The discerning contributors to www.top50ranches.com

describe the Hide Out as a “working cattle ranch experience with European-style pampering” and from the moment I was shown the luxurious cabin I knew they could not have been more right.

For over one hundred years Paula and David Flitner’s family have worked Black Angus cattle on the beautiful quarter of a million acre ranch. Today, Paula’s nephew, Peter De Cabooter, runs the guest side of the ranch with his wife Marijn and sons, Edward and Victor.

Together they have created a western riding paradise that caters for riders of all levels.

Surrounded by such luxury you almost forget the reason you came, to work with the cattle and ride some of the best horses any riding holiday can offer, thanks to head wrangler, Ramon Castro and Peter’s Authentic Horse scheme (or AH), a training programme that regardless of the type, pedigree or price tag will make any horse into a great horse. Ramon brings a lifetime of experience to the ranch and in his capable and respectful hands the horses can reach their full potential and face any challenge that is laid in front of them. Their ethos is proving successful, as the guests are offered the chance to ride a selection of quality horses.

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Alex and the wonderful Possum working the cattle in the pasture with the other Hide Out guests

Out on a scenic ride with the other Hide Out guests and Charlie the sheep dog

There is no greater test for Ramon than the work he undertakes with wild Mustangs. Although small, they are a strong and stocky type that when trained correctly make wonderful ridden animals.

Ramon is one of a handful of trainers who take part in the Extreme Mustang Make Over, which is a prestigious competition that sees a Mustang go from a wild to a ridden animal in just five months. Last year Ramon and his project finished second and they once again have high hopes for this year’s entrant, Kicker.

Each guest is carefully partnered with an appropriate horse by Ramon and his team of wranglers, so that beginners and advanced riders alike can get the most from the experience. After being allocated a horse there is an induction process that makes sure you are thoroughly introduced to your ride in the arena before you head out into the open spaces. During this induction you are also taught the principles of low stress stockmanship.

Low Stress Stockmanship

I was partnered with a grey Quarter Horse called Possum, who carries the above mentioned AH brand. I was promised that by the end of the week I wouldn’t want to leave him! Low Stress Stockmanship moves the cattle slowly, “slower is faster” to quote Ramon, so that the cows don’t run off any weight and the herd is more likely to stay together if they are not under any unnecessary pressure. As my turn comes Shaun the wrangler tells me to “do my thing, chicken wing” and have a practice in the arena and separate three calves from the rest of the heard. I gulp, I’ve just remembered my only previous experience with cows and horses is when the former have chased me on the latter across the English countryside.

I need not have worried, not because I was a cowgirl in another life, but because I’m on the AH trained Possum. The intelligent Quarter Horse knows just what to do, supple and responsive he moves towards the young steers shoulders, helps me to move them

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Extreme Mustang Make Over

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FEATURE Guests about to set off to round up the cows

Sarah, one of the wranglers holding Possum

Ben, one of the wranglers out on the pasture

Three Hide Out horses enjoying a rest in their field

Head Wrangler Ramon, shows his roping skills

The Hide Out Main Lodge

The Wrangler Team from left to right: Ben, Shaun, Kate, Megan and Sarah

forward before he reins back to ease the pressure. Before I know it I’ve moved three cows away from the others. “Good job!” shout the kindly wranglers, while I heap praise on Possum, because credit where credit is due this is a superbly trained horse.

By the afternoon myself and the other guests are let loose in the pasture. The group’s riding abilities vary, but tasks are divided to match a rider’s skill, the wranglers are on hand to support, encourage and offer advice. A great “we’re in this together sprit” is created and we plunge into the work of moving cattle from pasture to pasture to prevent over grazing.

Alex and Possum make the cut

The first thing we have to do is find some cows, so divided into groups based on ability we headed off. I was in the advanced group so we travelled at a fast paced trot - well actually Possum in his enthusiasm for the task was cantering, but I’m advised to go with it, so I do. We travelled about a mile and a half with the horses kicking up a dust cloud, with the smell of sage grass filling the air before we sight some of the herd, about forty head, and we’re off

working amongst them. Possum is straight to business, enjoying himself, moving towards the cows this savvy horse knows just what to do. The slightest shift of my weight or squeeze of my leg and he responded, even giving the cows an encouraging nip to move them forward! These horses are like all terrain vehicles, the ground is uneven and in places perilous yet I noticed all of the ride was grinning from ear to ear as we made our way to the next pasture with the herd.

The type of work guests help with depends on the time of year, no work is ever made up just to keep visitors entertained. When I visited at the start of June the cattle would normally be making their way to their summer grazing in the mountains, but this year the snow had not yet melted on the peaks meaning the Larkspur, which is poisonous to cattle, had not yet died away.

Scenic rides

Should the cattle work run out, an unlikely incident on a ranch this size, or if you just want to relax and let your eyes take in the area’s diverse beauty, you can always opt for a scenic ride. Again, the rides

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Alex enjoying a scenic ride on the Quarter Horse, Dodger

Alex and Possum posing

Guests enjoying the Hide Out

Ramon and Castro the Mustang

Marijn and Ramon riding out

Shuan and Rubin

Ramon and the Hide Out Horses

are grouped by ability and you’ll always have a wrangler on hand to advise you - thankfully, as out here I’m not sure a map would help! These are not “nose to tail” rides, as you and your horse climb mountains, ride down gullies and through swollen rivers, while your eyes feast on your surroundings. No two rides are the same, and that goes for the views as well. Some moments you look across and think you could be in the red rock sands of the Arizona desert, the next you’re mesmerised by a sea of green pasture at the foot of a snowy mountain range. The ranch will also provide horses more suited to the trails than the cattle horses, as one day I took out a trusty sure footed sorrel Quarter Horse called, Dodger, whose gentle pace suited the ride just perfectly.

Days in the saddle can be long, but a packed lunch is provided or on a half-day ride you can enjoy lunch at the main lodge. Every care is taken to make your stay perfect. Unfortunately, the only element of your holiday that cannot be controlled is the weather. The state of Wyoming has a reputation for weather as changeable as the scenery.

The microclimate can go from baking sunshine to driving rain in moments. A good waterproof is advisable because if it’s safe, and guests are willing, there will still be cows to work, whatever the weather.

Sipping a cocktail in the hot tub

A hard day’s work is richly rewarded with a chance to unwind in your perfectly compact cabin or soak away your saddle sore legs in the hot tub before cocktail hour. Pre dinner drinks are served and the next day’s riding itinerary is customised as per the guest’s requests. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming as you dine as a group, during cocktails guest swap stories from the day’s

Cattle coming off the mountains

adventures, while viewing the photos taken by the wranglers that day, before settling down for an evening of fine dining. Chef Sheena Ernst sources as much produce as she can locally, so food is fresh and seasonal. All meals are provided and breakfasts are hearty to prepare you for your long day of riding. Once a week, weather permitting, the Hide Out lay on a real western cook-out. Although, I think the horseshoe throwing competition was optional!

Nothing is too much trouble for the Hide Out and staff will go out of their way to make sure you have a stay you’ll never forget.

If you tire of the saddle, or have a partner who doesn’t ride, there are still plenty of other activities on offer. Including fly-fishing, trap shooting, 4x4 scenic mountain tours, hiking and biking. The ranch is also based just a stones throw away from Yellow Stone National Park and nearby Cody, with the Buffalo Bill Museum, plus a number of tack shops, so it is well worth a visit.

The Hide Out presents a rare combination of luxury and rustic charm, with both the opportunity for adventure and relaxation. The number of guests that visit the ranch year after year is testament to their ever-increasing standards. Every detail, such as the horses, meals, customer service and accommodation is top quality. My only disappointment was that I couldn’t take Possum home with me - he never would have fitted in the overhead locker for a start!

For more information about the Hide Out please visit their website www.thehideout.com And to read what guests thought of their visit to The Hide Out visit www.top50ranches.com where you can also see forty-nine other inspiring ranches across the world.

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regional roundup

Kent & Surrey Bloodhounds Opening Meet 16th October 16th 2011 Eastlands Farm, Handcross By kind permission of Mr & Mrs B Slade Photography by Julian Portch

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o find out more about hunting with the Kent and Surrey Bloodhounds visit their website www.kentandsurreybloodhounds.co.uk

Jenny Roberts

Joint Master Lee Middleton

Whipper In Jack Holder

Ann Black

Joanna Jones

Lara Ford

Nigel

Hounds Hunting the Quarry

Joint Master Jane Milan

Ellie Burt

Rosie Andrews

Claire Hamshaw

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Katie Urquhart and Marcus Kirby-Bolt

I need more than just a drink!

Joss Cleaveland

James Robertson

The Quarry - Danny Murphy, Jamie Budd and Okke Englesma

Suzie Priest

Whipper In Russell Ingram

Showjumper Henry Turrell

Helen Baker

Jill Murray

Huntsman and Joint Master Andrew Hazeltine

Beverley Smith

Charlotte Davenport

Amy Milan

Tash Goldman

Sally and Will Allison

Flo Turner

Hannah Ryan

Sara Ingleson december 2011 Localrider 21

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regional roundup

Words by Alex Kelly Classic Top Totty ridden

by Kate Hounsom at the Horse of the Year Show

Ninfield Minks Legend heads down under Ninfield Minks Legend at Words

by Alex Kelly Kent County Show when he won the Cuddy Supreme

Classic Top Totty

T Ninfield Minks Supreme being shown in the UK as a four-year-old

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infield Minks Legend is leaving the UK for his new home at the Malibu Park Stud, in Melbourne Australia. The 14-yearold stallion owned and bred by Marlene Davey comes from a family of champions, by Ninfield Millionaire and out of the prolific show mare Whalton Heavens Above. Mart, as he is known at home, found favour with many judges in the show ring during his illustrious career and one of the many highlights included qualifying with handler Victoria Williams at Kent County for the Cuddy Breeders Challenge final at the Horse of the Year Show, where he finished sixth.

For the last few seasons Mart has concentrated on his stud duties, his quality, type and exceptional temperament made him the choice for many breeders across the UK. Towards the end of his time in the UK he stood with Jan Carmichael of the Fielden Stud, who has some promising off-spring by him.

While it is with a very heavy heart Marlene lets her much loved pony go, she hopes that he will be as successful as Ninfield Minks Supreme, who has also made his home “down under”.

Exported in the late nineties to the Mirinda Stud in Victoria, he has made his mark not only in the show ring but also on the Australian Pony Breeding studbook.

Walstead Lady Daphne

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his year proved to be a very successful year for Kate Hounsom and her show hack, Classic Top Totty. Although at the start of the year, Kate, a teacher from Surrey, thought her season looked in doubt, as she was out of the saddle due to a back injury.

As Kate was suffering, Helen Baker helped to start Classic Top Totty’s season. This was very fitting, as Helen has been involved with the mare’s ridden career every step of the way and has ridden her to many show ring successes.

This season was no exception, after they stood second and Reserve Champion at the Royal International Horse Show they went on to Mid Herts Show where they won and qualified for the Horse of the Year Show, as well as standing Champion. By the end of August Kate was on the mend and felt recovered enough to get back in the saddle. She was duly rewarded with a win and Championship at Bucks County (another HOYS qualifying class). By October and the HOYS final the pair were in spectacular form and Kate and Classic Top Totty put on a polished performance to finish ninth. Kate and her family are quick to credit and thank Helen for all her hard work.

Alicia and Tilly Davison

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isters, Alicia and Tilly Davison have both had a very exciting season. Alicia, at age seven, has undertaken the massive task of competing in the Open 122 cm Show Hunter Pony classes with Harwell Simasola. Determined and unfazed, Alicia more than held her own winning a total of three Royal International Horse Show qualifiers and stood Champion at Heathfield. The pair rounded off the season at Romsey Show where they came second in the M&M First Ridden before mum, Sophie, hastily put some plats in just in time for Alicia and Simasola to win the Show Hunter Pony (SHP) class.

Tilly has had a low-key year working with her exciting new prospect, Wynere Renita. The four-year-old SHP is being brought on slowly and went to her first show in July. With manners and charm the family took Renita to the Equifest Summer Championships for some education. It proved to be a very rewarding show as she won her first Open class much to the family’s delight and they are now excitedly waiting for next season.

onia Burt’s homebred Connemara filly, Walstead Lady Daphne defied the definition of the ‘terrible twos’ by having a most successful season. Prepared for the show ring by stud manager, Pat Taylor and handled by Victoria Williams, the filly by Terical Top Cat stood second at Royal Windsor, S.E Connemara Show and South of England before she broke the run of blues with a win at BCPS Show in June. After this there was no stopping this exciting prospect as Lady Daphne then stood Champion Owner/ Breeder and Connemara Champion at NPS Area 20 Summer Show.

Right: Walstead Lady Daphne at NPS Area 20 Summer Show

Left: Tilly Davidson and Wynere Renita at their first show NPS Area 20

Above: Alicia Davidson and Harwell Simasola

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regional roundup

Photography by Samantha Lamb

Competitors, friends and family at Fort Widley Equestrian Centre Show

Fort Widley Equestrian Centre Show

First Coloured Horse Class, Freya Hardyman and 21-year-old Pinto

Clear Round Jumping: Carina Abery and Myer

Portsmouth, 24th October 2011 Below: First Fancy Dress, Megan Hockridge, Chloe Hockridge, Jade Denby and Marnie Wallis pictured with Timmy, a six-year-old bay cob Clear Round Jumping: Isobel Robertson and Barney

First Ride and Run, Melanie Johnson and 20-year-old Shaley

First Working Hunter class, Katie Barnes and 17-year old Oliver

Clear Round Jumping: Georgia Handley and Naughty Norton

First Thelwell Pony class, Isobel Robertson and Gypsy 24 Localrider december 2011

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feature

Feet first for winter Lucy Nicholas of Trelawne Equine, distributors of barefoot boots, offers her advice on winter management for bare foot horses

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ne of the trickiest aspects of winter management is balancing your horse’s diet. Everyone has their own ideas about what works for their horse, and many people will want to pass on their wisdom to you, perhaps recommending particular proprietary brands, or advising you to ‘feed up’ your horse. However, don’t forget that each horse is individual, with their own constitution, and each horse responds to nutritional elements, such as sugar and starch levels, differently. Maintaining low levels of sugar and starch are key elements of barefoot hoof care, so carefully check the levels of the feeds that you are giving.

Ad lib hay is advisable, while fast-soaking unmolassed, flaked sugar beet products (that generally have a low sugar content!) are good for adding condition to a horse in the winter.

Winter often means enforced or increased stabling, depending on whether the horses are kept at home or at livery. And a lack of movement, combined with damp conditions, does not aid healthy hooves. Of course, however clean the stable environment is, bacteria still find it easy to proliferate, and can cause a number of unwanted problems. Keep on top of dreaded thrush by regularly picking out and brushing the underside of the horse’s feet, and select a bedding that does not become too damp – if your bed smells, chances are it is too wet. It is advisable to use well-fitting rubber matting on the stable floor with an absorbent top layer – wood chip pellets are said to be especially good, as they take the wetness away from the top of the bedding.

Barefoot advocates often exercise their horses more in winter, as Keeping the horse moving is key to maintaining circulation, say barefoot advocates.

opposed to less, as keeping the horse moving is key to maintaining circulation – even if it is walking in hand up and down your drive, or in the arena; every little helps. Equally, standing aimlessly around, close to a gateway (which is usually muddy – see below!) means your horse is not moving very much – put piles of hay down across the field, rather than within 10 feet of the gate for your convenience, to encourage walking, as well as foraging behaviour.

Try to reduce the time your horse stands in mud, for example by providing hard standing areas, alternating the gates you use for coming in and out of the field, or rotating fields where possible.

Not only will you give the hooves a chance to dry out, you will also help reduce issues like mud fever. This bacterial skin condition usually affects the horse’s heel, pastern and fetlock area, and is more frequent in the wetter months. It is easily spotted due to the scabby areas that form, although the skin may also swell slightly or weep, if very sore. You may find it useful to clip or trim excess feathers on a horse that lives out, as this will make it easier to ensure the area stays clean. When you ride, clean and dry the limbs thoroughly after schooling or hacking, to make sure there is no sand or debris stuck to the hair, and make sure your brushing or schooling boots are cleaned after use. If the horse does develop mud fever, clean the legs daily using a mild antiseptic, antibacterial or homeopathic solution. Barrier creams are recommended by many people, but these are intended to be used on healthy limbs – once the horse has succumbed to mud fever, you should treat the area, rather than seal it.

If your horse does struggle with some surfaces when you are riding, and becomes more careful, do consider using hoof boots – they offer protection and shock absorption, especially when comfort pads are used inside. Today’s hoof boots are easy to fit, and are also easy to care for – they can be rinsed off after use and the fastenings do not easily come undone in wet conditions.

Visit www.trelawneequine.co.uk

Today’s hoof boots, like the Easyboot Trail, can be rinsed off after use and the fastenings do not easily come undone in wet conditions.

Standing aimlessly around means your horse is not moving very much, has consistently wet hooves and is at risk of mud fever.

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regional roundup

Surrey Union Hunt Opening Meet

Matt Biddescombe, Whipper-in

Gosterwood Park, Forest Green 29th October 2011 Kindly hosted by Les and Nadia Edgar Photography by Jane Williams Penny Wilson MFH and David Robinson

Alice Dunsdon MFH Les Edgar, Meet Host

Hedge Hopping

Mark Sprake MFH and Jamie Sprake

Huntsman, Ian Shakespeare

Ali West, Hunt Groom

Fred Ford and Aimee Norton

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Fraser Norton MFH

Harriet Fettes

Aimee Norton

Valentine Hutley

Nadia Edgar and Rebecca Harvie

Henri Mulnier, Hon Secretary

Gosterwood Manor

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SARAH’S DIARY

For more information visit: www.millstonesuk.com

The year draws to a close This month, International Grand prix dressage rider Sarah Millis, of Millstones competition yard in Sussex, shares her latest news A matter of debate

I am shortly off to ride at the Global Forum in the Netherlands with Kyra Kyrklund, trainer and President of the International Dressage Riders Club. The Global Dressage Forum is a public debating platform for the international dressage world, and a really interesting forum for sharing techniques – many leading names will be discussing and scrutinising the current hot topics at the Forum. Its organisers state that its aim is to “provide a medium through which a common dressage language and philosophy can evolve and spread globally”. I believe the ‘evolvement’ is key, and that it is important to challenge existing rules and traditions where there’s room for improvement. Recent British rulings for the wearing of helmets are a good example of changes being brought about for a positive reason; safety helmets are to be mandatory for all British Dressage riders (except for advanced and above) as of December 2011 and it is expected that international rules will also soon be adapted. In our sport, we should be proactive rather than reactive, and respect tradition and history, while being open minded to new ideas and concepts.

Another interesting debate in the dressage world, and one that will undoubtedly be discussed at the Forum, is the ‘blood rule’. A proposed blood rule has been drafted by the International Dressage Trainers Club that allows exceptions to the current elimination rule, when blood appears on a horse in competition. If blood is seen during at an Olympic Games or a major Championship, under the new rule, Grand Prix riders would get to opportunity to re-start their dressage test after a medical examination by the FEI Veterinarian. Not everyone is in favour of the proposals – for example, the International Dressage Riders Club, of which I am a member, opposes the rule changes, and I support its opposition. It will be interesting to see what opinions are raised at the Forum. I will keep you posted!

Many leading names will be meeting at the Global Dressage Forum

A grand achievement

My pupil Emily Cousins, , pictured with me below left, who won a gold medal at the 2009 Australian Youth Olympics, has just completed her second Grand Prix class, with a score of 67%. She will now be aiming for the Under 25s International Grand Prix Classes, which are held at CDI shows – what a great concept in our sport. The competitions allow younger riders to compete at Grand Prix level without having to face their older, more experienced senior rivals during their first steps at the highest levels of dressage.

Managing the crèche

Now that the nights have drawn in and the competitive season is over, it is time to take stock of the horses’ development this year, and assess how they have progressed, and what our plans for next year may be. Winter is a great time to work on the young horses, but one aspect to understand is that they are still growing; you must be careful not to overdo it and keep and eye on their physique and also changing conformation. I am a firm believer in taking things slowly and adapting a training regime to the horse in question!

We have lots of youngsters on the yard at the moment – it is an equine crèche!

– and I find winter an exciting time, as there’s no pressure. You can really have fun with the young horses and see their personalities and talent develop.

Our yard is currently an equine crèche, with many youngsters

Safe in the saddle

Naturally, our team keeps their RS-tor rider safety aids (pictured left) to hand, especially when we are hacking around the tracks on our property. The device is great for helping to prevent falls and also aiding balance when you are riding a young or unpredictable horse. I am undertaking some filming work for the RS-tor soon, for some exciting, upcoming projects – watch this space for more news! (Visit www.rstor. co.uk for more info on the product.) co.u 28 Localrider DECEMBER 2011

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feature

By George Gorman, inventor of the RS-tor riding security aid

Taking it slowly

– safe winter riding

Since the clocks changed, it has been trickier to coordinate our winter riding – not least because of the reduced daylight and slippery conditions. However, it is possible to maintain equine fitness by adapting our schooling programmes to include careful hacking, lungeing and slow manege work. Here are my top five tips for riding in the winter:

Lunging may be a safer choice than riding if the manege is badly lit

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Enjoy your horse this winter with some adaptions to your regime, for a safe festive season.

If your problem is simply one of time, now it is dark earlier, consider lungeing to maintain equine fitness - it is especially useful when time is limited, and may even be a safer choice than riding if the manege is badly lit. Build up from five minutes on each rein if you don’t lunge regularly, to 20-30 mins in total.

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If your school is flooded, treat hacking out as a training session and school as you ride; for example, riding lateral movements along a bridle path. Always wear high visibility gear, and avoid the end of the day when it becomes dusky. Consider also riding with an RS-tor rider security aid – the RS-tor is an innovative product for horse riders that helps develop rider balance, and allows the rider to stay safer in the saddle during any discipline or activity.

For a horse that is treading carefully due to wet or icy ground conditions, it gives the rider an arm’s length of security in the event of a trip. It consists of a light, webbing strap that attaches to the saddle stirrup bars and includes an elasticated element that absorbs movement. The RS-tor may even help prevent a horse from falling itself, because as the horse stumbles, the rider may have time to ‘pick the horse up’, rather than losing their reins.

Is it safe to ride out when the conditions are slippery?

Stay safe this winter.

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It is important to keep the horse’s muscles warm in winter - as the horse exercises, oxygen-carrying blood is released into the bloodstream and subsequently into the working muscles. The muscles warm up as they contract, allowing the horse to stretch and loosen up; however, this process takes longer in cold weather.

A well fitting exercise sheet will therefore help to keep the muscles warm, and may also help prevent the horse stumbling due to tense, tight muscles.

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Don’t neglect the importance of your horse’s balance this winter – reduced training caused by inclement weather may result in equine laziness, a lack of coordination and increased trips and stumbles, which can of course result in a fall. If you have a lazy horse, you may find that further training will help focus his attention. You could try working with ground poles to help him develop some spatial awareness, and regain some interest in his workload and where he is putting his feet. If your horse is unfit and uncoordinated, you may find that as he develops in fitness, the tripping reduces. Of course, there are several reasons why a horse may stumble and it is advisable to get the horse checked by a hoofcare professional and / or vet, if the problem is ongoing.

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If you have access to a manege but are unable to do fast work or jumping due to wet conditions, go back to the beginning and work on your position and the horse’s outline in walk and trot. It will prove beneficial to both your flatwork and jumping.

Leading dressage trainer Sarah Millis suggests working on a 20 metre circle, which is also useful if your manege is not very welllit, and taking things slowly. She recommends working on a good rhythm and focusing on your position, even if you only stay in walk.

Also, don’t forget that clipped horses may be a little fresher and sharper; no doubt feeling those wintry, windy gusts under their tails a little bit more! Be safety conscious and don’t forget to ride with an RS-tor rider security aid – visit www.rstor.co.uk for information. december 2011 Localrider 29

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BHS Riding Club Championships

British Riding Clubs NAF National Championships Lincolnshire Showground, Lincoln 17th & 18th September 2011 Photography by Annette Falkin

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ver 2,000 competitors travelled from as far away as Scotland, Ireland, Cornwall and the Isle of Wight to compete at the prestigious NAF British Riding Club National Championships. Here we share some of the best results produced by teams from the South East.

The winning Junior Style Jumping Team, from L to R: Alice McCready, Liberty Marden, Clare Somerset and Rohan Cadney-Moon, pictured with Tracey Lloyd of NAF

New Forest Pony Enthusiasts Riding Club

Third, The Magic Senior Riding Test – New Forest Pony Enthusiasts Riding Club: Sophie Albery (Wayland Arabesque), Dawn Vear (Kilncopse Flyby-Night), Amanda Pidgley (Haywards Enigma), Sarah Goddard (Hurstfield Billy Bigalo)

Third, The Superflex Novice Show Jumping - New Forest Pony Enthusiasts Riding Club: Jane Cleal (Farriers Brown Bear), S Kempe (Rodlease Jubilation), Kate Ingram (Silverlea Salsa), Jane Place (Coombe Jenny Wren)

Second, The Magic Rural Riders Dressage - New Forest Pony Enthusiasts Riding Club: Amanda Pidgley (Haywards Enigma), Sarah Goddard (Hurstfield Billy Bigalo), Sophie Albery (Wayland Arabesque), Jane Place (Coombe Jenny Wren), Sally Anne Pierson (Kilncopse Fly By Night), Natasha Smith (Wayland Crescendo) and Dawn Vear

First, The Pro Feet Senior Team of Four Dressage – New Forest Pony Enthusiasts Riding Club: Dawn Vear (Kilncopse Fly-by-Night), Amanda Pidgley (Haywards Enigma), Sarah Goddard (Hurstfield Billy Bigalo), Natasha Smith (Wayland Crescendo)

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Second, The Superflex Novice Show Jumping – Ardingly Riding Club: Jane Taggart (Llandwen Deio), Jacqueline Delaney (Courage of Amos), Allison Ingram (Silver Birch), Nicki Gurden (Jack)

First, The Superflex Senior Open Show Jumping – Isle of Wight Riding Club: Hayley Webster (Pedro VIII), Karen Begley (Dubai Star), Dawn Webster (Ramiro), Sharon Waghorn (Mondrian)

Elstead Riding Club Retains British Riding Clubs’ national Title

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he senior elstead riding club (erc) dressage team has retained the british riding clubs’ rural riders national championship title. The team beat their nearest rivals by a staggering 36 points, achieving a remarkably high score of 73%. erc have now been rural riders champions three times (2008, 2010 and 2011) and have regularly competed for many years.

The national championships were held at the lincoln Showground on the 17th and 18th of September. elstead riding club seniors and juniors won a number of local qualifiers throughout the summer to represent the West Surrey Area 11 riding clubs.

The rural riders championship dressage test requires six horses and riders to perform a test in an arena at the same time. The erc team gave an extremely accurate performance on their immaculately turned out veteran horses. The successful team consisted of Jenny dutton (riding Jamambo), Annie denton (malingold mercury), Sarah morley-boxall (Flying Fun guy), miranda Hodges (barrister b), Tracy negus (Ashling), Heidi reed (merchant of Venice) and Penny Jann who commanded the test. One of the judges commented, ‘A super professional impression’.

National Champions Jenny Dutton (Jamambo), Annie Denton (Malingold Mercury), Sarah Morley-Boxall (Flying Fun Guy), Miranda Hodges (Barrister B), Tracy Negus (Ashling), Heidi Reed (Merchant of Venice) and Penny Jann

Right: Second, The Magic Junior Team of Four Dressage – Elstead Riding Club: Holly Stuart (Bunowen Jewel), Freya Lawes (Tougher Tourist), Phoebe Carter (Nyton Willy Wonker), Emily Weeks (Jamambo)

Rother Valley Juniors

sevenoaks Riding Club Junior Champions

The rother Valley Junior Teams had a great time at the national championships with the following good results:

evenoaks riding club continued its winning streak at the british riding clubs’ national championships with the club’s junior members being placed in each of the five classes in which they competed.

The Junior Style Jumping team of Alice mccready riding reckless ruby, rohan cadneymoon and Hallmark, claire Somerset with Sellernane lad and liberty marden on Silverlea never Again won by such wide margin that if their best score had been dropped and their worst retained they would still have come out on top. The girls were also fifth in a very competitive intermediate Show Jumping class, finishing the two rounds on 12 faults. in the second placed Junior riding Test team Alice mccready and rohan cadney-moon were joined by Anna Hollis, individual second on carnaval Pop and individual third, ellie duggan with Sensibility. The same line-up came sixth in the Junior dressage competition.

The Junior novice Show Jumping team were placed ninth. ellie duggan riding carnsdale Hero was joined by three girls at their first show jumping championship; demareece beaney with Tiser boy, Kate Featherstone on Twend daisy and Katherine Stell on Shabraks gem of colebank. The Senior Style Jumping team, Sarah crookenden on Fundate of the lowlands, Jenny mills riding ratina and claudia graham with dubonnet all put in sound performances and were tenth despite being down to three members.

This proved the most successful championship for Sevenoaks in at least a decade.

Fifth Novice Show Jumping - Laura Craner, Gabi Pitman, Emma Baker and Megan Wrenn Eighth Junior Dressage - Laura Craner, Gabi Pitman, Emma Baker and Charlotte Redford Twelfth Junior Riding Test - Laura Craner, Gabi Pitman, Emma Baker and Charlotte Redford

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Clare Scott and Millish

Laura Craner, on her wonderful mare, Misty Miss, won her dressage arena with an impressive score of 78.8%, just missing the Overall Junior title

Second, The Magic Junior Riding Test – Sevenoaks Riding Club: Rohan Cadney-Moon (Hallmark), Anna Hollis (Carnival Pop), Alice McCready (Reckless Ruby), Ellie Duggan (Sensibility)

Claire Somerset and Sellernane Lad

Claudia Graham and Dubonnet 2

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pony club championships

Winners of the Open Dressage Team Championships were Garth Hunt; (L to R) Emma Clucas, Adam Harvey & Allysa Yallop

The Pony Club Championships at Draycott House, Derbyshire 13th – 16th August 2011 Photography courtesy of Kit Houghton and the Pony Club

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he Championships hosted the annual finals for Intermediate and Open level Pony Club Members across five of the major disciplines, including Dressage, Show Jumping, Eventing, Mounted Games and Polocrosse.

Other competitions held included the final of the Horse and Pony Care Competition, Centre Equitation Competition, Dressage to Music and the Musical Ride competition.

Pony Club Members, from all over the country, travelled to take part in The Championships after qualifying during the summer, and the event also required the manpower of an incredible 600 volunteers across the four days.

Branches from across the South East produced some great results here we share some of their best moments.

Second in the Open Individual Show Jumping Championship was Charlotte White from Surrey Union

Sophie Reason from the East Essex Hunt branch of the Pony Club riding Master Flick Winner of Open Eventing Section A receives awards from Pony Club President Lady Lloyd-Webber

Winner of the Open Individual Show Jumping Championship, Alfie Bradstock from Old Berkshire Hunt

Winners of the Intermediate Dressage Team Championships were Eridge Hunt; (L to R) Anna Hollis, Emily Erde, Alicia Earee and Coco Carter

Winner Open Dressage Arena A Adam Harvey riding Daisy Duke from the Garth Hunt branch of the Pony Club

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Sophie Reason, Rosie Chinery and Elizabeth Hamilton of the winning East Essex Hunt Pony Club, Open Eventing Champions

Pony Club Championships 2011 Dressage to Music Winner, India Sheridan riding Kelm Scott Sandpiper aged 10 from the Old Berkeley Hunt (North) Pony Club receives awards from Angela Craddock

Winners of the Senior Horse & Pony Care were Sandown Chase (Centre); 2nd Chipping & 3rd Romney Marsh Hunt

Winners of the Junior Horse & Pony Care were Old Berks Hunt; (L to R) Pauline Breakspear, Sasha Hargreaves & Sophie Oakland

Winners of the Senior Horse & Pony Care were Sandown Chase; (L to R) Flora Campbell & Jess Campbell (Home Town Esher)

Above and above right: Kerry Grimster Right: Josh Moultrie

Lord Leconfield Pony Club

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ord leconfield branch of the pony club had a very successful trip to the pony club championships at draycott House, derbyshire.

Mrs Cherry Michell, Chairman of The Pony Club presents the Primmore’s Pride trophy to Laura Schroter of the Lord Leconfield Hunt Pony Club, winner of the Intermediate Eventing Section A

Above: Intermediate Eventing Champions, Laura Schroter and Akarlo T

Tom Lane and Willingh Bright, fourth Open Eventing

Third Open Dressage Team, left to right: Tom Lane (fourth individually), Fi Dallyn (3rd in her arena), Katherine Morris (6th in her arena) and Candice Payne

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Other members competing at the Championships included, Paul and Laura Schroter in Intermediate dressage, Katherine Morris in Intermediate eventing, and Amelia Shotter and Ailsa Wates in Intermediate show jumping.

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pony club championships The West Kent Sevenoaks Junior Mounted Games Team Compete at the National Championships

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he junior Mounted Games team of Natalia Crosby, Kieran Hazelden, Kate Moss, Phoebe Shead and Zara Staples travelled up to Warwickshire on 2nd July to compete in the Zones round of the Pony Club junior Mounted Games competition.

Competing against fourteen other teams from Wales, the Midlands and the North, East and South East of England was a fantastic opportunity and everyone was very excited and nervous before the competition.

The team got off to a slow start with the first few races not going as well as they might, but from the fourth race onwards

Natalia Crosby, Kieran Hazelden, Kate Moss, Phoebe Shead and Zara Staples things turned round with the whole team contributing to a great performance. With one race to go, West Kent Sevenoaks were lying equal fifth, one point behind the fourth placed team. However, a fantastic

The Pony Tetrathlon Championships

second place in the final race ensured that the team finished in fourth place overall and qualified for the Pony Club Championships on 14th August. They also won the tack and turnout competition.

Photography courtesy of Kit Houghton and The Pony Club

at Grange Farm Equestrian Centre, Peterborough • 5th - 7th of August 2011

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he event hosted both an inter– regional competition, which included Tetrathletes selected to compete from all areas of the UK at Pony Club Intermediate and Open level, and an International competition featuring selected teams from the UK, USA, Canada, Republic of Ireland and, for the first time, Australia.

Competition began on Friday August 5th, with the shooting phase and a good range of scores over 900 for both girls and boys; Xavier Vrigneau, from Southern England, and Coral Kennerley, from Wales and Borders, both posted strong scores of 980 to take the ‘best shoot’ prizes. On Friday afternoon the competitors moved onto the swim phase, held in the brand new

sports centre at Uppingham School. The outstanding performance of the afternoon was from Brian O’Sullivan, from the Republic of Ireland, who scored 1311 points for a 387m swim.

The cross country riding phase took place on Saturday August 6th. The Regional competition enjoyed a challenging and interesting course giving a good number of clear rounds, which produced maximum ride scores of 1400 points. The jumping phase for the International competition involved drawing horses from a pool, kindly offered by other competitors, with riders allowed 20 minutes to work in on their allocated ride before setting off round the JumpCross course, provided by Robin Dunlop and his

team at Wittering Grange. This involved jumping 20 knock down fences set in a valley with natural features such as slopes, drops and water. The course rode perfectly and really tested the horsemanship of the International teams.

The final running phase was held over a challenging 3000m for the boys, with a long straight uphill section, and 1500m from the girls around the JumpCross course. The outstanding performance of the day was from Tim Calder, from North of England, who pulled out all the stops to come home in 9 minutes and 29 seconds, pulling him up to second place in the individual boy’s competition.

Pony Club Tetrathlon Championships 2011 International Girls Team - 2nd Rebecca BarwiseMunro, Kirsty Liddon, Steph Courty and Amelia Jobling

Pony Club Tetrathlon Championships 2011 Mixed Teams: 1st - The Romney Marsh l to r:, Hugo Pearson Wood, Sophie Miles, Amelia Jobling and Rupert Edwards receive a challenge trophy from Mrs Cherry Michell, Chairman of The Pony Club

Pony Club Tetrathlon Championships 2011 Intermediate Individual Girls - Alex Clay from the West Street recieves the Georgina Harland Challenge Cup from Mrs Cherry Michell, Chairman of The Pony Club

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Cassia Rowsell and Flash Point of the Hampshire Hunt, third Arena 4 Novice Eventing

Frederika Forrest and Russian Roulette from the Surrey Union Branch, first Arena 5 Dressage scoring 78.9%

The Pony Club NFU Novice Championships Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre, Cheshire 27th & 28th August 2011 Photography by Fotograffs

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ver 650 competitors travelled to the event organised by the cheshire Hunt north branch of the pony club. once again riders from the South east produced some great results and here we share some of their stories. poppy de Groot and bertie black of the Vine scored 73% in Arena 3, to finish second, unfortunately we don’t have a picture of poppy.

Second team dressage, Lord Leconfield: Daisy Coombs, Tennant, Rory Leggett, Alice Leng and Chloe Mariani

Third team dressage, Eridge: Ellie Duggan, Lotte Carter, Phoebe Wylam and Phoebe Toyne-Bridges

Molly crowned Novice Show Jumping Champion Ann Pring sent this account of her daughter, Molly Chandler’s winning time at the Pony Club Championships.

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rawley & Horsham South pony club member, 14-year-old molly chandler from near Arundel in West Sussex, rode rockingham The dun Thing (stable name, Sting) to victory in the novice Show Jumping championships held at Kelsall Hall in cheshire.

They spent a week at pony club camp at Ardingly, leaving a day early to travel to cheshire.

It rained most of the way and being a bank Holiday weekend the roads were chock a block and instead of the predicted five hours the journey took eight.

We arrived after 8pm, in the dark, and it was still raining. Sting didn’t like the look of his dark temporary stable and it took some coaxing to get him inside.

The following day the rain kept coming in swathes of black cloud and torrential downpours and the arena got wetter and more squelchy as the day went on. There were odd patches of sunshine but always accompanied by another heavy shower later. molly and Sting managed a clear in their first round over a bright, twisty course on sloping ground, then had to come back later for round two. The stables and lorry were two fields away, so we got plenty of exercise walking back and forth all day! round two went well with a second clear and we waited to find out how many double clears there had been out of over 70 competitors. The answer was 15 and molly was second to jump-off, not a good place to be, especially as the first rider unfortunately jumped the wrong course.

The ground was pretty wet by now, but molly is not one to take the easy option and knew she had to set the level for everyone to

follow. She rode brilliantly over a course which had jumps downhill and tight turns if you dared on slippery ground. Keeping Sting balanced she cut corners as much as she dared and accelerated in between fences to finish clear with what we hoped was a good time. I watched peeking round the edge of the stewards’ box, with my heart in my mouth - it is extremely nerve wracking being a parent!

We then had to wait and watch the others go round, sure in our hearts that her time would be beaten and already resigned to defeat, but having given it a good shot and really pleased to have had three clear rounds. one by one we watched as ponies knocked poles down, one poor pony slipped and fell on its side. luckily horse and rider were both unscathed, if a bit muddy and disappointed. We couldn’t believe our eyes, one pony left to go and still no one had managed to go clear, now we were holding our breath, unable to hide the tension! The final rider rode a very sensible round, not trying to go too fast, but trying to go clear, still risky as others had tried too and still come unstuck, but she did manage it! We were fairly sure it was too slow to take the lead, but still couldn’t believe it when the winner was announced.

There then followed a probably quite embarrassing period for my daughter as I danced and whooped around the collecting ring!

Wow! I still can’t quite believe it! one of the best things was one of the dads coming over and telling molly that he thought she had ridden beautifully and really deserved her win, I was so proud my heart nearly burst! december 2011 Localrider 35

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PONY CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS Photography courtesy of Kit Houghton and The Pony Club

Katie Bedwin (Lord Leconfield ) on Elayla, first Senior Intermediate

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Members of the Hampshire Hunt second placed Senior Novice Team, 191 – Zoe Park on Bella and 192 – Archie Moffatt on Benji

Ellen Davies on Silver Dollar, part of the Hampshire Hunt winning Senior Novice Team

Georgina Allen on Thundering Flash, part of the Hampshire Hunt second placed Senior Novice Team

Olivia O’Carroll on Holly, part of the Hampshire Hunt winning Senior Novice Team

Endurance Championships T

he Pony Club Endurance, generously sponsored by Dengie Horse Feeds, enjoyed the sunshine for its Championship, held on 18th September at The College EC, Bedfordshire.

50 Pony Club Members, from all over the country, travelled to take part in the Championships third year, after gaining qualification at rides throughout the summer months. Competitors were split across Junior (eight to 12 years) and Senior (over 13 years) levels, both individually and in teams. As with the other Pony Club disciplines classes will be set at levels for Novice (32km at 10km per hour), Intermediate (40km at 11km per hour) and Open (40km at 12km per hour).

Several Pony Club Branches from the South region enjoyed success at The Championships, including the Old Surrey and Burstow Junior Novice Team of Charlotte Vickery, Cordelia Moore, Oliver Homan and Emma Cording who took the top spot in the Junior section. In the Senior Novice section the Hampshire Hunt Branch Team of Ellen Davies, Megan Gibbons and Olivia O’Carroll were the winners, with Katie Bedwin from the Lord Leconfield Branch and her ride Elayla taking the Senior Individual honours.

“We arrived to some inclement weather on Saturday afternoon”, commented Sally Lawton, Pony Club Endurance Secretary. “Luckily the weather cleared overnight and we had bright blue skies, which was a great bonus for our competitors and it has been a really enjoyable Championship”.

Introduced in 2009 Endurance has proved a great addition to The Pony Club’s disciplines, as no specific type of horse or pony is needed to take part, and the emphasis on sound knowledge of how to correctly get fit and feed your horse sits well with The Pony Club’s training ethos. Pony Club Endurance is supported by long standing Pony Club sponsor Dengie Horse Feeds, who took on Endurance in addition to their Pony Club Winter League sponsorship at the beginning of 2010.

“Dengie is delighted to support the Pony Club in the growing sport of endurance. Congratulations to all the winners at the Championships and well done to all competitors, supporters and their horses – it’s a great achievement to qualify and a credit to their preparation and training”, commented Dengie Managing Director, Ian Hassard.

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Pony Club News Sponsored by Charles Owen

01978 317 777 info@charlesowen.co.uk

www.charlesowen.co.uk

CharlesOwenMagBanner-210x72.indd 1

The second placed Junior Novice Team, Hampshire Hunt: Zoe Park, Archie Moffat, Georgina Allen and Georgina Lunn

17/01/2011 17:18

The winning Senior Novice Team, Hampshire Hunt: Ellen Davies, Megan Gibbons and Olivia O’Carroll

First Senior Intermediate Individual, Katie Bedwin of the Lord Leconfield

Old Surrey and Burstow Pony Club win at Endurance Championships Words by Suzie Vickery, Endurance Manager

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his season we put together our first endurance team and trained together throughout the season with the aim of making the National Championships at The Collage Ride, Keysoe, Bedfordshire, on 18th September 2011.

We started competing back in February 2011 and gradually built up our distances and speeds; taking in some wonderful countryside as we went. Throughout the season our ponies improved their fitness and nearly always came in with Grade 1 heart rates, and our riders also got used to the miles (acquiring proper endurance riding tights along the way).

EGB SE, our local group, have been very supportive of our efforts and provided special vettings at normally un-vetted training rides, and provided lovely pony club rosettes. Training in the south east means that we have ridden the South Downs several times, and this has certainly helped boost fitness and strength.

We had five team prospects, and half expected to lose one of them before the finals, as any illness or lameness would knock them out of the competition.

However, they all stayed fighting fit and sound so we had a full team of four with one reserve, riding together as a team.

The winning Junior Novice Team, Old Surrey & Burstow Hunt: Cordelia Moore, Oliver Homan, Emma Cording and Charlotte Vickery Our Junior Novice team: Charlotte Vickery (10) on Pippa (17) Emma Cording (12) on Joe (20) Oliver Holman (8) on Jerry (11) Cora Moore (9) on Fleur (15) Daniel Vickery (8) on Cookie (31!)

We travelled to the Championships on the Saturday and corralled the ponies for the night; setting up camp for ourselves amid thunder and fork lightening.

Thankfully the weather had cleared by the morning, the water proofs were packed away, and the ponies all passed the vet ready for the start.

It was a lovely ride over fairly flat, farmland and the going was perfect none of the steep hills and flints we have become used to on the downs. We paced ourselves really carefully and allowed time for two good crew stops to refuel both children and ponies. The miles passed happily and without any difficulties – and we finished as close to the optimum speed as is possible (10.05 km per hr).

We then had the busiest 25 minutes preparing the ponies for the crucial final vetting – washing down to lower heart

Cordelia Moore on Broomells Flamingo

Oliver Homan on Jerry

rates, walking them round to prevent stiffness, feeding and watering, picking out feet, and rugging up those that looked chilly. We needed three good heart rates from our team to give us the best chance, and we were given those by Jerry (hr 38), Pippa (hr 38) and Fleur (hr 40). We were delighted, but had no idea what the competition was achieving.

After an anxious wait we were absolutely ecstatic to find out our team had won the class – and several days later we were still just as excited ! A really great achievement for the team, and for the parents who accompany them, get them fit, and crew for them along the way.

In the individual competition Oliver Holman and Jerry finished second and Charlotte Vickery and Pippa came third – so more rosettes and trophies for the Old Surrey & Burstow.

The children love the sport, and have already decided to upgrade to intermediate and do 40km at next year’s Championship.

We plan to have a senior and junior team next year, and will be happy to send more than one team for each age group if needed.

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FEATURE

The Champions of 2011 Alex Kelly caught up with some of the local Champions of the show ring.

Alice McCracken and Rosedale Royal Applause Alice McCracken and her Welsh section B, Rosedale Royal Applause, completed a “scarily large course” (or so mum, Pamela, thought) to stand Reserve Supreme Mountain and Moorland Working Hunter Pony at The Royal London Show. Further success was to follow for Alice as she stood Mountain and Moorland Champion at The Great Chart Championship Show, relishing the chance to gallop down the centre line with her sash!

Eleven-year-old Alice was well placed throughout the show season over the jumps, on the flat and in sidesaddle classes. Time in the spotlight was well deserved and much enjoyed by pony and rider, who are Eridge Pony Club regulars. Such success did not look possible for Alice last autumn when she broke her leg and as a result has also had to adapt her riding to counter balance one leg now being shorter than the other. Gradually, with help and encouragement from her family and her trainer, Keeley Harrison, (and of course Rosedale Royal Applause) she is back on form.

Eloise Van Praagh

Double Chance and Emily Whalley

Alice and Rosedale Royal Applause jumping at Ponies UK Summer Championships

Eloise Van Praagh

Eloise Van Praagh and Colne Flora at Ponies UK Summer Champs

It has been a busy summer for Emily Whalley (nee’ Curtis) as she combined working full time with looking after her one-year-old baby Zinnia, arranged her own wedding, as well as finding time to have a very successful show season with Double Chance. Her purple patch started in July, when she stood second in the Royal International Horse Show Amateur Championship, she describes riding her ex-race horse in the main ring as “a dream come true”.

Her dream continued into August when Double Chance made it double victories at Equifest, claiming the home produced and restricted Riding Horse Championships. The partnership then rounded off the month by winning the Restricted Championship at the Ponies UK Summer Championships.

In a season of unbelievable success Emily finally achieved her goal of winning at the BSHA National Champs when she and Double Chance won the Home Produced Large Riding Horse.

Emily excitedly posted on Face Book “Finally got a red one at the National championships.... Get in!!!!!! Whooooo hoooooooo!!!!

Party time...... :-)” Luckily Emily didn’t party too hard as the next day she repeated her success to win the Amateur class. Her year was rounded off perfectly when she and Double Chance were crowned BSHA Amateur Points Riding Horse Champions.

Honey Glider and Charlie Sale

Alice and Rosedale Royal Applause in the spotlight at the Royal London Show

By the end of August talented young rider, Eloise Van Praagh, was festooned with rosettes and sashes thanks to her brilliant ponies.

Novice Welsh section A, Colne Flora, won four classes at the Ponies UK Summer Championships, including the prestigious Lobster Pot final where they stood Champion. A success that was repeated in the Lee Smith home produced section. The novice pony stood victorious over 32 others at Equifest to win her one and only class of the show. While stable mate Joebex Chitty Chitty Bang Bang stood Mini Champion over all the sections. With dad, James, running alongside her Eloise achieved her ambition of trotting down the centre line under the spotlight while still on the lead rein. One more ambition of riding at HOYS was also checked off the list as she qualified both her ponies and was placed eighth with Joebex Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Eloise Van Praagh and Joebex Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Equifest

Emily Whalley and Double Chance at Equifest

Seasoned campaigners Honey Glider and Charlie Sale had an outstanding run at this year’s Summer Championship Shows.

Relishing the atmosphere of the evening performances at Equifest where they scored the Open Show Hack Championship and won the summer finals. They also won the ISRT Open and final class before making their way with Honey Glider’s owner, Julie Farel, to Ponies UK Summer Championships where they once again won the Blythe Spirit Show Hack Finals.

Charlie Sale and They also had the Honey Glider bittersweet pleasure of at Equifest standing second in a very strong HOYS qualifier and, while they missed the ticket on this occasion, patience has its own reward and a trip to Moreton Show saw them earn their place at the finals.

Olivia Minns and Castlehill Raven

Although in their first season together Olivia Minns and Castlehill Raven have become a partnership to be reckoned with. As well as qualifying for both HOYS and RIHS they brought home a clutch of rosettes from the NPS Summer Championships. The Hildenbrough based pair can now add to their role of honours, Ringside Stud Open Champion, Rosettes Direct Home Produced Champion and runner up in the silver Olivia Minns and medal final. Success Castlehill Raven has continued well into the Autumn, the BSPS Heritage Championships saw them win and qualify for Olympia. They then headed to the NPS Autumn Festival, where they were crowned Champion of Champions.

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Laura Powell writes...

Well that’s it all over for another year and we went out with a bang! Alf had the last few months of the season off due to stubborn puss in his foot. However, he was ready to rock ‘n’ roll just in time for the last two weeks of October.

I had a steady unaffiliated run at Tweseldown round the BE100 course where he jumped a lovely double clear and to my relief, wasn’t pulling my arms out cross country. I left him in his slower canter hoping that he might actually learn that there’s no need to be in such a hurry and picked up a load of time faults. This set us up perfectly for the final event – Norton Disney in Lincoln – a good few inches away from us in West Kingsdown on the map!

Badminton Bound

The reason for the 300 mile round trip was they were running a BE100 Regional Final, which Alf had qualified for from a win the previous season. It was also my last chance to ‘get to Badminton’ as a grassroots competitor, as next year they introduce a rule that excludes anyone who has competed at Intermediate level in the past 10years! Although it feels an age ago since I went round an Intermediate!

We headed off at 4am. Dad was driver, whilst I saved precious time by plaiting up as we were going along. We arrived just as the sun was rising! Alf was amazingly settled and performed a smooth test. We show jumped clear and as I set out on the cross country they mentioned my leading dressage score of 29.5. Thank goodness I hadn’t heard this and was completely focussed on the job. A tough, spooky cross country course worked in my favour and I feel both Alf and I had benefited from the novice runs. We finished on our dressage score and were eventually relegated to a pleasing second place, which means we have qualified for the Badminton Grassroots Championships next May.

Christmas at Lingfield Park

Laura and Alf competing at Tweseldown

More dressage...

Meanwhile Sooty and Spud have been registered with British Dressage in the hope of having some successful local runs. The only problem is that hunting and affiliated show jumping seem to clash with a lot of dressage dates! I have already rejected one dressage show to go out hunting locally with ‘super hunter’ Spud.

Other outings have included a lesson with Kenneth Clawson where Alf was teamed with an intermediate horse, jumping reasonable sized fences off tight turns and lines. There were quite a few eeeeeks and ooooow’s, and in the end I just had to give up ‘looking for a distance’ and just ‘get there!’ Sooty also took part and everything was a lot easier, as he goes a lot slower and generally doesn’t know what a good distance is so he will happily take off from anywhere and would never dream of complaining!

The mid-week sessions leave the weekend a little freer for partying – almost like a normal person! The Eventer’s Ball at the Hop Farm as brilliant - thank you to Ian Bareham for doing such a great job. And as I write, I am looking forward to the Kent and Surrey Bloodhounds Ball. I’m sure it will all catch up with me sooner or later! Hopefully by next month I will have been to at least one dressage show!

Join us as we celebrate the festive season. Choose from a Christmas party at the races, celebrate in the evening at one of our shared party nights or even join us for Christmas Day lunch.

DECEMBER FIXTURES Friday 2

Afternoon Racing

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Monday 5

Afternoon Racing

F

Wednesday 7 Afternoon Racing

F

Saturday 10

The December Novices’ Chase (Grade 2)

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Join us for our jumps feature fixture to celebrate Christmas – who knows Santa may even pay us a visit

RACING COUNTRY CLUB

Wednesday 14 Afternoon Racing

F

Saturday 17

F

The Quebec Stakes (Listed)

Join us for our family day to celebrate Christmas – Santa may even drop by again.

Wednesday 28 Afternoon Racing

F

Friday 30

Afternoon Racing

F

Saturday 31

New Year’s Eve Racing

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Tickets are available from just £13.50 with discounts for groups of 10 or more.

BOOK NOW! 01342 834 800 | www.lingfieldpark.co.uk Join us. You’re welcome.

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HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW

Horse of the Year Show 4th – 9th October 2011

Photography by Roberto Cubbedo, Steve Dawe and The Event Photographer Jayne Webber and Comberton Clancy, Supreme Horse of the Year 2011

Riders spend a whole season qualifying and building up to the prestigious event at the NEC, Birmingham to hopefully see their horse crowned the ‘Horse of the Year’. Riders and horses from the South East had a particularly successful show this year and he we share some of the winners’ pictures.

Harry Charles and Murkas Headmore Little Lightning, HOYS 128cm Champion

Pippa Funnell and Billy Balou, Equestrian Clearance.com Senior Newcomers Champion

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Guy Williams and Djakarta, Horse and Hound Foxhunter Champion

Lola Wade and Zorro ID, second Equestrian Clearance.com Senior Newcomers Championship

Louise Pavitt and Don VHP Z, Grade C Champion

Aimee Hoare and Kilmannan Kilty, second NPS Baileys M&M (Fells & Dales)

Scarlett Worrow and Dancing Hero, third Underwood 153cm Working Hunter Pony

Ian Smeeth and Tank Top, second The Leeman Family Maxi Cob of the Year Jayne Webber and The Humdinger, Champion Coloured Horse of the Year

Amy Coulstock and Hamptonne Fair and Square, fourth 153cm Show Hunter

Samantha Roberts and Millcroft Iska Roc, second NPS Baileys M&M (Welsh Sec B)

Sarah White and Made in Ireland, third Small Riding Horse

Over 200 combinations from the South East competed at the Horse of the Year Show, we have tried to feature as many as possible, but other riders included: ★ FROM KENT - Darren Wise, Jane Annett, Sarah Barker, Alex Chitty, Kate Marfleet, Claire Langrish, Chris Orchard, Olivia Minns, Julie Robinson, Taylor Ahmet, M Batchelor, Julie Elliott, Faye Hasketh, Sarah Harrison, Anne Starkie, Harriet Podd, Charlotte Miles, Valentine Sheehan, Julia Watts, Sophie Court, Georgia Ahmet, Victoria Eales, Scarlett Worrow, Kevin Hasemore

Amy Inglis and Crossword, Leading Pony Showjumper of the Year

Hannah Horton and Utah II, Guy Fawkes III, Intermediate Show Hunter of the Year

★ FROM BERKSHIRE – Elizabeth Mantel, Charlie Dawson, Emma Shingles, Paul Crago, Leah McCrady, Lucinda, Freedman, Aimee Hoare, Katherine Beesley, Kirstie Harris, Scott Rimmer, Nina Armstrong, Mandy Hughes, Kirstie Harris, Ian Smeeth ★ FROM HAMPSHIRE – Abigail Rayner, James Inwood, Mark Armstrong, Keith Doyle, Sam Hutton, Alex Hua Tian, Alwyn Fradley, Katie Chappell, Kelly Jones, Samantha Roberts, Thomma Shepherd, Alex Bates, Kim Shawyer, Catherine Jones, Pippa Moon, Beatrice Shepherd, Charlotte Knight, Hannah Horton, Karla Gardner, Henrietta Windsor-Phillips, Adam Winbourne ★ FROM SURREY – Danny Baker, Georgie Crumley, William Funnell, Max Routledge, Sienna Myson-Davies, Tony Whipps, Alison Millman, Jemma Millman, Emma-Jayne Holder, Samantha Darlington, Elizabeth Osborne, Kathy Benedetto, Gary Docking, Maria Pook, Dillon Brown, Monique Wallace, Stephanie Edwards, Alice Kent, Chloe Humphries

Becky Edwards and Valantinos Royal Touch, second and Reserve Oggy Oggy 153cm Intermediate Show Riding Type

▼

★ FROM SUSSEX – Rachel Sutton, Hannah Tiley, Callum Tusler, Steven Franks, Nicole Pavitt, Shane Breen, Yazmin Pinchen, Alice Kent, Rosie Bloor, Lauren Kingston, Elizabeth Evans, Bea Wheatley, Alice Barr, Gemma Pallett, Jennie Cobley, Claire Sheehan, Emma Johnson, Alison Parsons, Angela Kemp, Eloise Van Praagh, Ros Head, Sue Kenny, Esther Rostron, Sarah White, Kate Hounsom, Charley Sale, Lorna Ewin, Joshua Thompson, Lucy Fisher, Nicole Padmore, Georgia Harvey, Helen Baker, Jessica Soltermann, Amy Coulstock, Judy Harvey, Sarah White, Georgina Obbard, Harriet Raley, J Skillman, Elinor Strapp, Vanessa Lawes

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HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW Georgia Darlington and Wortley Celebration, First Ridden Pony of the Year

Eloise Van Praagh amd Joebex Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, eighth Carrs BMW Lead Rein of the Year

Claire Somerset and Tyan Tullamore, second PRP Rescue Services, M&M WHP of the Year

Charlotte Adams-Lane and Balanced Rip and Tear, Osborne Refrigerators Double Harness Scurry

Faye Hesketh and Acheval Boutique Amadeus, fourth Guy Fawkes III Intermediate Show Hunter

Mr Alan Chadwick presents Robert Walker and Camilla Neame’s Starry Night with their prizes, Equimax Eraquell Cob of the Year

Su Ridley and Dancer and Prancer, Osborne Refrigerators Double Harness Scurry

The South Essex Insurance Broker’s Racehorse to Riding Horse Show Championship

Alex Kelly and Walstead Amaryllis competing in the NPS Baileys Horse Feeds Mountain & Moorland Championship. In addition to working full time in London, Alex produces several pages for Localrider each month, including Father Figure and many of the showing pages.

Dedicated to perfection, Alex is always up at 5am to school her horses before catching the train to London and we were very proud to watch Alex competing at the Horse of the Year Show.

Katie Jerram and Night Prayers, SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse Champion

Mr and Mrs Michael Jerram’s immaculate chestnut, Night Prayers, ridden by Katie Jerram, put in a superb performance to take the Championship and Oliver Hood rode Mr Paul Rackham’s, Bridgham to take the reserve title.

The 9 year old Night Prayers, By Night Shift (USA) out of Eleanor Antoinette (IRE), put in an impeccable performance ridden by Katie Jerram from Great Dunmow to take the title. Owned by Mr and Mrs Michael Jerram, he was bred by C Corrigan and went into training with Brian Smart in North Yorkshire. Night Prayers ran seven times on the flat and won once. The Jerram’s bought him from Steve Pitt and Vicky Smith in Wales. Night Prayers was Reserve Champion in this class in 2010. Katie said “I adore this horse and he has done really well, coming fourth in the Open Hacks this morning and then coming in here to win. The competition in this class was the hottest I have ever seen here – I was really taken by the competition and so the win is really special. He won the Classic Supreme at the BSHA championships, but has only been lightly shown. We have put a lot of time into his retraining. He is the epitome of a large hack and his career will be in open hack classes”.

Night Prayers former trainer, Bryan Smart, who had four of his ex-racehorses in this Championship was in attendance at HOYS to see Night Prayers victory. “It is great that Bryan is such a keen supporter of this series, it is really good for the sport” added Katie.

Lynn Russell and Stealth project, third

Angela Lance and Perfect Choice, fifth

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Search For A Star Nadia Edgar from Dorking came second in the Cob class with her own, Checkpoint Charlie

Photography by Real Time Imaging

Louise Bayrem from Newbury came fourth in the Show Hunter final with Kay Norrington’s Argument H

Rosemary Williams from Herne Bay took fifth place in the Riding Club Show Horse Final at HOYS with Amy Williams’, Hortons Pink Panther Also taking fourth place, this time in the Working Hunter final was Horsham’s Sonia Marfleet with her own Bilwood Tom Putt

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he South Essex Insurance Brokers’ (SEIB) Search For A Star Championship, now in its fourteenth year, reached a thrilling climax at Horse Of The Year Show (HOYS) when Paul and Hayley Isaac’s cob, Rockstar, took the Supreme Champion title. Zoe Whittle and her Riding Horse, Mettlewood Mr Fahrenheit were Reserve Champions.

The charismatic piebald, Rockstar, went beautifully to take the Search For A Star Cob title on Tuesday then had a nervous wait until Friday for the Supreme. Having ridden when he was younger and been part of the working hunter pony Welsh team, Paul had given up riding to set up his business as a self employed shop fitter in Port Talbot and had not competed for 15 years. But when he and Hayley saw the piebald cob it prompted him to get back in the saddle. “Nothing phased him at HOYS, he just took it all in his stride”, said a delighted Paul.

Several riders from the South East were successful at HOYS, Nadia Edgar from Dorking came second in the Cob class with her own, Checkpoint Charlie. This is the first season showing for the 10-year-old grey Checkpoint Charlie. Nadia said “I have had him for three years and we just hunted, but people kept saying to me I should have a go at showing”, said Nadia, who has also been learning to ride Side Saddle and only took up riding five years ago.

Louise Bayrem from Newbury came fourth in the Show Hunter final with Kay Norrington’s Argument H. Kay, has owned the 12 year old Argument H, known as Arnie, for a year. She explained, “He has always show jumped, but he is now having a change of job because showing is what I am interested in”. Louise looks after Kay’s two horses and has also done a bit of dressage with Arnie.

Also taking fourth place, this time in the Working Hunter final was Horsham’s Sonia Marfleet with her own Bilwood Tom Putt.

Sonya has owned the 12 year old bay gelding, for five years, having bought for hunting and riding club activities. “I never imagined

that I would do showing but I went to a clinic and learned what to do”, said Sonya, who also competes in BSJA show jumping and BE eventing and had been a regular member of riding club teams for Horsham and District Riding Club. Sonia works as Cabin Crew for BA out of Heathrow.

Rosemary Williams from Herne Bay took fifth place in the Riding Club Show Horse Final at HOYS with Amy Williams’, Hortons Pink Panther. Amy has owned the 10 year old grey gelding, known at home as “Kuba” for five years since he was imported from Poland in 2006.

Rosemary said, “he is a true riding club horse in every way and he also has a well developed sense of humour and removes costumes during the quadrille. The whole family rides him, he is a safe gentleman”.

Other local riders to take part in the Search For A Star finals at HOYS included, Elizabeth Osborne from Cranleigh with Ian Hare’s Addiwell Apache Prince in the Cob Final, Show Hunter, Agent 007, with Karen Newman from Maidstone, Catherine Jones from Andover with Kilindini and Katy Benedetto from Dorking with Olivia in the Riding Horse Hack final, and two more Working Hunters, Play That Jazz with Danielle Lethbridge from Southampton and San Suave Prince ridden by Ros Head from Horsham.

SEIB Marketing Manager, Nicolina Mackenzie, said: “Our Search For A Star competition continues to grow and a superb number of entries always come forward. I am delighted with the excellent standard of horse and rider competing and the general turnout improves each year. The atmosphere at HOYS was magical and the stands were packed. It is wonderful to be able to give genuine amateur owners and riders this opportunity and I hope that many will go on to further success in open classes”.

SEIB have another success to celebrate on top of a brilliant week at HOYS, they are winners of the ‘Customer Service Provider’ award at the Insurance Age UK Broker awards. This is a National award within the insurance industry and SEIB were voted the best in the UK! DECEMBER 2011 Localrider 43

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tried&tested

Winter Clothing This month we have been testing everything you need to keep warm and look smart, both at the stable yard and out and about this winter.

Equetech Side Zip Competition Breeches The Equetech Side Zip Competition Breeches have been designed for competition riders to wear with a tails or cut- away jacket for minimal seam visibility. They have a high waistband for an extremely flattering cut. They are made from exquisite rich cotton woven fabrics and offer the rider exceptional support with multi directional stretch for excellent shape retention.

Colours: Champagne, White Sizes: 24” – 32” RRP: £75.50 www.equetech.com LR Comment: These are great competition breeches as they have been designed to minimise seams and to maximise elegance in the saddle. Soft suede seat for optimum contact in the saddle.

Mountain Horse Regal Coat Designed for the coldest of winters, this down and feather filled kneelength coat will really keep you warm. It’s ideal for instructors who are outside all day but can also be used in the saddle thanks to the rear riding vent. Full length two-way zip and invisible magnetic buttons.

Machine washable – it comes with a tennis ball for use in the tumble dryer.

Polyester outer, 20% feathers and 80% duck down fill.

Colours: Black, white Sizes: XS-L RRP: £179 www.mountainhorse.co.uk LR Comment: This is the perfect jacket for any winter occasion. It is extremely warm yet very lightweight, whilst vented for riding it is almost too smart for riding. However, it would look very elegant teamed with smart breeches and black boots.

Equetech Peakdale This fabulous durable warm sweater has been designed for all year round use. The sweater has a central zip for functionality and a great high collar with ribbed cotton lining. The sweater features large zip pockets in a unique design with stretch lining.

The Peakdale sweater is comfortable with a scooped back hem and inner storm flap.

Colours: Red, Mulberry and Light Blue Sizes: XS (32-34”) S (3436”) M (36-38”) L (38-40”) XL (40-42”) XXL (42-44”) RRP: £36.50 www.equetech.com LR Comment: A great fleece sweater, with huge practical zipped pockets. Looks great worn with the Blenheim Hooded Gilet.

Equetech Blenheim Hooded Gilet This fabulous chunky sports gilet with functional detachable hood is a perfect design for all year wear with a deep double lined hood to give protection from the wind/rain that zips off when not required and micro-down filling to keep the rider warm, whilst drawing moisture away from the body and a soft jersey lining to body. Other features include contrast chunky front zip, popper fastening to storm flap and two deep zip pockets to the front.

Colours: Coco/Frost Blue, Navy/Red, Pewter/Mulberry Sizes: XS (32-34”) S (34-36”) M (36-38”) L (38-40”) XL (4042”) XXL (42-44”) RRP: £66.50 www.equetech.com LR Comment: Cosy gilet with detachable hood, great to co-ordinate with the Peakdale sweater.

Made from durable fabric, which is great to wear around horses, if it gets grubby just pop it in the washing machine.

Mark Todd Reinga Trousers These practical trousers are lightly padded for added warmth, and manufactured in comfortable polystretch fabric with Taslon panels for durability and easy cleaning.

Features include pockets with waterproof zips, reflective logos and piping, leg zips with storm flap and adjustable tabs at the waist and ankle.

Sizes: Ladies 8 to 16 Gents XSmall to XLarge RRP: £59.45 www.marktoddcollection. co.uk LR Comment: I am going to be wearing these all winter. They are warm and non-bulky to ride in and the best thing is they zip from top to bottom, so they are easy to put on and take off.

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TAGG Puffin Blouson

Toggi Arctic

The Children’s Puffin Blouson Jacket from Tagg is ideal for riding or any country pursuit. The soft touch outer is waterproof with taped seams. The jacket has a cosy polar fleece lined collar in a contrasting colour and is elasticated at the bottom hem and the cuffs. This jacket can easily be embroidered as it has a hidden zip allowing access to the back of the jacket and is therefore a favourite with clubs and sponsors as team or corporate clothing.

Toggi’s cosiest jacket so far, the Arctic is the stylish way to stay warm this season. This cosy down jacket has a water repellent and ripstop fabric that is perfect for those who live life on the go. Featuring welt style pockets built in to the front seams and sleeve, the Arctic also has a handy inner pocket and chin guard at collar, for a look and finish that is second to none.

Colours: Navy, Black, Mocha, Raspberry Sizes: S to XL RRP: £32.50 Tel: 01636 636 135

Colours: Chocolate, Slate Sizes: 8-20 RRP: £75.00 www.toggi.com

LR Comment: This is a really warm jacket with fleece lining and with its elasticated bottom makes it a perfect child’s riding jacket. Pop it in the machine and it will be dry the next morning. Good value for money.

LR Comment: This is a really warm versatile jacket. It is so warm that I find myself not wanting to take it off, it seems to mould around me. It is suitable for any occasion and offers good value for money.

Dublin Larissa Jacket

Taunton Jacket from Harry Hall

The New Dublin Larissa Jacket is a stylish oiled cotton jacket with fashionable belted waist and tortoiseshell effect detailing. This jacket is fully waterproof and includes side riding vents, making it perfect for riders.

Add some style to your wardrobe with the new Taunton quilted jacket, with its fitted design and gathered collar. With two front zip pockets and a two way zip and rear riding vents the Taunton jacket is not only stylish but also very practical for riding in.

Made from 100% Polyester, the jacket also features a contrast lining and drip strip with woven label branding.

Colours: Forest, Yale Sizes: Adults XS to XL RRP: £69.99 www. dublinclothing.com

Colours: Black, Plum Sizes: Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large RRP: £64.50 www.harryhall.co.uk

LR Comment: This is a very smart, all round jacket, with fun polka dot lining. It is vented for riding, yet with its elegant belted design is perfect for smart casual wear.

Tottie Kelly Fleece The Tottie Kelly fleece is an ideal winter warmer.

The long sleeved design features a full zip at the front and knitted cuffs and hem.

Colours: Dark Chocolate, Black, Dark Grey Marl Sizes: XS-XL RRP: £53.50 www.tottie.co.uk LR Comment: This is a gorgeous, soft fleece top, which will make you feel cosy and warm this winter.

LR Comment: A great winter jacket, with a two-way zip and back vents to make it perfect for riding.

Caldene Rowan The Caldene Rowan is an everyday essential item. The long sleeved rugby top features grosgrain trim on the placket, side vents and cuff vents.

Colours: Dark Grey Marl or Ruby Sizes: S, M, L or XL RRP: £40.50 www.caldene.co.uk LR Comment: This is a very smart long sleeved polo shirt. The fabric is great as it is warm and slightly elasticated. Fun diamante detailing to the front and back.

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tried&tested KP Equestrian Bling oversized pink hoodie

Jack Murphy Malvern Ladies’ Coat A timeless classic style, the Jack Murphy Malvern coat provides perfect protection against the winter elements. Whether you are walking the cross-country course at Badminton or heading out for a hack on a rainy day, this coat is a must-have. With a detachable hood, leg straps and classic Jack Murphy lining, the elegant Malvern coat is available in Navy, Olive, Garnet, Chinchilla, Chocolate, Blackberry, True Red and Amethyst.

Sizes: 8 – 12 RRP: £39.00 www.kpequestrian. com LR Comment: It’s nice having a longer floppier sweatshirt than normal - goes over everything and hides all those flabby bits. Looks and feels great with the hood up and with hands tucked away in the middle pocket, just right for colder days. It’s not too oversized, the balance is just right so you feel comfy yet condifent.

Sizes: 8 - 24 RRP: £60.00 LR Comment: Every horse rider should have a coat like this. It is the sort of coat you always wished you had in bad weather, but then forget to buy when it isn’t raining. IT offers fantastic value for money and is roomy enough to layer up underneath.

Regent Pro Rustler Ranch Rider A casual and stylish yet rugged long boot with zip back, soft Italian leather foot and upper, and Dermo Dry lining.

DermoDry is the latest technical treatment for linings and removable foot beds. It combines comfort, shock absorption and support. Its anti bacterial and quick absorption qualities help to keep the foot dry (warm in winter, cool in summer) and has the added comfort of a modern sports shoe. The Ranch rider is a casual, hard wearing yet smart, long boot with full arch support, heel cup and grip, stirrup balance point, YKK zip, a rubber flexline self cleaning sole unit, and is cut in a semi dressage continental style.

Colours: Black or Dark Brown Sizes: 4-11 (Narrow/Medium/Wide) RRP: £116.55 www.regent-footwear.co.uk LR Comment: I love these boots, they are smart, comfortable and above all offer fantastic value for money. Just like the Blenheim they have self cleaning grips, a stirrup balance point and full arch support. Plus they are really warm for winter, but still ok for the hot summer weather. The dark brown version are gorgeous.

KP Equestrian Raspberry Pink Blouson Jacket Warm fleece lined, diamante heart charm zip, silver embroidered logo on the back. Shower proof.

Sizes: Small – Large RRP: £39.99 www. kpequestrian.com

LR Comment: A more subtle and simple KP coat with very soft and warm lining. Weather-proof cuffs and waistband really help keep the chill out. It’s a good length and baggy enough to go over everything - goes nicely over chunky jumpers making a funky warm and waterproof practical jacket.

Regent Pro Rustler Blenheim An ideal boot for riding or leisure, offering extreme comfort, with Italian leather uppers, punch seam toe cap and gusset surround. Dermo-dry linings, with a removable foot bed, offering shock absorption and support, and anti-bacterial and quick absorption qualities.

Colours: Black or Dark Brown Sizes: 4-9 RRP: £67.99 www.regentfootwear.co.uk LR Comment: These are really comfortable smart boots, that are easy to wear all day.

They have self cleaning grips, a stirrup balance point and full arch support.

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KP Equestrian denim stretch full seated breeches Jean style back pockets with silver embroidered logo.

Sizes: 26” – 34” waist RRP: £49.00 www.kpequestrian.com LR Comment: These feel so slimming and flattering. Just the right thickness for most weathers, and stretchy and long enough to be really comfy. Some lovely detailing and stitching make these smarter too.

Will definitely be wearing these for other occasions too as they’re a little bit different and they need to be seen!

KP Equestrian Dark Pink and Black Striped Long Sleeved T-shirt Hoodie Sizes: 8 – 14 RRP: £35.00 www.kpequestrian.com LR Comment: This flattering slim-fit long-sleeved T-shirt is a good balance of smart/ casual. Great bright raspberry colour with vivid black and some subtle sparkly detailing - I feel like I could wear this anywhere and to anything. It’s not overly fussy, lovely design and nicely made, as with all the KP range.

Equisafety Polite© Wraparound Rug

Equisafety Polite© Waistcoat Ensure you are seen, and taken seriously whatever the time of year by wearing a Polite© Waistcoat. It’s cleverly designed, fully-adjustable back, means the waistcoat can be made larger to accommodate body armour, or heavier clothing, during the winter, or fitted for the summer to pop on over lighter garments. Yellow only.

Sizes: Child/Sm, Med, Lge, XLge RRP: £24.99 www.equisafety.com

Wraparound Rug with the addition of very visible blue & white checked reflective strips. Other features include: 360° degrees reflective and fluorescent. Detachable, fully adjustable chest protector, fitted at the top of the pommel area ensures it does not get in the way of the horse’s movement. Using a surcingle, the rug can be used without the saddle and is useful for long-reining or leading horses. Cut very generously in depth to fit the largest of rears. Unique, exclusively designed girth slits make sure the rug will not slip. Fillet string is attached at the rear to ensure it does not blow up in windy conditions. Webbing straps at front & rear for flashing attachments to be attached too. Pocket – ideal for maps, sandwiches etc.

Available in Yellow only.

Sizes: Show Pony – 4’6” – 5’0”, Pony – 5’3” – 5’9”, Cob – 6’0” – 6’3”, Horse – 6’6” – 6’9”, XFull – 7’0” – 7’6” RRP: £45.00 www.equisafety.com LR Comment:

I was sent the ‘Air’ Waistcoat which zips up at the front and has elasticated sides but with a velcro Hi Viz strap so you can loosen or tighten the waistcoat if you’re wearing a big chunky coat underneath or just a T shirt, so one size does fit all. I like the two zip up pockets for carrying a mobile phone or some horse treats without them falling out at speed. The waistcoat has several strips of fluorescent material across it front and back which really stands out when you’re riding in the gloom, down a dingy country lane for instance and I noticed motorists slowing down earlier on as I think they saw me more quickly wearing this waistcoat.

I was also sent the hi viz / yellow fluorescent rug, which is very well designed.

I like the cut of it, which accommodates a horse with high withers, the girth straps to stop it slipping backwards, and the additional feature of a zipped pocket on either side of the cloth, for perhaps carrying maps or your sandwiches! I’ve washed both the rug and the waistcoat several times and they’ve come up like new.

2 Pack Soft Touch 3D Head

Woof Snood

The 2 Pack Soft Touch 3D Head from The Riding Sock Company are the perfect pair of socks for winter. Designed especially for riding, the socks are practical for everyday use. Created to be both comfortable and supportive.

The soft ankle socks feature a 3D cats head on the side. One pair of socks are striped the others have spots on.

The socks available in ladies and children, designed to fit shoe size 12-3 for children and size 4-7 for ladies. Priced at around £7.99 ladies and £5.99 children.

This cosy head and neck warmer with super-stretch fabric is a must-have in any rider’s wardrobe. Slim enough to wear under most riding hats, this versatile snood will keep your head, neck and ears warm during those cold days on the yard and when hacking.

It is available in a variety of colours with and without fleece.

LR Comment:

www.theridingsockcompany.co.uk LR Comment: Really fun socks, the perfect Christmas gift too!

RRP: £8.00 (Woof Snood)/£12.00 (Woof Fleece Snood) woofwear@woofwear.com LR Comment: The versatile snood is a fantastic addition to any rider’s wardrobe.

Traditionally worn around the neck, the tube can be pulled up over the chin and nose to keep warm while outside on even the coldest day. Perfect for walking, skiing and virtually all outdoor activities.

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FEATURE Kate Lukas and Daisy Crazy competing in an Express Eventing qualifier at Lincoln County Show

Eventing through a recession Words by Louise Carter and photography by Tim Wilkinson

With economic times as they are yard owners, competition riders and pleasure riders alike are having to find ways to cut costs and make things work.

We talked to Reigate based event rider Kate Lukas about how the current economic climate is affecting her and how she is actively still trying to involve people with event horse ownership alongside running a working yard.

K

ate runs a 28 horse yard in Reigate, which is made up of her competition string, liveries and sales horses. She explains that the livery and sales side of her business is fundamental to supporting the competing and running of the competition horses.

Kate continued: “Many people are always surprised that I run such a big yard and that it never slows down over the winter like many event yards do, however without the steady source of livery and sales income it just wouldn’t be feasible. I am lucky to be based at Littleton Manor Equestrian, which has wonderful facilities, but I think it is easy for people to make the misconception that as it is my home I can just afford to run a private yard, sadly this isn’t the case.”

As we all know the cost of everything horse related has soared in the last few years, particularly hay, bedding and feed. Kate tells us that she is very aware of how much everyone is feeling the squeeze at the moment and as much as she would like to increase livery costs to reflect these increases she is aware that many people could simply not afford it, this means she has to find other ways of saving money and making sure she offers the best service possible to give great value for money. Support from bedding and feed companies helps to keep the prices down and in return Kate provides product endorsements and advertising on her horseboxes and websites.

It’s a fun syndicate One of the ways that Kate has tried to ensure she builds a team of owners and involves more people with the sport of Eventing is by developing syndicates for horses. She said: “I have had horses on the yard that have either been mine or were here to sell, once I am sure that they are showing the right attributes then I will actively try and find people to buy the horse or a share. It is a great way for people to get involved with Eventing and with horses that we have good background

on. They get the experience of being an owner with all the perks that go with it, but at a fraction of the cost. I have found that most people don’t balk at the initial outlay on a horse, but it is the ongoing running costs and even worse unforeseen costs of having a horse that puts people off. By being in a syndicate this reduces and members pay a flat annual fee so there are no hidden costs.” Kate admits that having multiple people involved can intensify the workload as she takes pride in keeping owners in the loop and being involved with their horses, but knows that this is an essential part of the owner-rider relationship. She continued: “Looking after owners is a top priority, it is such a great sport for people to be involved in and having a mini community of people to share it with can make it that much more enjoyable for everyone.”

Finding sponsors Getting sponsors involved with the team is also very important.

However with the financial climate affecting everyone it has becoming increasingly difficult to find companies with the resources to sponsor.

Kate recognises that as a rider you have to think about what they are going to get from their side of the deal and approach people who are going to see a mutual benefit. With this in mind Kate approached Find Wine, an online independent wine retailer with the premise being that the equestrian market would be prime target market for a company such as Find Wine. She also thought that it could tie together well with owners hospitality at events in effect giving everyone something back.

Kate told us: “Find Wine supply wine for owners picnics at events and also do wine tastings at any events we do at the yard such as our Christmas Party. It gives the owners something extra and it gives Find Wine access to new clients, plus they have good exposure with their logo on the lorry, our kit and web links on both my websites. The idea is that it works for everyone!”

“Looking after owners is a top priority, it is such a great sport for people to be involved in” 48 Localrider DECEMBER 2011

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Social Media Optimising use of the web and social networking is becoming a must have for everyone in business and with the equestrian industry finally catching up, the likes of Facebook and Twitter are becoming more and more standard for riders and yards alike. With this in mind Kate combined an idea she had when watching some helmet-cam footage of a horse going cross-country at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky. She said: “I thought the footage was amazing and everyone I showed it to thought the same, but there didn’t seem to be anyone riding regularly in a helmet-cam in the UK and certainly not making the footage public for people to watch.” From this Kate developed www.Equi-Spy.com, a website that she uploads most of her cross-country footage to, as seen through the eyes of a small camera attached to her hat. Kate also provides blog alongside the videos explaining what she thought of the course and the conditions, which horse she is riding and what she thought happened along the way and why it might have happened. Kate continued: “There were a few teething problems along the way to start with, but there is some great footage from this season, possibly with the exception of me jumping the owl hole at Aston all on my own! I make sure even the bad bits go up, even if I don’t like them, it is what the sport is about and people like seeing the thrills and spills. Equi-Spy hopefully does multiple things, I hope it is a useful training tool for people and over time will be a useful database of events and courses for people to draw from when making entries or going to new events. It gives the owners something extra and they can watch it back afterwards and show it to others, and finally it gives my sponsors another incentive to support me, with web links on a site that is attracting a fantastic amount of traffic.”

What is certain is that people are feeling the pinch now more than ever and with event entries increasing and diesel prices

rocketing it is hard for anyone to keep competing without being innovative. Talking to Kate shows that she realises that she has to be constantly looking for new ways to be competitive whilst on and off a horse and that sponsors and owners are crucial to her business, but with people expecting a lot more for their money she needs to be thinking one innovative step ahead of other riders.

Looking to 2012 Kate is looking forward to next year’s season, with Daisy Crazy heading up her string, which includes some exciting youngsters that are coming up through the grades, plus her first home-bred is ready to be backed, so there will be lots going on!

She tells us she is planning to continue further with Equi-Spy and will hopefully be running at more events across the country to add to the catalogue of videos. Kate said; “It will also be fun for owners to have a collection of videos of their horses as they progress up the levels and they will be able to look back and see how far they have come.” Find Wine will also continue to work alongside Kate and the events running at Littleton. Kate as ever is always looking for other ideas to expand and diversify and hopes to be able to offer owners a unique experience of being involved in a fun, friendly and competitive event team.

Kate finished by telling us: “The sport is more competitive than ever and financially things have to be super efficient to make it work for us and our owners, but I will always be looking for ways to improve, be more competitive and involve more people.”

If anyone is interested in involving their business with Kate Lukas Eventing or would like to know more about becoming an owner or becoming part of a syndicate, please contact Kate for more information at info@katelukaseventing.com.

Some of Kate’s supportive owners enjoying a day out at an event Kate and her partner, Matt Tarrant, pictured with Mike and Sue Ann Burychka and Sebastian and Dolly Madden

www .

Equi-Spy is a wonderful way to take a closer look at cross country courses that you haven’t seen before, or want to study in more detail. It is also a good way to see what is involved in moving up a level. There is a real difference from walking a course to seeing the fences at the speed the horse travels, particularly as they get bigger and more technical. Be warned it is highly addictive! Take a closer look by visiting www.equi-spy.com

KateLukasEventing .com com

International Three Day Event Rider | Competition & Schooling ng Livery | Sales Agent DECEMBER 2011 Localrider 49

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CHRISTMAS WISHLIST

All I want for Christmas...

The countdown to Christmas is here. If you are wondering what to buy your friends at the stables, including those with four legs then take a look and feel inspired Vintage Jewellery

Pony-opoly

Vintage Equestrian stock a fabulous range of vintage antique jewellery for the horse and countryside lover.

Pony-opoly is a property trading game for children, based around a horsey theme. Pony-opoly includes pony-themed pieces, paper money and a game board; perfect for keeping the kids quiet during the Christmas holidays. For 2-4 players, ages 5-8 yrs. ÂŁ18.99

www.vintageequestrian.co.uk

Equestrian DVDs

www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk

Equestrian Vision have a wonderful range of education and entertaining DVDs , which make perfect gifts for Christmas.

Cool Pony Girl Selection

www.equestrianvision.co.uk

Add a bit of bling this Christmas with the Caldene Diva Fleece Bandages.

Carrots can always be relied upon to brighten up riding wear! The latest design to hit the Carrots shelves is the funky Bang on the Door Cool Pony Girl selection of goodies, which is perfect for grown up girls who are young at heart!

www.caldene.co.uk

www.carrotsuk.com

Sparkling Gifts from Caldene

Op

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From 9am to 8pm Treat Yourself to 15% OFF everything* You could need this winter.

*Includes all childrenswear, ladieswear, menswear & footwear. Excludes safetywear. See in store for details. Not in conjunction with any other offer.

Feedstore: 01435 864383 Saddlery: 01435 868525 www.windmillsaddlery.co.uk Cross In Hand, HeathďŹ eld, East Sussex, TN21 0TA

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Ride-Away Gift Vouchers!

Tuffa Shetland Half Chaps

Take the hassle out of Christmas shopping this year and simply buy all your friends and family a Ride-Away Gift Voucher! They can be spent on line or in store or even over the telephone, and when gifted along with the 266 page colour catalogue, what could be more exciting than choosing from the delightful array of country clothing, riding wear, saddlery and equestrian equipment.

Tuffa Shetland Half Chaps are available in adult and child sizes, making a great gift for riders of all ages.

Just get on line to www.rideaway.co.uk and choose paper vouchers or E-Vouchers, the value of your gifts, and that’s your shopping done! For personal help and advice you can call (01347) 810443.

Dazzle in new boots Beautiful Italian made boots with zips up the back offering a close contact fit. In six amazing colours these boots are such fashionable riding boots. Prices from £499.00.

Please visit www.kpequestrian.com

KM Elite Sheepskin Half Pad RRP: £52.99 www.kmeliteproducts.co.uk

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Subscribe to Localrider Surprise friends with a year’s worth of your favourite equestrian magazine for just £24.80... the perfect gift that will last through 2012! www.localrider.co.uk

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Shop Online at www.rideaway.co.uk DECEMBER 2011 Localrider 51

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CHRISTMAS Stay Warm This Winter!

The Cleveland Bay Horse Society!

The Cleveland Bay Horse Society (CBHS) has launched a brand new calendar for 2012.

The calendar costs £7.00 including envelope and postage in the UK. For overseas postage, please contact the CBHS. There are less than 250 pure bred mares of breeding age left throughout the world and the breed remains on the Rare Breed Survival Trust’s critical list.

In new reversible Union Jack/Red fleece the Supreme Products Head and Neck Warmers are sure to keep you toasty!

The sets make ideal stocking fillers to help keep you and your friends warm over the colder months. www.supremeproducts.co.uk

Don’t forget to Treat your horse this Christmas!

www. clevelandbay.com

NAF Minty Treats are 100% natural and have been formulated, combining only the best quality ingredients, including real peppermint so that you are now able to offer your horse a healthy and delicious treat.

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DATE CREATED: 16.3.11 REQUESTED BY: Christopher Parsonage SPECIAL INSTRUCTION: Copyright Trader Media Group 2006

        

 

    

    

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 

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MACHINE WASHABLE WOOLLEN HEADBANDS, £15.00 Visit us on stand H42 @ Olympia www.dollyboots.co.uk Tel 07968 809455

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To order call FREEPHONE 08080 453 453 or order online at www.ijf.org.uk

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BUMPER CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAYS!

Happy Xmas...

The countdown to Christmas has begun and to celebrate we have over £6,000 of prizes to give away!

FIVE TO BE GIVEN AWAY! Wufts Dog Game Santa Claus has asked The PONYGANG to give away five Wufts Dog Games this Christmas. All you have to do to win a copy of Wufts is to go on to the Ponygangs website www.ponygang.co.uk look under What’s New and answer the following question on the entry form. Q .How many questions are there in Burlington Horse Trials?

5 winners will each receive a Wufts Dog Game.

TopSpec Senior Feed Balancer

THREE TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

Keep your veteran in tip top condition with TopSpec Senior Feed Balancer. TopSpec Senior Feed Balancer is a very palatable ‘non-heating’ feed that contains several supplements including the levels of micronutrients and digestive aids normally only found in high quality specialised supplements.

Of particular importance to elderly horses is the inclusion of micronutrients known to help maintain mobility. The scientifically recommended rate of 10grams of glucosamine/500kg horse/day is a key feature of the mobility supplement included in this formula. This superb specification allows elderly horses to utilise far more nutrients from the forage and straights in their diet, which often means that their hard feed intake can be reduced with many resulting benefits. Using TopSpec Senior Feed Balancer will help to maintain mobility and also promote muscle development and topline, which often starts to decline as horses’ age. Feeding it will help to maintain good hoof quality and promote a supple skin with a shiny coat. TopSpec Senior Feed Balancer helps to maintain a healthy immune system and also includes a highly available source of vitamin C to help maintain healthy lung tissue. Feeding it may also lead to a calmer temperament in stressed horses and ponies. When feeding TopSpec Senior Feed Balancer there is no need to add any further supplements. www.topspec.com

win TWO TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

1kg of Vetroflex plus 21 sachets of Vetrofen Vetrofen is a proprietary blend of the plant extracts Scutellaria baicalensis and Acacia catechu, clinically proven to assist the bodies? inflammatory response and antioxidant properties.

Vetrofen works by supporting the dietary balance of the metabolic processes involved in maintaining joint comfort rather than simply focusing on the symptoms. This approach is in sharp contrast to masking symptoms with the use of chemical alternatives.

Use Vetrofen to maintain the body’s inflammatory response associated with the stiffness and arthritis common with old age and, if needed, in parallel with Vetroflex to strengthen and protect the joint now and for the future whilst regenerating the joint cartilage where damage has occurred, therefore reducing the likelihood of the swelling and stiffness in the first place or in the case of hard ground just simply taking it their stride.

Two winners will each receive 1kg of Vetroflex and 21 sachets of Vetrofen.

Three winners will each receive a sack of TopSpec Senior Feed Balancer.

www.animalife.co.uk

TWO TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

Mark Todd Deluxe Combo Turnout Rug

NaturalintX First Aid Bags

This top of the range turnout will keep your horse cosy and warm from top to tail this winter.

Featuring a robust 1680 denier waterproof and breathable outer shell, and an impressive 420g insulation layer, the rug has generous neck and tail covers and a nylon anti-rub lining which polishes the horse’s coat during wear. Design detail includes reflective piping and tail strip, fleece poll protection and adjustable quick-release breast fastenings.

A matching combo stable rug is also available in this chocolate/caramel colourway in sizes 5’6” to 7’3”.

NAF, pioneers in natural horse health, have turned their expertise in natural equine care to first aid, with the launch of NaturalintX. Within the new Naturalint-X first aid range you will find a choice of veterinary approved, 100% natural dressings for wound management, together with naturally formulated applications to support the healing of minor wounds, cuts, abrasions and strains.

EIGHT TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

Two winners will each receive a NaturalintX First Aid bag packed full of everything you will need in an emergency.

www.marktoddcollection.co.uk

www.naf-uk.com

One winner will receive a Mark Todd Deluxe Combo Turnout Rug, please confirm the size rug you require on your entry form. The rug is available in sizes 5’6” to 7’0”.

ONE TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

AP McCoy’s Autobiography Tony ‘AP’ McCoy is unquestionably the greatest and most successful jump-jockey of all time. He has collected a record sixteen consecutive jump jockey’s titles to date, and since 1992 he has ridden over 3,000 winners. In 2002, he beat Sir Gordon Richards’ record of 269 winners in a season by riding 289. In April 2010, AP achieved his lifelong ambition when he won the Grand National at Aintree on Don’t Push It. It was the final missing piece in the racing jigsaw for a champion jockey who had already had famous victories in the King George VI Chase, Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase and Cheltenham Gold Cup. This powerfully honest autobiography looks at life at the very top in National Hunt racing.

Eight winners will each receive a copy of AP McCoy’s Autobiography.

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Equine Speedskip As we go into the winter and many horses begin to be stabled at night, it is essential to have the right tools to ease the workload. By using an Equine Speedskip you will save good bedding material ending up on the muck heap, as well as making the mucking out process quicker and easier. Feedback from customers has been exceptional and the product has quickly become an essential piece of yard equipment. Many equine colleges and professional yards now use the Speedskip for this purpose. Great on arenas and the paddock too!

TEN TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

Available in black, blue green, pink and purple. www.equinespeedskip.com Eight winners will each receive an Equine Speedskip, please indicate your preferred colour on the entry form.

EIGHT TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

Activ Wash® and Robinson Animal Healthcare Memo Boards Activ Wash® is a mild, antibacterial cleanser which gently removes scabs and debris caused by mud fever or rain scald. Available in a 500 ml bottle, it can be easily applied with a damp sponge.

The branded memo board is perfect for keeping those all important numbers handy and for leaving messages in you feed or tack room.

Robinson Animal Healthcare has a wide range of products for all your first aid and ailment requirements.

win

Blue Chip Original

Be one of the first to win a sack of Blue Chip’s evolutionary feed balancer.

Blue Chip is giving the chance to win a sack of the new and evolutionary formulation of Blue Chip Original the trusted feed balancer, plus a fleece beanie hat!

Blue Chip is proud to bring a revolutionary new and proven ingredient to the equine world: nucleotides. Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and RNA, which aid nutrient absorption and immune facilitators. Thanks to nutritional and manufacturing developments, Blue Chip Original, like the whole Blue Chip range, is now entirely molasses and whole-cereal free. Each feed balancer is also enhanced with fruit derived natural Vitamin E, which is 4-6 times more bioavailable to the horse than the synthetic form found in other feed balancers. Blue Chip Original’s unique advanced formulation also includes an EU approved probiotic, a complete vitamin, mineral and nutrient package, a hoof and respiratory supplement and generous levels of oils, ensuring your horse stays healthy throughout the winter. www.bluechipfeed.com Four winners will each receive a sack of Blue Chip’s evolutionary new Original Feed Balancer.

www.robinsoncare.com Ten winners will each receive a bottle of Activ Wash® and a Robinsons Animal Healthcare Memo Board.

FOUR TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

Mirrors for Training Strategically placed mirrors in your arena are a valuable asset, helping you monitor your horse’s movements and make your training sessions more effective, even when your instructor isn’t there. These mirrors mean you’ll be able to see what the judge sees so you can correct what you need to, when you need to. Your horse can feel the correction at the right time because you’re able to see it in real time. The use of mirrors will help you practise good habits such as proper angles in your half-passes and shoulder-ins, and proper seat and leg positions. The more time you spend riding correctly the easier it is to repeat in the competition arena. You can improve your accuracy and get better results while saving money on training fees. This really is the way to help you and your horse realise your full potential.

The visual benefits of using mirrors for training are limitless, identifying in real time inaccuracies in your performance and being able to make changes immediately before they become habit forming is priceless for both horse and rider.

• • • •

The ultimate training aid Boost confidence in the arena Earn higher points for accuracy See your positioning and correct it real time

Mirrors for Training who have raised the standard with the launch of their new All Weather, Ready to Install, Arena Mirrors, Generously sized 8ft x 4ft, superior reflection and maintenance free, which are backed and framed in galvanized steel making a wood free construction. The importance of arena mirrors being wood free, is simple wood is a natural product it absorbs moisture, and requires high level of maintenance to combat this, and should be avoided when planning Outdoor Mirrors. The bottom line is wood warps and bends not good for backing mirrors on, as bent wood makes the mirrors appear distorted.

Mirrors for Training products are manufactured in the UK to the highest standard.

We use Pilkington opti-mirror which is safety backed to british standards giving a far superior product than you would get with cheap mirrors from the far east. and with distortion prone acrylic mirrors. These all-weather mirrors are substantially framed in galvanised steel which is also plastic coated, making them robust, durable and designed to last many years.

• • • • • •

Incorporates a special safety film and 15mm cushioner for added impact protection Excellent resistance to natural atmospheric corrosion Easy to handle and install Manufactured to European standard EN 1036 Achieves impact performance EN 12600 2(B)2 Vertical or horizontal mounting options

ONE TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

• • • • •

Suitable for indoor and outdoor Arenas Robust steel frame construction Maintenance free Supplied with Installation brackets that simplify your installation 12 month guarantee

www.mirrorsfortraining.co.uk One winner will receive a ready to install Mirror, worth £570.

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BUMPER CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAYS! Bossy’s Bibs Make rug rubs a thing of the past with this simple effective anti-rub bib from Bossy’s Bibs. Silky and lightweight, it will give your horse or pony maximum comfort and protection under all rugs.

Bossy’s Bibs are a firm favourite in yards around the world because they work well for all types of horses and ponies. They are machine washable and quick drying. Available in black, navy, burgundy, green and white. Happy horses are wearing Bossy’s Bibs!

SIX TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

www.bossysbibs.com Five winners will each receive one bib, please confirm your preferred size and colour on the entry form.

FIVE TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

James Hart Solutions Old Friend

win

Rainbow Mixed Mini Horslyx Gift Set

Mini Horslyx is a palatable, healthy treat containing three days of the essential nutrients to help maintain horse and pony health, from antioxidants to boost the immune system, to the unique healthy hooves formula contained in every Horslyx product. As well as being the perfect Christmas present or stocking filler, Mini Horslyx has a multitude of uses, including as an aid to catching, loading, clipping, stretching exercises, or distraction during routine visits such as shoeing and vaccinations. Mini Horslyx is suitable for use with all horses and ponies, even those prone to weight gain. www.horslyx.com Nine winners will each receive a Rainbow Mixed Mini Horslyx Gift Set.

NINE TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

Win over the winter blues with Old Friend.

Ever felt stiff, run down, and as though, while your heating is firing on all cylinders through the winter, you certainly aren’t? The same can be true for your horse.

Old Friend, from James Hart Solutions’ Equine Herbals range is a complete tonic to help maintain the digestive, lymphatic, musculo-skeletal and circulatory systems of the horse as well as offering specific support for the liver and kidneys.

Aware it is often our veteran friends who suffer the most, Old Friend is in liquid form to suit the fussy feeder and can particularly benefit horses with an already compromised digestive system, but it is also safe for long term and competition use. www.equineherbals.com Six winners will each receive 500ml bottle of Old Friend.

SEVEN TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

Nostrilvet Nostrilvet is a natural equine allergy blocker, the product is fast acting, clinically proven and drug free and was developed in conjunction with veterinary surgeons. It can help in the prevention of equine hay fever, head shaking, heaves (COPD), coughing and dust allergy. It is easily administered and forms a natural barrier within the nasal tract to stop indoor and outdoor allergies before they start.

Dust and mould spores are prevalent within the stable and surrounding areas, these environmental irritants challenge the horses respiratory system to various degrees of severity, causing coughing and mucus and in some cases more severe symptoms. Nostrilvet is simple and easy to administer by the horse owner and will help to maintain good respiratory health and the horse’s ability to work. Nostrilvet is a fine powder and is sent gently up into the nasal tract in a fine plume when the bottle is squeezed, it reacts with the moisture within the airway, forming a mucus like fine gel lining that acts as a filter for allergens, pollutants and dust offering relief in minutes, it can be administered daily as required. www.nostrilvet.com 5 winners will each receive one box of Nostrilvet.

FIVE TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

British Equestrian ID service (BEIDS) THREE TO BE GIVEN AWAY! Derby House Winter Jean Breeches If style, comfort and great value for money are important to you, then look no further for a great buy with the Derby House Winter Jeans Breeches.

Featuring detailed stitching, two front pockets, two back pockets with a handy zip, plus a really soft synthetic full seat - these breeches are truly great value for money. The cut of the Winter Jean Breeches are extremely flattering and also provide maximum freedom of movement whilst wearing them.

Composition: 95% Cotton and 5% Lycra.

Colour: Black Sizes: 24”, 26”, 28”,30”,32”,34”,36”,38”

BEIDS offers riders and their families the peace of mind that in the event of an accident, the BEIDS Emergency Support Team are just one call away and help is quickly on hand. With all your medical and emergency contact details held centrally, the support team will be able to identify a horse and rider and assist medical services with valuable medical information. They will also immediately telephone family members with details of any incident. www.beids.co.uk Seven winners will each receive a BEIDS pack with a code to register for one year.

www.derbyhouse.co.uk Three winners will each receive a pair of Derby House Winter Jean Breeches, please confirm your preferred size on the entry form.

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win

ONE TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

Turnoutmasta 200 Fixed Neck!

Equilibrium Therapy® Magnetic Back Pad and Quarters Pad Magnetic Therapy has been proven to have both positive effects in humans and animals in treating scar tissue, inflammation, reducing swelling, stiffness, muscle cramps and arthritis, all afflictions which are commonly experienced by veteran horses and ponies. The EQUILIBRIUM Therapy® range uses VITAflex® magnets, which have been shown to be twice as effective as standard Neodymium magnets.

These VITAflex® magnets possess strong, circular and permanent magnetic fields of alternating pole sequences which can penetrate deeply into the body tissue. When applied to a troubled area, minute electrical voltages are created. The electrically conductive blood moves within the blood vessels under alternating magnetic fields, thereby building up voltage and bringing the cells to an excited state.

This helps improve cell metabolism encouraging cells to regenerate much quicker. The Equilibrium Therapy® Magnetic Back Pad helps to relieve stiffness, muscle soreness and promote faster healing in horse’s backs. The Back Pad covers the saddle area and extends to the loins, but if the problem lies further back then the reach of the magnetic therapy can be extended by use of the Equilibrium Therapy® Magnetic Quarters Pad. With back trouble an all too common side effect of the enormous stress that domestication and riding places upon our horse’s backs, these innovative products are particularly beneficial for veterans, many of whom have suffered more than their fair share of back strain.

The all new Turnoutmasta 200 Fixed Neck is back and is the culmination of over 30 years experience of making horse rugs. Designed to perform as good as they look the new range incorporates high end materials, innovative designs and functional styling delivering one of the best horse rugs from Masta.

The new Turnoutmasta 200 Fixed Neck is a middleweight rug with a 200g thermal insulating filling. Made from high quality waterproof and breathable 600d ripstop polyester outer with attractive print, this rug also has a fixed neck design incorporating reinforced internal webbing.

The Tournoutmasta 200 Fixed Neck also features an S-shaped contour self-righting pattern with new re-positioned shoulder gussets for maximum comfort and fit. With cross surcingles, removable rear-leg straps, buckle and clip front fastening and extended gusseted tail flap, this rug will keep your horse comfortable and warm throughout the winter.

Available in Black/Maroon , the Turnoutmasta 200 Fixed Neck is offered in sizes 4’6” to 7’3”.

EIGHT TO BE GIVEN AWAY! Purple Check Country Gloves from Carrots The new collection of Carrots Country Gloves offer a stylish and classic accessory for anyone that is a fan of country chic. The stretch fabric offers a comfortable fit for all hand sizes and the cute leather trim adds an extra touch of class.

Available in three styles, Pink Rose, Green Herringbone or Purple Check, the gloves feature reinforcement at the fingers and thumb which mean they can be worn in and out of the saddle.

www.EquilibriumProducts.com

www.carrotsuk.com

One winner will receive an Equilibrium Therapy® Magnetic Back Pad and Quarters Pad.

8 winners will each receive a pair of Purple Check Country Gloves from Carrots.

Balanced Horse Feeds Oldster

25 TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

Oldster is designed to give optimum nutrition to mature horses and ponies. Blended from a mixture of high temperature dried grass, controlled levels of cooked cereals, pure unrefined soya oil to aid coat shine and a concentrate pellet containing a full vitamin & mineral supplement. Oldster contains MSM & Glucosamine to help with the nutritional maintenance of healthy joints, a unique blend of antioxidants for immune system support and a pre-biotic to aid hind gut digestion.

www.masta.co.uk One winner will receive a Turnoutmasta 200 Fixed Neck, please indicate your preferred size on the entry form.

ONE TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

Photo Shoot of you and your horse This is your chance to win a fantastic photo shoot with award winning photographer Kirsty at KDEquine. The prize includes a photo shoot of you and your horse (or your pet) and includes a framed 10” x 8” photo of your choice from your own gallery on the KDEquine website.

The winner will receive a voucher valid for six months. A photo shoot makes the perfect Christmas present for any animal lover.

Please visit www.kdequine.co.uk to view Kirsty’s portfolio for inspiration and ideas for your very own photo shoot.

Four winners will each win four bags of Oldster. www.balancedhorsefeeds.co.uk

FOUR TO BE GIVEN AWAY! Warm-ups Long Riding Socks Warm-ups Long riding socks are designed by riders for riders. With six different colour ranges, WarmUps boasts a unique slim line fit specifically for competition boots, with added padding in the toe and sole areas for comfort. Normal RRP for socks £6.00. Warm-ups sponsor professional Event Rider Kate Lukas, add Warm-ups on Facebook to win even more prizes.

25 winners will each win a pair of Warm-ups Long riding socks. www.warm-ups.co.uk

ONE TO BE GIVEN AWAY! DECEMBER 2011 Localrider 57

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BUMPER CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAYS! Signed copies of Team Fredericks - In Control, Parts 1 and 2

Toggi Quebec

ONE TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

Treat your feet this Christmas with the Quebec breathable and waterproof milled leather country boot from Toggi. Featuring a Varidex® waterproof membrane system, an all terrain Thermo Rubber sole unit and Polyurethane cushioned insock with gel foam inserts, the Quebec combine all-day comfort with outstanding durability and performance and, of course, Toggi’s enviable good looks!

Colour: Chocolate Sizes: 37 - 46

Equestrian Vision, the leading producer and distributor of equestrian DVDs in the UK, is pleased to offer three lucky winners, exclusive, copies of the newly released Team Fredericks - In Control, Parts 1 and 2 signed by both Lucinda and Clayton Fredericks.

TEAM FREDERICKS - IN CONTROL: Australian Olympic duo Clayton and Lucinda Fredericks welcome you into their world of Eventing. Between them they have won all the major titles and the ‘In Control’ double DVD series will share with you their training philosophy and give you a personal insight into the day to day running of a top class eventing yard. Part 1 –includes Types of Horse, German Masters, Schooling, Stride, Straightness and Overcoming Jumping Problems. 2 hrs 15 mins duration. Part 2 – includes Young Riders, Dressage Warm Up, Show Jumping Warm Up, Cross Country at Home, Cross Country for Real and Stuttgart Clinic. 2 hrs 15 mins duration.

TWO TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

The Company of Horsemen top stunt and trick are offering one winner and their friend the chance to join them at home in Leeds to have a go at riding like a stuntman.

Great performance comes from the heart and that’s just one thing that the Company of Horsemen have in bucket loads! That’s as well as having some of the greatest showmen in the UK. www.thecompanyofhorsemen.co.uk

THREE TO BE GIVEN AWAY! ONE TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

www.cottagecraft.co.uk Two winners will each receive a leather crystal headcollar from Cottage Craft. Please indicate your preferred size and colour on your entry form.

ONE TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

Three winners will each receive a signed copy of Team Fredericks - In Control, Parts 1 and 2.

One winner will receive a pair of Toggi Quebec boots, please indicate your preferred size on your entry form.

The new leather crystal headcollar from Cottage Craft is a perfect treat for your horse.

Made from leather, the headcollar is comfortable and practical for any horse. The simple design looks combines style with class.

It also features twin adjustments at the nose and cheek so it will fit any horse. The headcollar is available in colours Havana and Black, in sizes pony, cob and full.

Lesson with the Company of Horsemen Stunt Team

www.equestrianvision.co.uk

www.toggi.com

Leather Crystal Headcollar from Cottage Craft

win

RS-tor riding security aid, plus an embroidered baseball cap The innovative, BETA-award-winning product is an ideal accessory for all riders. For jumping enthusiasts, it provides extra stability, allowing even experienced riders to concentrate more on their body position during the jump’s approach and getaway. For flatwork riding and hacking, it helps develop confidence and balance, and can help reduce the risk factors for falling. The light, webbing strap attaches to the saddle stirrup bars and includes an elasticated element that absorbs movement.

Sizes Childs, S, M/L. (Sizing advice online – adults over 5ft usually chose M/L). www.rstor.co.uk

A pair of Trail boots The simple design appeals to those that enjoy pleasure riding, hacking, endurance, sponsored rides and carriage driving, up to 25 miles.

Why choose hoof boots? Hoof boots help protect the hoof and boost its shock absorption properties on hard surfaces, or when transitioning from shod to bare.

Could your horse ‘go bare’? Your horse would need: • Regular trimming by an experienced hoofcare professional • A good diet based on food the horse’s body evolved to thrive on • Exercise, including natural movement in the field and little confinement Trail Hoof Boot - RRP: Sizes 0 – 6 / Sizes 7 -10 www.trelawneequine.co.uk One winner will receive a pair of EasyCare Trail hoof boots for barefoot horses, plus, a pair of comfort pads to fit inside the boots, please indicate your preferred size on the entry form.

Three winners will each receive an RS-tor riding security aid, plus an embroidered baseball cap.

THREE TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

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win

ONE TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

TWO TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

Stickhedz Goody Bag Parelli Celebration of Horsenality DVD Why not share some Parelli magic, the natural way? Nothing comes close to building that perfect bond with your horse. In April 2011, more than 6,000 horse lovers travelled to a lively, fun-filled and thought-provoking Parelli Celebration at the LG Arena, Birmingham. Now you too can share in the excitement of this revolutionary event with the Celebration of Horsenality DVD. Delving deep into the life-changing concepts of horse and human personality profiling, this educational and entertaining documentary will change the way you look at your horse and yourself forever.

Stepping into the spotlight, Linda Parelli explains her pioneering work in developing a model for horse personality typing that allows everyone, from novice horse enthusiasts to Olympic riders, to better understand the motivations of their particular horse.

Putting the model to work, both Pat and Linda showcase a variety of challenging training issues with horses of divergent Horsenality types. Along the way, they show owners how to master their own Humanality habits for improved success in and out of the saddle.

SPILLERS® Treats

www.parellinaturalhorsetraining.com

www.spillers-feeds.com m

Two winners will each receive a Parelli Celebration of Horsenality DVD.

30 winners will each receive a voucher for SPILLERS® Treats.

Show your horse how much you care this Christmas with SPILLERS® Treats. They are chunky, easy-to-feed pellets that are ideal to carry in your pocket with minimal mess and are the perfect way to reward your horse. You can choose from five different types including some with special added health benefits to help support joints and feet.

Based on the favourite SPILLERS® Meadow® Herb formula, SPILLERS® Meadow® Herb with Biotin contains added biotin for healthy hoof growth while SPILLERS® Meadow® Herb with glucosamine contains added glucosamine to support healthy joints. Alternatively you can choose original SPILLERS® Meadow® Herb, SPILLERS® Spearmint or SPILLERS® Apple, to give your horse his favourite flavour this Christmas.

All SPILLERS® Treats are available in 1kg bags from your local SPILLERS® stockist and make the perfect stocking filler for your favourite equine friend.

www.equisafety.com One winner will receive an Equisafety Wraparound Rug, please indicate your preferred size on the entry form.

ONE TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

ONE TO BE GIVEN AWAY! Sue Carson Saddles Comfort Bridle Two bridles in one – for when every one penny has to do the job of two! The Comfort Bridle from Sue Carson Saddles has a revolutionary and flexible design that means it can be quickly and easily converted between a snaffle and a double bridle and from a crank to a cavesson noseband, which at a time when every penny has to do the job of two, is a really cost effective option for riders moving up and down the dressage or eventing grades – or even for different horses! This incredibly stylish bridle has been designed to offer exceptional comfort for the horse and includes a padded headpiece together with other very desirable features that combine to reduce pinching, poll pressure, resistance, head tilting, rubbing and sliding. Maximum adjustability ensures a perfect fit for any horse. The Sue Carson Saddles Comfort Bridle is available to fit Cob and Full Size, in a choice of black or brown, with padding available in black, brown, white, gold, silver or tan.

It costs £170.00 for the double bridle, or £150.00 for the snaffle-only option.

One winner will receive a Sue Carson Saddles Comfort Bridle, please indicate on your entry form your preferred size and colour. www.suecarsonsaddles.co.uk

www.stickhedz.com One winner will receive the Stickhedz tote bag full of luxury items, please indicate your clothing size on the entry form.

30 TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

Equisafety Wraparound Rug Equisafety’s successful Polite©™ range now includes a re-working of the hugely popular Wraparound Rug with the addition of very visible blue & white checked reflective strips. Other features include: • 360° degrees reflective and fluorescent.

• Detachable, fully adjustable chest protector, fitted at the top of the pommel area ensures it does not get in the way of the horse’s movement.

• Using a surcingle, the rug can be used without the saddle and is useful for long-reining or leading horses.

• Cut very generously in depth to fit the largest of rears.

• Unique, exclusively designed girth slits make sure the rug will not slip.

• Fillet string is attached at the rear to ensure it does not blow up in windy conditions.

• Webbing straps at front & rear for flashing attachments to be attached too.

Pocket – ideal for maps, sandwiches etc.

Available in Yellow only. Sizes:- Show Pony – 4’6 – 5’0 / Pony – 5’.3 – 5’.9 / Cob – 6’.0 – 6’.3 / Horse – 6’.6 – 6’.9 / XFull – 7’.0 – 7’.6

Polo clothing company Stickhedz has put together a bag full of their favourite items including: Stickhedz tote bag Stickhedz ladies hoodie Stickhedz the 1 tee Stickhedz rugby top Stickhedz classic ladies polo Stickhedz polo dress

FOUR TO BE GIVEN AWAY! Parelli Ponies Meet the newest members of the Parelli family - the Parelli Ponies! Modelled on each of the four Horsenalities, Left Brain Introvert, Left Brain Extrovert, Right Brain Introvert, Right Brain Extrovert, these adorable soft toys are sure to capture your heart and imagination.

Each pony is on a mission to help the four main equestrian causes benefiting from the new Parelli Horsemanship Fund. With the aim of encouraging young people to take up horsemanship, helping horses that face neglect, providing educational scholarships and helping disabled horse lovers, the Parelli Fund is aimed at changing the lives of both horses and humans and truly making a difference.

100% of proceeds from the sales of Parelli Ponies will be allocated to the Parelli Horsemanship Fund, where they will be helping to find “forever” homes for horses in need and enriching children’s lives through natural horsemanship learning.

The Fund also supports developing future paraequestrians and Parelli students all over the world by developing the Parelli Professionals and equine educators of tomorrow. There’s four to collect, so make them all your friends and support the cause! www.parelli.com Four winners will each receive a Parelli Pony.

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BUMPER CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAYS! ONE TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

LMEQ Cross Country Schooling Vouchers Built by the Willis Brothers of Badminton Horse Trials fame, the cross-country course at Littleton Manor Equestrian Centre in Reigate has something for every level of rider, from mini, mini to the advanced eventer. www.lmeq.com Four winners will each receive a voucher entitling them to one cross country schooling session at Littleton Manor Equestrian Centre.

Half body scan for your horse by Equiscan Equiscan was established in the UK by Sophie Gent. Sophie trained as a certified Clinical (human) Thermographer in Cambridge, before going to Florida, USA to train as a Veterinary Thermographer. It was there that she trained with leading medical figure Dr Peter Leando, who is the developer/ inventor of medical grade systems (Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging) and one of our very own former National Hunt Jockeys.

Equiscan DITI is 100% safe and completely noninvasive and images are even collected at your horses stable! D.I.T.I works in harmony with x-rays, ultrasound and scintigraphy which are all tests of anatomy (structure) but not soft tissue.

DITI is unique in its ability to show physiological abnormalities and graphically display the subjective feeling and source of pain. This can be anything from back pain, a dental infection, tendon lesions or laminitis to detecting the source of non-specific lameness.

win

Selenavite E Liquid

Selenavite E from Equine Products UK is a balanced, comprehensive liquid supplement formulated in a very palatable molasses base for efficient, rapid absorption. It provides 20 micronutrients, including vitamins, minerals, trace elements and amino acids and is a really simple way to provide comprehensive, very cost-effective daily supplementation.

With over 25 years of experience, Equine Products UK has a proven track record of using the latest research to ensure its formulations really do help to keep your horse or pony healthy from the inside out, enthusiastic and performing well. Just a small amount of Selenavite E Liquid every day will provide all the essential micronutrients required by all types of horses and ponies of all ages. Feed 60ml daily to a working horse and 30ml daily to a working pony, half of these amounts to resting horses and ponies. www.equineproducts-ukltd.com Four winners will each receive one 5 litre bottle of SelenaviteE.

FOUR TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

FOUR TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

www.equiscan.co.uk One winner will receive a £200 Equiscan for their horse.

KP Equestrian ‘Bling’ Oversized Hoodie

A Polo lesson at Sussex polo

FOUR TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

Play Polo – the Game of Kings – this Christmas...

Brighten up winter and learn to play polo in Sussex Polo Club’s all-weather arena.

Four winners will each receive a KP Equestrian ‘Bling’ Oversized Hoodie, from the brand new Autumn/Winter 2011 collection. This hoodie is great for both casual and riding wear.

www.sussexpolo.co.uk

ONE TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

Available in sizes UK 8 – 12. To view the full collection please visit www.kpequestrian.com Please indicate your preferred size on the entry form.

One winner will win a learn to play Polo lesson.

ONE TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

Tuffa’s Suffolk Boots Tuffa’s Suffolk Boots Two-Tone version is so called because it features two tones of top quality water repellent leather, with the dark brown areas being waxed nubuck, and the lighter panels benefiting from Scotchguarding. The warm natural wool linings keep feet snug, with the ridged, hardwearing rubber soles helping to maintain grip.

The Suffolks are finished with Tuffa’s clever fastening system which comprises two elasticated touch and close straps that can be fastened as the wearer wishes, giving a bespoke fit.

Suffolk Boots are ideal for dog walks, shooting, following the hunt, dashing around town, and any other time you want to look great and feel warm in high quality footwear.

Two-Tone Suffolk Boots are available in sizes 3 ½- 9, in standard and broad calf widths. www.tuffaboots.com One winner will receive a pair of Tuffa’s Suffolk Boots, please indicate your preferred size on the entry form.

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Schwenkel Windliner Gloves Schwenkel Windliner Gloves are your best friend for the hard winter months. They are perfect for winter riding or doing all your stable and yard work. They have a special ‘Palm Hand’ that is a non slippery, tough silicon coating which gives them a perfect grip. They are made from a Black ‘Sympatex’ technical wind-stopper fabric that is both wind resistant and breathable. The knitted cuff gives an optimal fit and helps prevent cold penetrating at the wrist. Machine washable at 30°C, you won’t want to wear any other gloves this winter. Sizes: XS – XXL. Three winners will each receive a pair of Schwenkel Windliner Gloves, please indicate your preferred size on your entry form. www.zebraproducts.co.uk

THREE TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

Box Set of Tilly Books

THREE TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

This beautifully-presented box set contains the first ten books in the Tilly’s Pony Tails series written by Pippa Funnell, one of the eventing world’s most successful and popular riders. They all feature Tilly Redbrow, a young horse whisperer who doesn’t just love horses - she lives, breathes and dreams them too! Follow Tilly’s adventures as she learns to ride and care for the horses at Silver Shoe Farm, and develops her special gift, with a little help from her favourite horse, Magic Spirit. For every girl who has ever longed for a pony of her own, these delightful, warm and engaging stories are packed with Pippa Funnell’s expert advice on everything you ever wanted to know about horses.

Three winners will each receive a box set of ten Tillys Pony Tails books by Pippa Funnell.

TRM’s Feedxcell And Curragh Carron Oil Support

FOUR TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

FeedXcell has one very important and unique advantage over other liquid supplements because its 20 key nutrients are fully in solution, so you don’t even need to remember to shake the bottle!

Other less advanced products can and often do ‘separate out’, so unless they are shaken vigorously before every feed, the nutrient content will not be the same at the top of bottle as it is at the bottom. FeedXcell has a clear label that details exactly how much of each nutrient is in each daily feed, so you can be confident it is great value for money. Including TRM’s palatable Curragh Carron Oil in the diet will add valuable essential fatty acids (EFAs) and help to produce a fabulous glossy coat too. Amongst these, the EFAs Omega 3 and Omega 6 are critical for health and have well-known important structural and functional roles in the body. So if you want nutritional peace of mind without a huge feed bill this winter, TRM is a proven and economical choice.

As international event rider Oliver Townend says, “I had tried many different nutritional supplements before I found the TRM range and am completely convinced that TRM products facilitate the best results in horses at all stages of training and competition.”

Four winners will each receive 1 x Curragh Carron Oil 4.5 litre and 1 x FeedXcell 3.75 litre. www.trm-store.co.uk

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Wufts Dog Game Answer.......................................

TopSpec Senior Feed Balancer 1kg of Vetroflex plus 21 sachets of Vetrofen Mark Todd Deluxe Combo Turnout Rug Size....................................................

AP McCoy’s Autobiography NaturalintX First Aid Bags Activ Wash® and Robinson Animal Healthcare Memo Boards Equine Speedskip Colour.........................................

Blue Chip Original Mirrors for Training James Hart Solutions Old Friend Bossy’s Bibs Size......................................................

Colour............................................................................

Rainbow Mixed Mini Horslyx Gift Set Nostrilvet Derby House Winter Jean Breeches Size...............................................................................

British Equestrian ID service (BEIDS) Equilibrium Therapy® Magnetic Back Pad and Quarters Pad Purple Check Country Gloves from Carrots Size......................................

Turnoutmasta 200 Fixed Neck Size...............................................................................

Balanced Horse Feeds Oldster Warm-ups Long Riding Socks Photo Shoot of you and your horse Toggi Quebec Size...............................................................................

Signed copies of Team Fredericks In Control, Parts 1 and 2 Lesson with the Company of Horsemen Stunt Team Leather Crystal Headcollar from Cottage Craft Size........................................

Colour...........................................................................

A pair of Trail boots Size......................................

RS-tor riding security aid, plus an embroidered baseball cap Parelli Celebration of Horsenality DVD SPILLERS® Treats Stickhedz Goody Bag Size....................................

Equisafety Wraparound Rug Size...............................................................................

Sue Carson Saddles Comfort Bridle Size...............................................................................

Colour...........................................................................

Parelli Ponies Half body scan for your horse, Equiscan LMEQ Cross Country Schooling Vouchers Selenavite E Liquid KP Equestrian ‘Bling’ Oversized Hoodie Size...............................................................................

Tuffa’s Suffolk Boots Size.....................................

A Polo lesson at Sussex polo Schwenkel Windliner Gloves Size...............................................................................

TRM’s Feedxcell / Curragh Carron Oil Support Box Set of Tilly Books Swarovski Embossed Fleck Whip A trunk full of prizes for your horse! (page 7) A lesson with Sarah Millis, treatment from Liz Oakenfold and iRide downloads (page 8)

Name: ...............................................................................

Address: ........................................................................... ........................................................................................... ...........................................................................................

Postcode: .........................................................................

ONE TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

Daytime tel no: ...............................................................

Email: ...............................................................................

Photocopies of this coupon are acceptable, but only one entry per household.

Closing date 31st January 2012

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For those who love a little sparkle, the Swarovski Embossed Fleck Whip is a stunning new whip that comes in jump and dressage styles.

Both feature a rubber handle with a stainless steel cap and centred Swarovski crystal with an additional set of stones spiralling down the handle.

The handle has been designed for extra grip and comfort, whilst the shaft is light, flexible and covered with quality matching thread.

When it comes to dazzling the judges, this whip certainly has some sparkle!

For more details about Fleck visit www. zebraproducts.co.uk

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Swarovski Embossed Fleck Whip

One winner will receive a Swarovski Embossed Fleck jumping crop.

To enter any of the Giveaways in this month’s issue of Localrider, simply tick the relevant boxes below, complete the form, and send it to us at: Localrider Giveaways, Roundbale Ltd, 2 Littleworth Cottages, Speldhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0TP

Localrider may occasionally pass on your details to carefully-selected organisations so that they can contact you by telephone or post with regards to promoting and researching their products and services. Please tick here if you prefer not to be contacted 

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vet’s corner

Equine Cushing’s Disease The facts and its relationship with Equine Metabolic Syndrome Words by Pauline Williams BSc, MSc, MA, Vet MB, Cert EM ( Int Med) MRCVS

E

quine Cushing’s disease (ECD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed endocrine (hormone) disorders in horses. In recent years it has become more recognised for two reasons; horses are living longer and there has been more research into the condition due to its link with laminitis, leading to increased owner awareness.

It is not a new condition; horses have been diagnosed and successfully treated with the same medication for over twenty years. However, it can be confused and even co exist with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) which is a relatively recently diagnosed disorder relating to increased metabolic efficiency and obesity that develops in young to middle age horses often resulting in laminitis.

Cushing’s disease tends to be seen more commonly in animals over the age of 15, although it can occur in the younger age group.

Various studies show differing results on its prevalence in horses and ponies and there is no confirmed sex predisposition.

Fig 3 – Pot bellied appearance often seen in advanced cushing’s cases

Fig 4 – Hoof changes exhibited in chronic laminitis cases

Aetiology (Cause) Cushing’s disease is caused by an enlargement of the region of the pituitary gland known as the pars intermedia which is located at the base of the brain. Hence the alternative name of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID). The pituitary gland secretes and/or stores many of the hormones that are responsible either directly or indirectly for the body to function. It is thought that age related oxidative damage to the nerves regulating the pituitary gland leads to overproduction of its derivatives including excess production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) that in simple terms regulates cortisol (the stress hormone) . Many predisposing factors have been implicated more recently including obesity and EMS earlier in life and environmental factors such as diet, although there is little data to support this at present.

Fig 5 - Periorbital fat pad bulging and fat deposition within the eye lids

Clinical signs A wide variety of clinical signs have been reported but it is important to recognise that the horse or pony may only show one of the signs (such as laminitis in the absence of hair coat changes) as the disease has a long and slow onset: • Hair /coat changes – long shaggy coat (hirsutism) Fig 1, curly coat, failure to shed or grow a coat at the appropriate time ( the horse may shed normally in the spring but then regrow a another coat in the summer). The coat quality may become coarse and discoloured (fig 2). Weight loss/ Abnormal fat redistribution pot bellied (fig 3) and loss of top line due to muscle catabolism sometimes with polyphagia (increased appetite) • Laminitis – (Fig 4) recurrent, non responsive cases, sometimes the hind feet are severely affected.

• • • • • • •

Recurrent infections – sinusitis/tooth root infections Delayed wound healing and skin infections polyuria (increased urination) and polydipsia(increased thirst) Excessive sweating Periorbital fat pad bulging (Fig 5) Lethargy and poor performance Increased susceptibility to parasites among others

Diagnosis

Fig 1 – Hirsutism- long shaggy coat

Fig 2 –Abnormal hair coat changes. Note the change in colour and texture

“Classic” clinical signs such as hair coat changes can be diagnostic for the condition. However laboratory diagnosis by your vet is important in confirming suspect cases and assessing the response to treatment.

There have been several laboratory tests used over the years some involving the assessment of cortisol levels following the injection of specific drugs. The current most commonly used diagnostic test involves taking a single blood sample to assess the resting plasma ACTH concentration. False positives and negatives can occur and there is a natural variation of ACTH throughout the year so seasonal adjustments are necessary. The measurement of insulin and possibly glucose levels is also important as many cases will show evidence of insulin resistance which leads to high levels

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of circulating insulin in the blood .Several studies have shown that raised insulin levels can induce laminitis.

Development of a more reliable diagnostic test especially to detect the early stages of Cushing’s is the researchers challenge.

Treatment There is no cure for Cushing’s disease but it can often be managed effectively for many years .The treatment of choice is oral administration of pergolide (Fig 6 and 7). Pergolide acts by inhibiting hormone production within the pars intermedia of the pituitary gland which in turn lowers circulating ACTH and other hormone levels. The main clinical side effect is a transient anorexia and depression when the drug is first introduced in some animals.

However this can be overcome by reducing the dose rate and gradually reintroducing it over a period of time in most cases.

Fig 6 – Cushings case – before treatment with pergolide

Fig 7 – Cushings case – after treatment with pergolide

“There is no cure for Cushing’s disease but it can often be managed effectively for many years. The treatment of choice is oral administration of pergolide” Table 1 Similarities and differences between Cushing’s disease and EMS

Cushing’s Disease

EMS

Average Age

>15 years

5 -15 years

Cause PPID

Genetics,obesity, insulin resistance

Hair/ coat changes

common

normal

Laminitis

predisposed

predisposed

Body condition

often weight loss loss of topline

obesity cresty/fat pads

ACTH levels

elevated

normal

Insulin levels

often elevated

always elevated

Management

balanced diet for weight gain/maintenance

balanced diet for weight loss

Exercise

as normal

increased levels

Drugs pergolide

Anti diabetic drugs/thyroid hormone

The Arundel Equine Hospital

Management Supportive care is important in the management of Cushing’s cases.

These include; • clipping of excess hair • Prompt and thorough treatment of all wounds and infections • routine farriery • routine dental checks • routine vaccination • Appropriate worming programme • Appropriate dietary management to maintain correct body condition

Equine Metabolic Syndrome – similarities/differences and relationships with Cushing’s disease The term Equine Metabolic Disease ( EMS) was first used in 2002 to describe horses with a history of laminitis, insulin resistance, obesity and a characteristic body type of a cresty neck with increased fat deposits along the topline. Fat can also accumulate in the sheath and near the mammary glands.

Both environmental and genetic factors all contribute to the development of EMS. Ponies’ natural adaptation to survive adverse conditions together with overfeeding and insufficient exercise all contribute to obesity.

It is now thought that EMS is a contributing factor in the development of Cushing’s disease later in life and the two conditions may co exist. The similarities and differences are summarised in Table 1. Cushings and EMS have marked similarities especially in the cases of chronic laminitis. However, the underlying pathology is different and it is important to differentiate between the two conditions as the management is different in each case especially in terms of nutrition and exercise.

stud services BEVA accredited practice for AI- chilled and frozed semen Many years experience Walk in service for natural cover Embryo Transfer CEM accredited lab Mares can be boarded and taken in from all over the south of England Speialised foal care Stallion sub-fertility assessments 24 hour dedicated stud vet emergency call out and hospital care

General services RCVS accredited Tier 3 Hospital Full surgical faclities Bone scan Mobile and hospital based full digital diagnosis On site lab Referrals taken Pre-purchase examinations Sport Horse poor performance investigations For further information please contact the practice on 01903 883050 or click on www.arundelhorsevets.co.uk

Caring for and about horses december 2011 Localrider 63

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feature

Feeding the Veteran Words by Becky Hollows of Target Feeds

T

he horse’s diet plays a major role in keeping him warm, healthy and in good condition during the later years in life and as the nights slowly start to draw in many horse owners will start to worry about how their veteran will cope this winter, so it is essential to plan ahead to ensure your horse stays fit and healthy.

Horses age at different rates with many horses still leading very active lives in their late teens and twenties. It will be a gradual process in most horses and typical signs to look out for as the horse grows older may be weight loss and mobility problems, but as a responsible owner we can manage and alleviate some of the conditions that bring on the aging process.

Maintaining Condition For retired veterans that do lack condition it is important to allow them access to ad-lib forage such as good quality hay, haylage or grass. Forage should be the forefront of any horse’s diet and there are many options available to you to increase the fibre content of the horse’s diet if grass is limited.

Oils or fat supplemented diets are an excellent way of providing the horse with the additional calories required for improving and maintaining condition, and will also provide over twice the energy as the same amount of cereals. Antioxidants such as Vitamin E must be included when adding extra oil to the horses diet with many high fat supplements taking care of the increased requirement by incorporating Vitamin E. On the other hand a good doers weight will have to be closely

Driver is a 38-year-old Hackney that suffers from COPD and has difficulty eating and struggles to maintain condition. Through careful management and the use of hay replacers, specifically ReadyFibre Mash backed up with ReadyMash Extra as his concentrate ration, he now looks and feels in great condition. monitored. For older horses and ponies that are over weight there are low calorie feeds available that will provide a balanced diet without further promoting weight gain. As long as the availability of the nutrients contained in these feeds is good they can be fed to the older horse or pony.

Efficiency of the Digest System

One of the main reasons older horses start to lose weight is because of their inability to chew fibre properly due to poor dentition, which affects the whole digestive process. In older horses the population of micro organisms in the hind gut that the horse relies on for fibre digestion are less efficient. Therefore, a reduced fibre intake and less efficient fibre digestion can result in a horse losing weight and condition.

If your horse is unable to eat long stem fibre efficiently due to loss of teeth or poor tooth condition fibre should be provided through a hay replacer, which is fed alongside hard feed. Hay replacers can be in the form of chaffs, nuts or a mash which older horses with poor dentition should find very palatable.

By providing your horse with ad-lib fibre this will help maintain a healthy hindgut and body temperature in cold weather, as heat is produced through the digestion of feed. The greatest amount of heat is released when microbes in the hindgut digest high fibre feeds, which help keep the horse warm.

It is recommended that older horses should have their teeth checked every six months by a qualified equine dental technician.

Energy Requirements

Just because a horse becomes older does not necessarily mean that its competitive working career is finished, with many older horses still leading very active lives. Regular work combined with every day turnout where possible will help the horse’s general health and wellbeing. This work will also help keep their muscles toned and joints supple.

If you have a veteran that shows no specific age related problems and is still enjoying an active life then the main priority is to continue to feed a suitable ration according to bodyweight and workload.

It is important to always remember to feed in accordance with breed and work. For example a newly retired thoroughbred that has had a hard working life will find it more difficult to ‘switch off’ and retirement may not come so easily. If you feel your veteran may benefit from a senior specific feed then there are many specialist feeds on the market designed to meet the requirements of the older horse, often supplying them with a number of additional nutrients.

64 Localrider december 2011

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22/11/11 23:21:47

veterans

Your Veteran Horses and Ponies in the Spotlight “I have the pleasure of having on loan a 33-year-old, 16.1hh, ID,xTB called Ted , he is the love of my life and has a wonderful character. He started out life in Ireland pulling a plough! But during his life has had a dressage career, competed up to Advanced Medium and has also been ridden side saddle, hunted, hacked and attended local shows etc He is the boss at home and keeps all the other horses in line and often still charges across the field like a youngster with his tail in the air. I would really love it if he featured in Localrider as I am sure you will agree he looks fantastic for 33!” Andrea Carter The photograph was taken at a local show, in the in-hand veteran class during August this year.

Super Ted: 22-years-old “I would like to share the attached picture of my veteran, Super Ted (Fred), he is now 22-yearsold and last weekend won both of his dressage Championship classes at the Speedgate Dressage competition. I was so chuffed with him. He is the best little pony in the world, with such a character. He puts over 200% into what you ask of him (most of the time!). He is owned by my mum, but I pinch him!

He won some prize vouchers, which I put towards buying some magnetic boots for my own horse, which has unfortunately been diagnosed with arthritis at the young age of 11. Claude is also Fred’s best friend, so I’m sure he didn’t mind!” ClareTilney

Jeff: 23-years-old “This is Jeff, he is my 23-year-old Welsh Section A pony. He is a brilliant Pony Club pony and this year we had a brilliant time at Camp, plus we won the one day event. Jeff loves jumping!

He is a good pony to ride out with the youngsters as he isn’t scared of ANYTHING! And we have found out that until he was 10 he was used as a stallion and his old owner sent us pictures of his foals. He has had a very busy life! I love him very much” Paisley Greenslade, aged 8

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Artemis: 16-years-old “My horse Artemis aka Bertie deserves to feature in your veteran focus in December as he and I have a very special story to share. In September 2008 I had an awful riding accident that has left me disabled, it took me 11 months to learn to walk again and I was advised to never ride again!

My world was so empty at the thought of never riding again.

I started going to my livery yard in Epsom to help with stable management when Bertie, then owned by a friend, had an old Pelvis injury reoccur, so it was decided he was to be turned to pasture as the vet advised he would only be useful for a hack in walk. Whilst Bertie was getting ready to be wintered out I used to spend time with him and then had this crazy idea that actually maybe I should take him over and take him for walks (as surely going out for a walk twice a week would be fine for my metal plated leg).

We spent a good 12 months walking out and the buzz of being able to ride for both of us was amazing – we strangely got really strong riding out so we both got the nervous ok from the vet and my surgeon to start trotting and cantering on hacks.

I then moved Bertie to a new yard in Leatherhead to access better hacking around the Surrey Hills and we decided to start doing some Dressage at Intro level. We did well and moved up to Prelim and I cannot believe that we have finished this year qualifying and being placed regularly at unaffiliated dressage throughout the South East.

But the special mention is, Bertie even managed to qualify for the Veteran Horse Regional Finals that we have been attending (not yet placed at regional level), but we both enjoying our new lease of life after only two years ago, both being written off.

I know it sounds like a fairy tale but after my accident I never could have imagined riding again yet alone qualifying for the Sunshine Championship and Veteran Regional Finals. We have decided to start working at Novice level and have just affiliated with British Dressage.

Bertie really is one in a million to me personally, but he also touches the lives of those that are fortunate to handle him as he is the most genuine horse I have ever had the pleasure to own, who really has given me my life back after such a horrendous riding accident.” Jade Easton

Pic by ivisualise

Ted: 33-years-old

There is no doubt that with the improvement in nutrition and supplements available for older horses and ponies that they are going on to lead active lives into their 20s and 30s with many carrying on competing during this time.

Our veteran features are always popular, but this year we have had an enormous and varied response from readers and here we share some of our favourites.

22/11/11 23:22:43

veterans

Chiquita: 36-years-old

Galant Sprinter: 22-years-old “Galant Sprinter (stable name Beau) is 22-years-young and a former Grade B show jumper who is becoming a bit of a dressage diva! I took over the ride just over two years ago and have been competing at BD affiliated novice and elementary this year gaining 34 points so far, which both myself and her owner Pip Jeffries are immensely proud of.

With my work commitments, it is difficult for me to ride during the week, especially in the winter, so with the help from my instructor, Georgina Lysaght who keeps Beau beautifully schooled and Pip who looks after her wonderfully on a daily basis, I am able to sit on her to prepare the day before a competition! I spend my time on the train to and from work learning my tests! I owe a lot to Beau who has been a great help to my riding and long may it continue…” Emma Carter

Cranswick Felix: 18-years-old “Cranswicks Felix is an 18-year-old, British breed Danish Warmblood.

We qualified for the Veteran Horse Society Final at Olympia at Tall Trees in Cornwall (Yes mad too drive all the way down there but it was worth it!!!). We haven’t done a huge amount this year due to being a taxi driver (in the horsebox) for my daughter Izzy and her pony, but the tables are turned for Olympia when she will be my groom. We are so excited about qualifying for Olympia. Felix is my once in a lifetime horse and over the years we have had so much fun together, it really doesn’t matter how we do at Olympia , the pinnacle of our career is getting to ride in the Grandhall at Olympia, where so many great horse have been.” Karen Chaplin We will let you know how Karen did at Olympia in a future issue. She will be joined by other local combinations including Kate Marfleet and Murram Park Phantom, Deborah Burrell and King Leo, and Claire Hubbard and Taxal Timelord. We wish them all the best of luck at the final.

June Burgess bought a threeyear-old skewbald mare called Chiquita at Sevenoaks Horse Market 33 years ago.

She was looking for a horse so she could ride out on with her children. She chose Chiquita because she felt sorry for her as the filly was literally skin and bone and her feet looked like they’d never been touched.

June remembers that she struggled finding a suitable rug for Chiquita that winter because she was so desperately thin that they all rubbed her. As time went on, Chiquita put on weight and grew to 14.2hh, and June’s sons broke her in. June remembers her sons refusing to ride the mare through the village because they didn’t want to be seen riding such an unfashionable coloured pony! Nevertheless, Chiquita went on to be the most fantastic family steed. June accompanied her children on their hacks, and also successfully showed Chiquita in hand.

The pony was also a game Hunter Trialler, hunted with the West Kent Hunt and loved Show Jumping.

Over the years, she has been the mount of many, including Catherine Laver who won many a jumping and showing class on Chiquita, and in latter years, Julie Talbot.

Julie fondly remembers being lent Chiquita to ride, when her own horse sustained an injury. She says that Chiquita was an absolute joy and she would describe her as reliable, loving, honest and courageous. At the time, Chiquita was in her twenties.

In the winter no matter what she was fed she would always lose weight, and would start to look slightly gaunt. Julie remembers turning up for events and having other competitors turn their nose up at her on her skinny skewbald mare.

However, Julie would always have the last laugh when Chiquita continuously came home with the first place rosette!

Together they competed at several Riding Club Show Jumping Championships, and in fact, Chiquita is probably one of the oldest living equine members of Sevenoaks Riding Club, having attended their competitions on and off for over 30 years.

She was last ridden two years ago by a little girl down the road, and was still very forward going even then, but is now retired. At 36-years-old, Chiquita has hardly any teeth left, but does well on Allen & Page’s Fast Fibre and Safe and Sound mash feeds twice a day. She lives in her own little paddock with access to a stable as and when she pleases, and keeps an eye on all the younger ponies in June’s yard.

She still drags June up and down the field, and is as perky now as in her younger years. June says that Chiquita is the last of era... all the other ponies that they had as a family when her children were young have passed away, but Chiquita is still going strong.

Murray: 25-years-old

Murray, standing in the new water jump at Coomblands

“Murray is 25 soon to be 26 in January!

I’ve had him four years and he’s been fantastic in that time – it’s not been easy to keep him going, but it is definitely worth it as he has an amazing personality and has taught me so much in our time together.

I’ve done a bit of everything with him, he used to be a high level dressage horse but I’ve had most success with him doing Trec competitions – he’s great at slow canter and fast walk as he’s 17.2hh so has long legs which helps.” Jo Cox

66 Localrider december 2011

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Supreme Rock with owner Emma Pitt following the parade of former Olympic medallists at Blenheim International Horse Trials which he enjoyed.

Willow: 39-years-old “Willow is a little Welsh palomino. He’s 39! He’s been in our family for six years now. He’s taught both my children from scratch and got them well and truly hooked on riding. He has done all pony club activities and loves nothing more than hugs and cuddles. He’s a very cheeky pony too and if there is a chance that he can get through some electric fence he will. He’s even rolled under it! He’s losing a lot of teeth, so has to be fed soft food and we have to make sure that he’s on quite long grass - but then that can get stuck around his gums so we have to check that too. In winter Willow looks like a fluffy teddy bear and in summer turns into a stunning pony. Willow is now getting two other children hooked on riding - Katie who is 5 and Emi who is 7!”

Harry: 21-years-old “Harry is black Welsh pony. He’s 21. Harry has only been in our family for a year. He was used for Pony Club activities and having fun around the farm. Unfortunately he went lame and has been off work for six months. He’s now being a field companion for two large hunters who can’t bear to be alone in their field when the other one is out hunting! Harry is very gentle and loves to be brought in for a grooming session and made to feel special even though he’s not ridden now. Fingers crossed he may come sound, but if not he’s enjoying life as a babysitter!”

Brandy: 19-years-old Brandy is a little Welsh bay. He’s 19. He’s Patrick’s pony. We’ve had Brandy for about two-anda-half years now. He’s been part of our Pony Club for years with various families! He enjoys all Pony Club activities especially show jumping - very fast! He lives on fresh air and is never fed anything more than 1/2 a scope of chaff and lots of chopped up carrots! He’s even put on restricted grazing over winter!”

Photograph

by Fiona Scott-Maxwell

For Supreme Health “I wanted to send you the photo of Rocky following his parade at Blenheim. The riders and British Eventing Management (team trainer/ the vet/dressage trainer/jumping trainer) could not believe how brilliant he looked and asked what I fed him. I switched to TopSpec Senior Feed Balancer a few years ago and think that this has really helped him,” Emma Pitt, owner of Supreme Rock.

Supreme Rock, now 22-years-old is enjoying a very active retirement with owner Emma Pitt. He retired five years ago from a long and illustrious career in eventing at the highest level and now enjoys competing at dressage as well as hunting and hacking out with Poppy’s pony Biscuit (16) and Harry’s pony Peanut (20), all fed on TopSpec Senior Feed Balancer.

TopSpec Senior Feed Balancer combines the benefits of a feed balancer with a joint supplement and hoof supplement.

Charlie: 15-years-old Charlie is a grey Connemara grey and is 15. Charlie is being used for all Pony Club activities. He’s a cheeky gentle giant according to Caitlin. He’s given her so much confidence even though he is 15.1hh and Caitlin’s only 4’9” and 10! They did their first ODE and came fifth and can’t wait to get out show jumping over the winter months. Charlie is then helping out our riding club in a couple of weeks when I use him along with Savvy for team dressage!”

“Looking at these all of these horses and ponies work you’d never think they were all veterans and all live out 24/7! It’s like history is repeating itself. When I was younger I only had veteran ponies and my dad’s farm was their last home. We love them all to bits and having to spend extra time and effort to make their days happy is the least we can do for all the enjoyment they bring to me and my family.” Lisa Fahy

For free nutritional advice from our Multiple Award-Winning Helpline: Tel 01845 565 030 Email: nutritionist@topspec.com www.topspec.com

CREATED WITHOUT COMPROMISE by experienced equine nutritionists

Multiple Award Winner for 'Excellence in Nutritional Advice and Customer Service' 2007 - 2008 - 2009 2010 - 2011

For excellence in nutritional advice and customer service dECEmbEr 2011 Localrider 67

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22/11/11 23:22:48

veterans

Milly: 23-years-old

Syd: 26-years-old “I am writing to you about my ‘Horse of a Lifetime’, Syd, who is now 26-years-young. I have owned Syd since he was rising five-years-old.

He was purchased from Debbie Edmundson (nee Saffell) who evented and show jumped for Great Britain as a junior in the 1970s. My parents bought Syd for me with a legacy from my Grandmother, so I have often looked up and thought “Thank you Granny” over the years that I have owned him.

Syd and I learned together and he enabled me to achieve my greatest ambition which was to compete in affiliated eventing competitions. We gained 12 eventing points over four seasons, including winning a Novice level event in 1994. Also during that time I passed my Pony Club A Test and British Horse Society Assistant Instructor exams whilst studying and working as a Civil Engineer.

We ‘retired’ from eventing in 1994 when Syd started refusing at cross-country fences that he would previously have sailed over. It took a considerable amount of investigation to discover that he was uncomfortable in his feet, due to a seemingly minor foot balance problem.

Syd owes his long subsequent career as a happy hacker to my farrier, Clive Meers-Rainger who has shod him with utmost care for the last 15 years.

Syd and I have explored most corners of the Ashdown Forest on our hacks as he loves a change of scenery and really enjoys exploring new routes. He has a tremendous presence, and Alex and Pepa freely admit that he runs the show at Equus Livery where he has lived in total luxury for the last 15 months. Lunch is never late at Equus because Syd hangs over the door reminding his minions of the time according to his body clock!

Syd amuses everyone who meets him by performing his favourite trick of sucking his tongue and slurping loudly after consuming Extra Strong Mints. He achieved a certain notoriety with Cinder Hill Equine vets last November when he rolled into a ditch whilst he was turned out and the Fire Brigade had to winch him out. Astonishingly, he didn’t seem to suffer any ill effects from this adventure.

I have always molly-coddled him within an inch of his life, but he is a particularly special member of my family now after such a long partnership. I had Syd before I owned a house, got married or had children, and I feel the sense of responsibility for him very acutely. He tells me what length and speed of hack he would like to do nowadays, but he is always very gentle with my children who adore having ‘pony rides’ on the biggest lead rein pony I know!

I have attached a couple of photos of him: one from our glory days competing in 1992 and one taken a fortnight ago, showing off his new clip.

I hope Syd can make an appearance in your article because he has never appeared in print before!” Caroline Shaw

“Milly is a 23-year-old Welsh cob and is 13.1 hands. I’ve had her on loan for four years from her owner, Nicky. Milly had been out on loan lots of times in the couple of years before I met her - she is very keen and enthusiastic and some children found her quite difficult to handle!

Milly and I have done well in local shows and Pony Club events over the last few years and have won many rosettes and quite a few trophies, both individually and as part of a Crawley & Horsham Pony Club team. Milly has helped me become a much better rider.

Our biggest success was coming fourth overall at Cricklands in the Junior Showjumping Championships in August.

Although she is 23, Milly still thinks she is six-years-old, she even likes to do dressage at high speed (to get it over with quickly!) and always likes to lead when we go out on a hack with my mum and sister!

She is always eager to please and I love her very much.” david Lavender

Combined age of 93!

“Rose of Destiny aka Boo will be 33 next April, she is a chestnut Arab mare and I have owned her since September 1981. Yogi (Tariq’s Sweetest Taboo) is the son of Boo, by Tariq Khan, he will be 26 next April.

Pumpkin is my Shetland, he will be 35 in May next year. He was bought by a dear friend of mine, instead of heading to Ashford Horse Sales. She sold him to someone in Peacehaven and I bought him from there in 1984 as a companion for Boo. The three of them are the best of friends and I am lucky enough to have them at home in Firle.” Carol Ware

Hayselden Xenia: 15-years-old “Hayselden Xenia is 15, so officially a veteran, but shhh don’t tell her that as she definitely doesn’t behave like one!

The photograph is of us doing our lap of honour at the Veteran Horse Society Regional Final at Great Bookham. She won the Pre-Veteran class, was Second Reserve Champion and we will keep trying to get that golden Olympia ticket!

She is a real all rounder and competes in dressage, eventing, showing, show jumping, WHP, sponsored rides, hunting and much more, but her favourite thing (other than polos) is a jump off show jumping and she squeals when the bell goes! She was bred and is owned by the Hayselden Connemara stud in Kent and I have the tremendous privilege to ride her for them, having known her since the day she was born.” Georgina Kester 68 Localrider dECEmbEr 2011

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22/11/11 23:22:52

The solution’s Devilishly Simple Devils Relief offers targeted comfort for joints and more.

Why choose Devil’s Relief?

Devils Relief is not phenylbutazone.

Devils Relief is a unique natural formulation created to target optimum joint comfort by: • offering a natural alternative to veterinary prescribed methods.

• Supporting the health of soft tissue surrounding the joint.

• Flushing away the excess free radical toxins that build up around the ageing, stressed joint.

And Devils Relief is • Economical to feed improve your horse’s diet and extend his active life for as little as 35p per day* *35 per day calculated on rrp of 5 litres.

To target joint comfort the solution’s devilishly simple, feed Devils Relief.

For more details please go to your local NAF stockist or call our Freephone Advice Line: 0800 373 106 or email info@naf-uk.com

www.naf-uk.com 65-71-veterans-lrdec11.indd 69

22/11/11 23:22:52

veterans

Yogy Bear: 18-years-old “My 18-year-old eventer, Yogy Bear has shown me the ropes this year in my first year of Affiliated Eventing. I stopped riding when I was 17 and got back into it a couple of years ago (7 year break!) and decided I wanted to buy another horse.

He has evented to intermediate level in the past and is now a downgraded horse. I couldn’t afford anything younger and brought him as a 16 year old to show me the ropes. It hasn’t been easy as he can be slightly quirky, but we finished off the season with a third in the BE100 at Twelesdown. We also had an eighth at Munstead and a second at Burnham Beeches. He certainly doesn’t act 18!

He will be 19 next year and he is fighting fit and we are looking forward to another year of BE100 and will be trying to aim for the BE100 trizone competition held at Blenheim in September.” Lucy Earl

Tilton: 15-years-old “Tilton is 15 and I’ve owned him for 10 years. I bought him as a ‘problem horse’ that no one wanted as he was a rearer and also would spin very quickly to get you off! Well I am pleased to say that after some very rocky years and lots of time, patience and training, as well as understanding his quirks he has been an amazing horse for me.

He has won many classes in Affiliated Showjumping, British Dressage, Working Hunters and has been placed in Intro and Pre Novice eventing over the years with me. He has qualified for nearly every second round and championship (and won three) we have gone for. A true allrounder.

He is a real character and is still sharp and spooky at times (especially in the dressage arena), but he has an amazing temperament and is so gentle with my two young girls, he tries so hard to please.

His latest success was winning the Novice Dressage class at the Sunshine Tour with 76%! Not bad for a horse who was almost un-rideable as a five-year-old.” Ruth Baker

Kengis: 22-years-old “This is Kengis. I feel that he should be featured, because he has taught me never to give up.

He is a Russian Don (very rare for these shores and lots of people haven’t even heard of the breed).

He was imported when he was sixyears-old from the Budenny Stud on the Russian Steppes near Rostov after living the first four years of his life semi wild in a herd. He is 22 now and I have had the honour of being his mummy for 14 years. We met on a riding holiday on Exmoor in 1997. I fell in love and asked if I could buy him to which they replied yes (I was so, so happy).

I had never owned a horse of my own before I bought him and I am so lucky that we ended up together and he has been everything I could have dreamed of in a horse.

Over the years we have had plenty of set- backs (he seems to be as accident prone, as I am). A year after buying him he was put on box rest for an undiagnosed lameness, this lasted six months! I was told by many around me that I should just put him to sleep and get another. My family and I were not prepared to give up on him, so made the decision to take him home to my parents where we could monitor him 24 hours a day.

Well, after two weeks of increasing turnout, starting at 15 minutes, my sad depressed horse was bouncing about his small paddock and a few weeks later I was back on board! NEVER give up.

He was also involved in a car accident about five years ago. The car drove into his back legs doing about 20-30mph. Throughout the ordeal he remained calm and relaxed, I think this is why he managed to escape pretty much uninjured, just a few cuts and a bruised tendon. The car had to be towed away! Amazingly to his credit he is not afraid of cars and is just as reliable on the roads as he ever was.

He truly is a one off. So gentle that children and my terrified mum can handle him, perky enough to do well at hunter trials, calm enough to do showing classes and sensible enough to teach my dad to ride. No one could ask for more.

He has given my family and me so much happiness over the years and continues to do so. He still lives an active live hacking, showing and the odd hunter trial every now and then. He clearly is enjoying his twilight years.

I would love to see him in print, I would be beaming with pride.

I can’t imagine my life without him, I hope he remains happy and active for many years to come.” Lucy Thompson

Haze: 20-years-old “I am lucky enough to ride a very handsome 20-year-old that actually appeared in your magazine in November as Champion Working Hunter at Sunshine Tour. He was also part of the winning Inter Hunt Team at Royal Windsor in May and was part of the second placed team at the South of England in June. He hunts twice a week with the Surrey Union carrying ex Master, Katharine Meller, who is my mother and who bred him.” Sarah Halsey

We had such a wonderful response to this feature that we have had to save some of your stories for next issue.

70 Localrider december 2011

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22/11/11 23:22:54

Enjoy the

Good Old Days

Keep your senior horse in the pink by making In the Pink Senior part of his daily diet.

New In the Pink Senior will: • • • • • • •

Pink SENIOR in the

Help balance the diet Maintain healthy digestive function Provide pre & pro biotics for optimum support of the gut Donate the vitamins & minerals needed for all-round health Supply a unique combination of naturally sourced antioxidants Support a bright alertness Provide nutrients to support joint health

In the Pink Senior is recommended for all older horses and ponies Feed In the Pink Senior and you and your best friend will enjoy the good old days together!

For more details please go to your local NAF stockist or call our Freephone Advice Line: 0800 373 106 or email info@naf-uk.com

65-71-veterans-lrdec11.indd 71

www.naf-uk.com 22/11/11 23:22:54

Feed news

Feeding your Senior horse this Winter Words by Clare Barfoot RNutr SPILLERS® Nutritionist

I

f you own an older horse now is the time to start preparing for winter as older horses can find this time of year the hardest to cope with therefore it is better to be prepared!

Just like the human population, horses are living longer. And, just like people, they can show signs of ageing at different times.

Not only are many children’s ponies still active in their twenties and thirties, there are well documented examples of older competition horses performing at the highest level.

It used to be the case that horses were considered “aged” at 15 years. However, often horses and ponies of 15 years of age work normally and show no outward signs of old age until well into their twenties. On the other hand, some horses age well before their time.

Signs of ageing

Look out for the signs of ageing, which may include the loss of ability to hold condition (especially during the winter months) the loss and wearing of teeth, stiffness of the joints and the inability to shed the winter coat; liver damage may also become apparent at this stage of life. Don’t wait until you start to see these signs before you think about changing your horse’s diet. Good management and supportive nutrition could help your horse remain active for longer.

Limited research has been carried out on the requirements of the older horse. However, as with humans, a higher plane of nutrition is often required. The older horse has a higher demand for quality protein. This is because it is needed to help maintain muscle and body condition and reduce the stress on the liver. Therefore, look for feeds containing quality protein sources like soya.

Higher protein feeds

Some older horse require more energy in their diet to maintain condition especially if teeth are poor. However, this is not always the case, many horses, particularly native and warmblood types, tend to put on weight particularly when their workload decreases and they lead less active lives. For these horses choose a low calorie, high fibre feed or a specialist senior balancer and for poor doers choose a higher calorie, higher protein senior feed.

If cereals are fed they must be cooked (steam flaked or micronised) before feeding to increase the digestibility of the starch.

Older horses requiring extra condition will benefit from controlled levels of cereal starch in their diet, but too much starch should be avoided to reduce the risk of behavioural problems, digestive upsets and metabolic conditions such as laminitis or tying up.

The benefits of oil Oil contains about 2½ times as much digestible energy as cereals and therefore is a useful energy source for weight gain. Oil also helps coat and skin condition. If adding additional oil, supplement the diet with 100 iu of vitamin E for every 100 ml of oil added.

Fibre digestion in the older horse may become less efficient than in the younger horse, possibly due to worn teeth being unable to break up fibre sufficiently or old parasite damage. Forage makes up the biggest proportion of the diet, so good quality forage such as soft meadow hay is very important. The fibre provided by hard feed should be high in digestible fibres like soya hulls and low in indigestible fibre; avoid too much straw as this could cause impaction colic. Using alfalfa or grass chops to partially replace hay will increase the feed value of the forage portion of the diet. This is a very good way of maintaining condition in the veteran.

Can no longer eat hay…..

Poor teeth are one of the most common causes of weight loss in elderly horses and regular dental checks (every six months) by a vet or equine dental technician are recommended. As horses get older their teeth get worn down and lose their grinding surface.

As a consequence the horse maybe unable to chew hay or haylage properly and may be seen to be quidding, where partially chewed fibre drops from the mouth. This can lead to weight loss despite an apparently ‘good’ appetite. This is when most owners reach for a conditioning feed. However, it is just as important to replace the forage portion of the diet with a suitable hay replacer that the horse finds easy to eat. Look for a short chopped hay replacer or use high fibre cubes soaked in warm water to form a mash. Be generous with hay replacers – you may need to feed up to 10kg per day.

For further information on feeding your senior horse or pony this winter call the SPILLERS® Care-line 01908 226626.

72 Localrider december 2011

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22/11/11 23:23:39

We can all always try a little bit harder and do a little bit better. Whether you have just come last in your local show or just won Olympic gold, there is always room for improvement, even when the only record to beat is your own. At Blue Chip there is a continuous effort to do things better; whether competing with our own horses, developing new products or improving existing ones.

Blue Chip always looks to take advantage of developments in both nutritional science and production techniques.

Recent innovations have enabled Blue Chip to make the entire range molasses free, whole-cereal free and low in starch and sugars. In addition, each feed balancer in the Blue Chip range is now enhanced with naturally sourced vitamin E and nucleotides. Find out more about the benefits of nucleotides at www.bluechipfeed.com/nucleotides.

All the feed balancers in the Blue Chip range now include: • A combination of scientifically proven digestive aids • Nucleotides • SoundHoof™: A complete hoof supplement • PrimoVento™: A respiratory supplement • A full complement of vitamins and minerals • Natural, fruit derived vitamin E • Antioxidants • A de-stressor • Omega oils • NO molasses or whole cereals

“Don’t bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors,

try to be better than yourself.”

- William Faulkner, Nobel Prize Winner

Add a Blue Chip feed balancer to your horse’s diet to unlock their potential and ensure that they are getting the best that modern nutrition can provide.

+44 (0)114 266 6200 | info@bluechipfeed.com | www.bluechipfeed.com | facebook.com/bluechipfeed | twitter.com/bluechipfeed | youtube.com/bluechipfeed

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11/10/1123:25:35 15:43:09 22/11/11

FEED NEWS

Feeding the Veteran Horse over WINTER NAF IN the Pink Senior

NAF Devil’s Relief

An exciting new, scientifically balanced formula from NAF has been launched. In The Pink Senior is especially formulated to meet all the nutritional requirements of your older horse and is designed to give him all the support he needs to stay forever young.

Make In The Pink Senior part of your older horse’s daily diet and, by addressing the natural aging process of the body’s systems, it will help keep him in tip top condition both inside and out.

In The Pink Senior will: • Help balance the diet and the digestive system, to enable your horse maximise the value of his feed intake.

• Provide pre and pro biotics for optimum support of the gut.

• Donate all the vitamins and minerals required by the older horse for all round health.

• Supply a unique combination of naturally sourced antioxidant ingredients to flush excess toxins from the system.

• Support a ‘youthful spark’ in your horse in response to the selective herbal content of the formula.

• Provide nutrients to support joint health.

In The Pink Senior is recommended for all older horses and ponies, whether signs of age are obvious or not. It is designed to allow you and your best friend enjoy ‘the good old days’ together.

Devil’s Relief offers your horse targeted joint comfort and more.

First of all Devils Relief is not phenylbutazone. It is however, a unique natural formulation created to target optimum joint comfort.

Devils Relief is a powerful herbal liquid which contains Devils Claw plus other herbs all known for their natural comforting properties, combined with a high concentration of naturally sourced antioxidants. These ingredients compliment each other in their action to support comfort and a stronger resistance to the detrimental effects of the aging process – making it the ideal choice for older horses and those prone to impaired movement and stiff joints.

Devils Relief is also economical to feed.

So, if your horse or pony deserves comfortable joints and quality of life is your main objective, the choice is devilishly simply… Just add Devils Relief to his daily diet.

www.naf-uk.com

www.naf-uk.com

British Horse Feeds Veteran Care Mix

Mollichaff Veteran

Feeding Veteran Care Mix, with its broad selection of milk, sugars and oils will not only provide extra energy that can be laid down, but also essential nutrients – such as CLA that helps to maintain the skeleton and soft tissues during the stress of cold weather.

Feed Veteran Care Mix, Speedi-Beet or FibreBeet as hot mashes. Cold feed and water will chill the gut and energy otherwise used to keep warm, will be expended to combat this.

The third step is to increase the amount of fermentation in the hindgut. This will generate more heat and provide more absorbed nutrients to metabolise. 80% of metabolisable energy is used to maintain body temperature in the veteran during winter and this can be supplied with Super Fibres. Speedi-Beet and Fibre-Beet are both Super Fibre providers, can substitute some of the less fermentable forage. This increases the energy density of the diet.

Mollichaff Veteran from HorseHage is a high fibre forage mix that has been specially formulated for older horses and ponies and those that are unable to consume long forage and require a complete forage replacer. Many elderly equines have loose or missing teeth and cannot chew long stemmed forage such as hay or haylage. Mollichaff Veteran is made from chopped ingredients so it is easy to manage and is very palatable too, making it great for fussy feeders.

It is made from a balanced blend of dried grass, dried alfalfa and high quality oat straw and is topped with a unique dressing combining linseed and soya oil with a small amount of low sugar molasses and added vitamins and minerals, plant-based antioxidants, biotin, mint, nettle and salt.

These added ingredients have all been carefully chosen to benefit the equine veteran.

www.britishhorsefeeds.com

www.horsehage.co.uk

Balanced Horse Feeds Oldster

Blue Chip Pro

When choosing a feed for a mature horse or pony you should consider current bodyweight, condition, workload and whether they are stabled, or out in all weathers. Balanced Horse Feeds Oldster has elevated vitamins and minerals to ensure optimum health and vitality, MSM & Glucosamine to support healthy joints, a unique antioxidant blend for immune system support and a pre-biotic to aid digestion.

If feeding under the recommended daily intake of a fully fortified feed then add Balanced Vitamin & Mineral Booster to help keep your horses or pony’s vitamin and mineral levels up. Make sure that the mature horse or pony still gets fed at least 1% of bodyweight in forage daily (probably more for most older horses and ponies) and that water consumption is monitored at all times. Remove any rugs daily to check condition and bodyweight as older horses and ponies can drop weight very quickly. Have your horse or ponies’ teeth checked at least every 6 months for sharp edges, occlusion (grinding surface) and loose teeth, as poor dentition will quickly result in a loss in condition.

Blue Chip Pro has a new and evolutionary formulation, which is fantastic for veteran horses and ponies as it is entirely molasses and whole-cereal free, with an increase in overall nutrient density. Blue Chip is proud to bring a revolutionary new and proven ingredient to the equine world: nucleotides. Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and RNA, which aid nutrient absorption and are immune facilitators, both important for the veteran horse or pony during winter. Pro is also enhanced with natural fruit-derived Vitamin E, which is 4-6 times more bioavailable to the horse than synthetic forms found in other feed balancers.

Blue Chip Pro also provides your veteran with: • Elevated levels of vitamins, minerals and nutrients.

• High levels of an EU approved probiotic and MOS prebiotic to support their digestive system and to help maintain condition.

• Comprehensive hoof and respiratory supplements.

• Good quality protein to provide the necessary amino acids, vital for maintaining muscle tone which can be a problem in older horses.

www.balancedhorsefeeds.co.uk

www.bluechipfeed.com

74 Localrider DECEMBER 2011

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Is your feed bill getting too high?

‘Beet’

the Cost of Winter Feeding

Only 6p per scoop*

Quick Soaking Sugar-beet Flakes • A healthy high fibre/low starch feed - Approved by The Laminitis Trust • Non-heating - provide energy for winter maintenance and work • Replace concentrates or add as a top dressing • Ready to use in under 10 minutes • Pure and unmolassed - 95% sugar free Marriage’s offers a simple but effective range of feeds: good for both your horse and your pocket.

For information on stockists or our excellent delivery service:

01245 612000 www.marriagefeeds.co.uk

www.britishhorsefeeds.com *Costing based on a 700g scoop of soaked Speedi-Beet from a 20kg bag, RRP £9.90.

DECEMBER 2011 Localrider 75

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FEED NEWS Easy Pack Haylage

Horslyx

Good quality fibre is essential for your horse’s health this winter. The slow process of chewing and digesting good quality fibre keeps your horse entertained for longer whilst producing heat to keep him warm. Easy Pack Haylage is available in three delicious varieties, each pack full of good quality fibre and nutrients with for varying levels of energy and protein to suit your horse’s individual needs.

As Easy Pack Haylage is dust and spore free there is no need for soaking haynets this winter!

Easy Pack Haylage and Bedding for a healthy and happy horse this winter.

To maintain a happy veteran it is crucial that the feed source provided is easy for your horse to consume and digest to ensure they get the vital vitamins, minerals and trace elements they need. As Horslyx provides these essential nutrients through a palatable and digestible lick, it helps to reduce these concerns.

The high specification of vitamins, minerals, trace elements and natural anti-oxidants in every Horslyx acts to support the immune system and the high oil content helps maintain a shiny, healthy coat.

A unique healthy hooves package contains biotin, methionine and zinc to support hoof quality and the variety of formulas available enable horse owners to target their horses nutrition in one simple, cost effective tub.

www.easypackhaylage.com

www.horslyx.com

Equine America V-Biotic® V-Biotic® is more thanjJust a Feed Balancer! Super concentrated V-Biotic® is a premium grade, broad spectrum product which has been specially formulated to provide a comprehensive balance of essential vitamins and minerals your horse or pony needs, and which may be lacking in their domestic diet.

V-Biotic® contains Echinacea for the immune system, Turmeric for a healthy liver, highly effective pro-biotics and powerful anti-oxidants, and the very best ingredients to support bone, hoof and muscle tissue and benefit the circulatory system. V-Biotic® will complement any feeding regime without any additional ‘heating’ effects - feed to all horses daily for optimum health and condition.

www.equine-america.co.uk

Vetrofen and Vetroflex “I have owned Promise Me (Harry) since he was four-years-old. He has always been an incredibly flexible and supple horse, nearly always leading the dressage when out eventing.

However, he started experiencing a low level of post competition stiffness in the middle of last season, and would take a few days to work out of this. This year, I decided to try Harry on the combination of Vetrofen and Vetroflex, and he has never felt better.

Competing in pure dressage alongside eventing at 2* level is obviously very tough on any horse, but this year, whilst being fed Vetrofen and Vetroflex, Harry was able to finish fourth in the Open Intermediate at the South of England Horse Trials on the Sunday, where we ran fast on hard ground, and then, only four days later, finish 5th at Advanced Medium level at the National Winter Dressage Championships.

I am also an equine Vet, so feeding horses the correct supplements, and not throwing away money on products that have no scientific proof, or no clinical evidence of working, is of great importance to me. I have started a couple of much older horses on Vetrofen, as an alternative to reaching straight for the NSAIDs, and owners have reported that their elderly horses and ponies seem much happier with much lower levels of stiffness.” Natalie McGoldrick MA Vet MB MRCVS.

www.animalife.co.uk

TopSpec Performance Cubes

Rowen Barbary Solution Mash

New TopSpec Performance Cubes provide energy for work but are ‘Non-Heating’ and are ideal for horses that are a bit sharp or get fizzy on cereal-based competition mixes or cubes.

They are designed to be added to a TopSpec feed balancer or supplement and therefore contain no added vitamins or traceelements, but do include the major minerals calcium, sodium and magnesium.

TopSpec Performance Cubes are formulated without the use of any cereal-grains, so they are not just ‘oat-free’ or ‘barley-free’ but completely cereal-grain free.

At the same time they have a good calorific index of 12.5MJ/kg, and are low in starch and sugar, but high in fibre. TopSpec Performance Cubes are balanced for protein with high-oil soya and linseed, and with available sources of calcium, magnesium and salt added.

Developed to be the answer to many of your feeding problems Solution Mash is a high fibre, high oil feed with a very low starch and sugar content (under 1% sugar) designed for horses and ponies requiring a specialist diet. Natural herbs spearmint, garlic and fenugreek are also included along with digestive enhancers and high levels of antioxidants.

www.topspec.com

To find out more contact Rowen Barbary on 01948 880598 or visit www. rowenbarbary.co.uk

Saracen Veteran Mix Saracen Veteran Mix includes E-Max Ester, a new and unique natural Vitamin E source only available through Saracen Horse Feeds. E Max Ester is a natural organic source of vitamin E and is far superior to the commonly used synthetic versions. Providing E Max Ester through Veteran Mix will ensure that the veteran receives the many benefits of vitamin E, namely increased antioxidant protection to help maintain metabolic systems and reduce the signs of aging. The ‘Veteran Mix’ includes a high level of Soya Oil and Vegetable Oil to improve the coat and skin condition and provide non-heating energy. Together with Alfalfa, this formulation also has Saracen Super Fibres which provide controlled energy release from highly digestible fibre, without over burdening the older horse’s more sensitive digestive system. A blend of herbs claimed to assist in respiratory, digestive and healing processes and selective vitamins and minerals are also included.

www.saracenhorsefeeds.com 76 Localrider DECEMBER 2011

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Verteran In Hand Champion 2011 Molly, 28 year old mare

SPECIALIST RANGE

OLDSTER

OPTIMUM NUTRITION FOR MATURE HORSES AND PONIES

MSM & GLUCOSAMINE to support healthy joints ELEVATED vitamins & minerals UNIQUE ANTIOXIDANT BLEND for immune system support PRE-BIOTIC to enhance digestion HIGH QUALITY vegetable protein

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Feed NeWs

Seeing older horses through Rose-hip tinted glasses Ali Howe, brand development manager for LitoVet®, a clinically proven joint supplement for horses, discusses why horse owners shouldn’t simply accept and ignore their horse’s advancing years, as they can make a difference to quality of life through good nutrition.

H

orses lead active and often competitive lives well into their teens and early twenties these days and it is not unusual to see horses of eighteen or nineteen competing at a very high level. However, it is inevitable that the number of miles on the clock will have had some effect on the various body systems, including the digestive and respiratory tracts and on joint and muscular function.

Good nutrition is vital

Good nutrition is vital to help support all of the body’s physiological systems in a variety of different ways. Nutrition has a particular role to play in supporting the body’s natural repair mechanisms needed to offset the ongoing damage processes that occur as a result of either continuous exercise training, or simply advancing years.

A well balanced and good quality diet will help ensure that any small reduction in digestive function with age does not compromise overall nutrition. Older horses can have a reduced ability for the digestion of protein and also the absorption of some minerals including phosphorus. Live yeast supplements are particularly useful in this respect as they help to maintain the microbial balance within the gut and support improved protein digestibility, fibre fermentation and phosphorus absorption.

All powerful Vitamin C

clean forage, in the form of hay or haylage, is essential and will help to reduce the likelihood of respiratory disease. The incidence of respiratory disease, including airway inflammation or recurrent airway obstruction, is likely to be higher in older horses and ponies.

Lung antioxidant defences, led by glutathione and vitamin c, are crucial to limit the damage processes involved in respiratory disease through the action of reactive species known as free radicals.

Although horses are able to synthesize vitamin c from glucose, research shows that supplementing with vitamin c can be beneficial in horses with ongoing respiratory problems. Feeding extra vitamin c actually boosts the level of this vitamin in the lung lining fluid and therefore improves the antioxidant here. recent research, awaiting publication, shows that a particular species of rose-hip (rosa canina), as found in the supplement LitoVet®, provides a particularly bioavailable source of vitamin c that rivals the most commonly used synthetic sources. There is also some suggestion in humans that additional vitamin c in the diet may be beneficial for joint function, as again vitamin c is a key antioxidant found

Andrea Worral’s 17-year-old horse, Smartie, being hunted with the Pytchley, by Fee Spencer. Andrea credits Smartie’s youthful enthusiasm to Litovet.

in the fluid that surrounds joints. Strong antioxidant defences in joint fluid are needed to help limit the free radical mediated degenerative changes that can occur in joints with ongoing training or advancing years.

Naturally combat Inflammation

rose-hips (rosa canina) also contain another component of value to older horses in the form of GOPO®, which is a type of glycolipid with some very interesting characteristics. A supplement that contains rose-hip, where the GOPO® content has been preserved and standardised during the manufacturing process, has been shown in horses and extensively in humans to help maintain joint function. The high level of GOPO® in LitoVet® cannot be found in any other equine joint supplement. GOPO® succeeds in maintaining the body’s ability to naturally combat inflammation and thus maintain normal mobility and joint function. This is particularly beneficial in older horses, where there may be a greater degree of degenerative changes within their joints, compared to their younger counterparts.

Older horses that are overweight can be functionally placing their joints, ligaments and tendons under a greater degree of strain. However, it has recently been discovered that a fat horse may be delivering double trouble to its skeletal system, as fat cells themselves are capable of producing some of the chemical mediators of inflammation capable of adversely affecting many body systems. A serious attempt to maintain normal bodyweight is always important, but perhaps this new research gives us an extra impetus. This however, can be difficult in horses that are insulin resistant and may suffer from metabolic disease and a careful combination of reducing feed intake combined with a regular exercise program to improve insulin sensitivity can be fruitful. conclusively, a quality diet with a feed supplement such as LitoVet® should aim to supply all the essential nutrients needed to support ongoing tissue repair, but also to maintain health by helping the body to help itself.

LitoVet® is available in 1.5kg and 3kg tubs sufficient for one horse on a maintenance dose for two and four months respectively. LitoVet® retails at RRP £49.00 for 1.5Kg and £92.00 for 3kg and is available from www.litovet.co.uk or call Lanes Health (01452) 524012.

Put to the test: I have been feeding LitoVet® to my 20-year-old mare for the last nine months and have found a remarkable difference in her way of going. As well as general wear and tear due to age, she damaged her near hind in a road accident over ten years ago and since then found it difficult to work evenly on both sides.

She is a homebred mare so I feel in a good position to judge the difference in her since she has been on LitoVet®.

My horse had an unusual reaction during the first six weeks that I trialled the product in that she was almost lazy. Even when I think we are going slowly, my instructor tells me that I need to be going at half the speed, so for me to be having to kick at almost every stride in trot was very odd. I spoke with Ali How at Lanes Health and she was very understanding and helpful. It wasn’t a situation she had heard of before, so whether it was a coincidence that it happened then or not, I am not sure. My own opinion is that maybe my mare was going through some sort of healing process,

which was taking a lot of her energy, in the same way that a human can feel sleepy after being treated by the physiotherapist.

All I can say is since she started moving forwards again, the difference has been incredible. I feel I have to partly credit my trainer, as the quality of work we achieve at the end of a lesson is certainly of a much higher standard that at any other time, but feeling the ease with which she is able to move compared to past years, is wonderful. She has been able to become much more collected and take more weight onto her hind legs.

Recently I ran out of LitoVet® and after the first week the difference in her was quite noticeable. I thought at first she must have something wrong with her as it was like riding a letter ‘Z’. However, back on the LitoVet® I described it like she had a leg at each corner again.

If I had a younger horse I would definitely try them on LitoVet® as having experienced the difference it has made to Emily’s attitude to and way of working, it could make that all important difference to the marks awarded. Tested by Fiona Rafferty

78 Localrider december 2011

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Easy Pack HAYLAGE Easy Pack Haylage comes in three delicious varieties, each providing different levels of energy and protein for weight control, medium work, conditioning and competition.

Bed your horse down on the best with our specially selected Miscanthus or Chopped Straw beddings.

•

• • • • • •

•

Highly absorbent - locking in odour whilst reducing waste.

Versatile - ideal for traditional, deep litter or rubber matting beds.

Durable – holds its shape for a long lasting bedding.

Dust extracted - for a healthy stable environment.

Finely chopped - soft, manageable and easy to work.

Unpalatable – will not become a tasty treat for your horse.

Biodegradable - rots down quickly reducing muck removal. Can be spread directly onto the field.

No varnish or chemicals for a safe bedding that will not stain or harm your horse.

Easy Pack Haylage: 4 Quality source of essential vitamins and minerals 4 Three different levels of protein and energy available.

4 Great source of fibre 4 Specially selected grasses 4 Tailored for different work loads 4 Safe for horses with respiratory conditions 4 Encourages a healthy digestive system

Easy Pack Haylage; helping to feed as nature intended.

Easy Pack Beddings – saving you time and money without compromising on quality.

For more information visit our NEW web site – www.easypackhaylage.com or email us at supply@easypackhaylage.com 78-81-bedding TT-lrdec11.indd 2

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tried&tested

And so to bed....

For the last three months the Localrider testers have been using a variety of different types of bedding for their horses and here we share their verdicts.

BEDMAX SHAVINGS BEDMAX is a dust-free shaving, produced specifically for horse bedding using the whole tree, and not as a by-product and produced from sustainable forests.

Created in 2000 in response to a significant advance in the learning process when professionals like vets and trainers realised that traditional bedding materials like straw were one of the biggest sources of dust and spores in the stable, and therefore a major cause of respiratory problems among stabled horses.

BEDMAX was created to solve that problem and create bedding that would provide an ideal stable environment in several other fundamental respects: • Maximising cushioning for joints and hooves • Ensuring a 100% natural bedding material • Minimising moisture that can damage hooves • Maximising resilience for comfort and support The distinctive yellow and green bags are made from high quality biodegradable polythene, labelled with date and time of production to ensure traceability and with three production plants, BEDMAX guarantee year round supply in all mainland areas of the UK. BEDMAX Shavings come in 20kg bags.

Contact details Tel: 01668 213467 www.bedmaxshavings.com LR Comment by Alex Kelly: The first thing you notice as you start to put down the bedding is how good it smells! Not something that you would usually associate with a stable yard, but this comes from the natural and renewable pine chips that BEDMAX is made from. You also notice that there is no fine dust as you make up the bed. We found that three bales of BEDMAX gave us ample coverage and a good thick springy bed (we do also have rubber matting in the stables). The shavings larger size makes the bed more aerated and creates a greater cushion for joints should the horse roll or lie down. Our trial horse, Amy, was very grateful when she came in from the field and rolled straight away! Because of BEDMAX’s absorbent quality, again from its unique bigger flakes, the bed was easy to skip-out and droppings separated easily from the shavings, meaning less wasted bedding.

LITTLEMAX SHAVINGS Many horse owners prefer a finer shaving and BEDMAX Ltd have just launched LITTLEMAX shavings, specifically for horse owners who prefer a small flake shaving. LITTLEMAX is dust free, very durable and absorbent and easy to use. This is a very high quality, fine horse bedding with a light appearance.

LITTLEMAX is produced from sustainable sources of primarily British pine, cut specifically for shavings and not as a bi-product.

LITTLEMAX shavings offer the anti-bacterial properties of pine, and makes an ideal bedding by: • Maximising cushioning for joints and hooves • Ensuring a 100% natural bedding material • Minimising moisture that can damage hooves • Maximising resilience for comfort and support LITTLEMAX branded in distinctive in 20kg green and cream bags and is available in all mainland areas of the UK. Contact details Tel: 01668 213467 www.littlemaxshavings.com LR Comment by Alex Kelly: We were very impressed with how well LITTLEMAX covered the stable, three bales easily built up a deep bed. We are trialling LITTLEMAX on a horse who stays in a lot due to weight issues so his bed does get damp on regular shavings.

We were highly impressed when after one night on LITTLEMAX his bed appeared considerably drier. It is very easy to maintain with a quick skip out, the clean LITTLEMAX separated from the dirty shavings with ease and we took a far lighter load across to the muckheap!

Easy Pack Miscanthus Bedding Miscanthus is a relatively new addition to the market but one that offers many benefits as bedding for horses and is ideal for both full muck out and deep litter beds. Miscanthus (elephant grass) is highly absorbent locking in up to three times its own weight in fluid.

Miscanthus also has a very low dust content and when chopped into smaller pieces packs in tightly without breaking down to create a dense supportive base. These traits combined with its ability to combat ammonia odours makes it the ideal choice for any stable even those housing horses with respiratory problems. As well as the long list of benefits to the horse, Miscanthus also remains light and airy to work with making your daily chore of mucking out more pleasurable. www.easypackhaylage.com LR Comment: I was very excited about trying the Miscanthus Bedding as it promises to be an absorbent option which would be great for my young horse who is very wet and tends to walk his bed around a lot.

The first morning, amazingly my bed was pretty much as I left it. The wet had stayed very contained and solid, the urine was not under the bedding over a large area but a small compact one. He had been walking around his bed spreading his hay as usual but the bedding had stayed pretty much where it was. Mucking out was very quick, it was just a case of picking the poos out, which sat on top of the bedding and the picking up the hard lump of solid. I decided the next few days I would try a semi deep litter which worked even better. My mucking out routine had gone from 20 minutes to five! I was so impressed and my bed continued to look nice and light. Friends at the yard were all intrigued at my new bedding and impressed at the ease in which I mucked out in the mornings. Easy Pack Miscanthus Bedding definitely saved me time and money, whilst still creating a cosy bed for my boy.

Nedz Advance Nedz Advance is a unique straw pellet bedding which has been dust extracted and then steamed to further remove any moulds and spores. Capable of absorbing up to five times its own weight in liquid, Nedz Advance virtually eliminates any traces of the noxious gas ammonia, which is known to irritate the delicate sinuses and respiratory system.

Quick and easy to muck out, Nedz Advance requires no watering and does not need to be disturbed on a daily basis which means there is no ‘kick-up’ of dust and debris into the stable environment. The pellets break down to create a sturdy, yet soft and supportive base for horses that keeps moisture away from their feet and biodegrades within a month. Nedz Advance also contains a unique oil which helps condition hooves as your horse is stabled on it.

Nedz Advance is priced around £6 - £8 for a 15kg bag. The recommended set-up is around 8-10 bags for a 12 x 12 stable, with one further bag added every 7 – 10 days.

For more information Tel: 01254 677 762 or visit www.nedz.co.uk LR Comment by Laura Powell: I wasn’t overly keen on the colour of this pelleted bedding.

Think dirty green, but it spread easily and you don’t have to water it like other ‘pellet bedding’. It is recommended to use 6-8 bags to set up a full bed, then add another bag every four days or so. I started with three as I have rubber matting and with a clean horse the bedding expanded as it became ground up. I didn’t need to add another bag for two weeks! I’m now a huge fan and soon got over the colour issue. It provides a clean, dust free, super absorbent bed.

80 Localrider december 2011

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Equisleep Shavings Equisleep shavings are high quality, dust-extracted premium shavings specifically manufactured for the equestrian market. Equisleep does not supply to stockists, this means that they can keep their prices low for customers.

Equisleep shavings are available in two grades; small flake and natural flake, the bales are dust extracted and are smaller in size than standard bales, but are the same weight due to an increased compression ratio during the manufacturing process. The smaller size of the bales makes them easier to handle and easier to store, this means that when buying direct from Equisleep customers can buy in larger quantities. Furthermore, if you choose to buy Equisleep shavings you can reduce the price even further by collecting the bales directly from the factory at Northiam in Kent; if this is a bit far for you to travel then the bales can be easily delivered at extra cost.

Equisleep offers the following list of benefits: • Dust extracted • Easy to store • Smaller and easier to handle bales • Premium quality • Value for money Delivery within the South East or collection in person for cheaper prices Price: £6.25 per bale (inc VAT).

Tel: 01797 252728 www.equisleep.co.uk LR Comment by Karen Ede: Whether you prefer the larger flakes or the traditional smaller shavings you will not be disappointed with either AHS Natural Flake or AHS Small Flake, both types of dust free shavings are extremely absorbent. The bales look slightly smaller than traditional bales, but the amount compacted into a bag is unbelievable. I have been lucky enough to try both types of AHS Shavings and whilst in general I personally prefer the small flakes due to less waste, I also use the larger flakes for my larger horse and have no hesitation in thoroughly recommending either bedding to everyone. The delivery service is second to none and the price is also very competitive.

Equisleep shavings

are specially designed for the equestrian market

Key Features • Premium quality • Dust extracted • Value for money • Easy to store • Smaller and easier to handle bales • Easy to use and attractive • Delivery to all areas

Now available in easy to handle bales with the same volume as standard bales, just more effectively compacted which is achieved through increased compression ratio during manufacture.

t 01892 522134 w www.equisleep.co.uk e info@equisleep.co.uk

The Original and Still the Best • Saves time and money • Dust free • Free draining • Reduced muck heap

Call Debbie: 07967 171126 or email: equinesales@btconnect.com

T: 01273 891890 M: 07967 171126 www.listonequestrian.com

december 2011 Localrider 81

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SHOW REPORT

Romy Charlesworth on Charlie, first Prelim 10 and Prelim 14

Blakewood Autumn Dressage Brinsbury College, Pulborough • 13th November 2011 Words and photography by Emma Haines

T

he competition, held on Remembrance Sunday, consisted of four well supported classes; these were Blakewood’s own Walk and Trot Test Three, Preliminary 10, Preliminary Test 14 and a joint Novice 27 and Elementary 49 class.

The first winner of the day was Emily Aspital riding Frankie. Her successful test, judged by Sally Foskett, scored her a 68.26% in the Walk and Trot Test Three. Second place and third place went to Camryn Macleod riding Beeb, and Isobel Parkes-McGovern riding Tinkerbell. Romy Charlesworth and Charlie triumphed in both Preliminary classes, whilst scoring an impressive 70.41% in Prelim Emily Aspital on Frankie, first Blakewood Walk and Trot Test Three

14. Romy just pipped Debbie Scott-Downes to the post in both tests, with Debbie also scoring a good mark of 70.00% in Prelim 14.

The Novice 27 and Elementary 49 class, judged by List 5 Judge Thelma Russell-Hayes, was won by the striking Buddy, ridden by Fiona Shaw. They gained a score of 65.35%, with Amanda Little riding Que Jaz coming a close second on a score of 64.64%. This competition was part of the Blakewood Stables Autumn/Winter Series Championship. The stables’ proprietor Sally Cooper holds monthly competitions at Brinsbury College throughout the year as part of Blakewood Equestrian events.

Debbie Scott-Downes Fiona FionaShaw Shaw on Buddy, first on Captain Morgan, onNovice Buddy27 and Elementary 49 second Prelim 14

Isobel Parkes-McGovern Jennifer Cranford on on Tinkerbell, third Penlanganol Bandit, Blakewood Walk and third Prelim 10 Trot Test Three

Blakewood Walk and Trot Test Three 1st 2nd 3rd 4th

Emily Aspital on Frankie Camryn Macleod on Beeb Isobel Parkes-McGovern on Tinkerbell Tamsin Hughes on Banksgate Tamlin

Michelle Quinn on Allright

Jenny Fox on Cash Van Overis (Z), third-equal Novice 27 and Elementary 49

Abigail Brittain on Bugsy

Camryn Macleod on Beeb

Preliminary 10 1st 2nd 3rd 4th

Romy Charlesworth on Charlie Debbie Scott-Downes on Captain Morgan Jennifer Cranford on Penlanganol Bandit Carol Smith on Electra

Preliminary 14 1st 2nd 3rd 4th= 4th=

Romy Charlesworth on Charlie Debbie Scott-Downes on Captain Morgan Michelle Quinn on Allright Dana Thomas on Billie Kerry Stafford on Dwyran Delta

Carol Smith Dana Thomas on Electra on Billie

Emily Cook on Mickey

Novice 27 and Elementary 49 1st 2nd 3rd= 3rd=

Fiona Shaw on Buddy Amanda Little on Que Jaz Jenny Fox on Cash Van Overis (Z) Michelle Quinn on Allright

Gabby Harding on Deep Water

Holly Downes Joy Skatulla on Saxon on Hendrix

82 Localrider DECEMBER 2011

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St Michaels Hospice Riding Club Annual Show Horns Corner, Catsfield Sunday 18th September 2011

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A

s a group we started out raising funds for St Michaels Hospice with the aid of Mr Auer at The Normanhurst Estate through the charity ride. This has been running for about four years with fantastic support from both volunteers and participants raising in excess of ÂŁ15,000 It was thought that with the loss of riding club activity in the area we could set up one that raised funds solely for a local charity. Since we already had the ride it led nicely onto the idea of incorporating a club with activities to suit all ages and levels of riding. If there is enough interest it is the intention to affiliate to the BHS allowing members to follow other pursuits.

There are now six committee members who work very well together to organise and ensure the events run smoothly. We are constantly looking to increase our membership to the club.

The club operates as any other Riding Club but instead of the funds sitting in their bank account the monies raised are for a worthwhile cause. It is still our intention to make available training, competitions, fun days etc, with your support we can make it a success and every member will know that any money they contribute will be going to the hospice.

At this present time we do not have a webpage but you can find us on Facebook, St Michaels Hospice Riding Club. Email stmichaelshrc@gmail.com We run various events including, a Walk and Ride in May and Dressage and Jumping series during the year and our main event, the Annual Horse and Dog Show in September. This show has increased in popularity with many additional classes for showing and jumping being added. We welcome young riders and have a ring for novelty classes and gymkhana events.

Many stalls attend the event and we are lucky to have some valuable sponsors for the show to whom we are very grateful.

We have many plans for the future of this charitable club and welcome anybody who can contribute to our main aim, which is to raise funds for such a worthwhile hospice.

We look forward to your support and an active Riding Club that will raise much needed funds for its local Hospice.

For more information visit: www.normanhurstride.org.uk

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SHOW REPORT

The Halloween Show

Zoe Vallance with her Mum and Nan

Pulborough Equestrian Centre • 29th October 2011 Photography by Julian Portch

Julian Portch went along with his camera and captured some pictures in the sunshine....

Joanna Jones - Pulborough Equine Centre

Chloe Peto

Billy

Class 1 Dressage - Haley on Mago

Class 1 Dressage - Sharon on Zoro

Class 1 Dressage - Moira on Tino

Snowy

Jhonny

Class 1 Dressage Lucy K on Snowy

Class 1 Dressage - Caprice on Mago

Class 1 Dressage Kathy on Marbles Class 1 Dressage - Lara on Mago

Class 2 Best RiderHaley on Jhonny

Class 2 Best Rider - Taylor Little on Big Jack

Class 2 Best Rider Tash on Billy

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Class 3 Fancy Dress - Immy on Jhonny

Class 4 Lucy on Big Jack

Class 3 Best Rider Winner Eira on Billy Class 4 X Pole Rider Winner Claire on Matty

Class 5 2ft 3 Emma on Nemo

Class 3 Fancy Dress Ellie and Jack

Class 5 2ft 3 - Kitty on Neddy

Class 5 2ft-2ft 3 Winner Jemima on Volvo

Class 1 - Dressage Winner Moira Class 6 Pairs Salli on Zoro

Class 8 Puissance - Winner Jemima on Volvo Class 5 2ft 3 Zoe on Billy

Class 6 pairs Rhona on Nemo Class 7 Jump X - Winner Beki on Jhonny

Class 6 Pairs Winners Lexi and Jemima

Class 7 X Jump Annabel on Zorro Class 2 Best Rider - Winner Haley

Joanna’s Spider has one eye on her cup of tea

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show report

The Hayling Island Horse Show Lower Tye Farm Camp Site, Hayling Island • 11th September 2011 By kind permission of Mr Michael Camp and St Hermans Estates Photography by Samantha Lamb and Julian Portch

Kelly Pollard, first 2’3” Open

Abbie Vollebregt, Champion In hand, pictured with Judge Tracey Bourne

Abbie Vollebregt, first Riding Pony, pictured with Judge Hilary Stonehouse

Douglas Moller, first Large Mountain & Moorland In hand, pictured with Judge Tracey Bourne

Jessica Easton, first Best Rider

Chantele Davis, first Novice Ridden Horse

Darcy Atkinridden, first Fancy Dress

Abbie Allen, first Novice Working Hunter

Jamie stokes, first Veterans, pictured with Judge Tracey Bourne

Victoria Edwards, Working Hunter Champion

Mel Rod, pictured with Judge Tracey Bourne, first and Champion, Coloured In hand

Syndney Head, first Best Turned Out, pictured with judge Emma Shergold

Jenny Medlock, first Large Mountain & Moorland Ridden and Champion

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Steff Ward, first First Ridden

Karie Wood and Paddy, first Ride & Run

Ella Matthews and Pepper, first Scurry (above and right)

Kim Stevens, first Chase Me Charlie

Kelly Pollard, first 2’3” Open

Lucy Dickin, first 2’9” Open (above and right)

Darcy Atkins, first Youngstock In hand and Reserve Champion

Karen Walsh, first Ridden Hunter

Brad Albon, first Heavies & Hairies In hand

Abigail Allen, first Working Hunter Pony

Jade Wichall, first Best Coloured Horse

Alison Couzens, Reserve Champion Working Hunter, pictured with Judge Debbie Basley

Lucy Weaver, first Small Mountain & Moorland Ridden and Reserve Champion

Abbie Allen, first Novice Working Hunter, pictured with Judge Debbie Basley

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SHOW REPORT Alison Window on Athlone Leah

Mount Mascal Stables Hunter Trials Words by John Window and photography by Stephen Bartholomew

Shannon Burke on Julius, Pre Novice Class

Rachel Briggs on Armani and Karen Lakin on Chalky, first Pre-Novice Pairs Mia Hefferon on her new ride William Shakespeare

Lauren Witney and Red, Pre Novice Class

Emma Brigly on Riches

O

ur Hunter Trial on 9th October benefitted from some heavy overnight rain making the going almost perfect. The extended course including some woodland was quite long, with 36 obstacles - the fastest time of the day was just inside eight minutes, with the slowest completed round finishing just within the 15 minute mark.

First up was the pre-novice pairs; a strong field of competitors, set out to discover the joys of hunter trialling. The water ditch claimed its first victim as the lead rider in the first pair took an early bath. The course designers built some interesting and challenging new jumps that included two hay trailers, a house, steps, and a log complex, also involved were some of our `old` telegraph pole jumps that had not been used for many years.

It is quite a challenge to build hunter trial courses without overdoing it in this age of indoor riding schools and riders not growing up hunting. So the aim was to get competitors round as safely as possible, which we succeeded in doing.

There was a strong entry in all the classes, with many visiting riders, plus a great bunch of enthusiastic jump judges.

Results: Pre-novice Pairs 1st Rachel Briggs - Armani & Karen Lakin - Chalky 2nd Kimberley Manze - Lolo & Alison Window Athlone Leah 3rd Libby King - Blue & Maria Ayiotis - Bluebelle

Pre-novice 1st Toni Burrows - Tipsy 2nd Fran - Double Trouble 3rd Karen Lakin - Chalky

Kirsty Warner and Murphy

Sian Goldfinch on Galaxy and Shanny Goldfinch on Honey

Novice Pairs 1st Kirsty Warner - Easton Whisper & Alienor Zarb English Chocolate Heart 2nd Sophia McCarthy - What`s it all About & Mia Vasquez - Kinnard All Star 3rd Emily Groves - Patches & Charlotte Maddison -Dessert

Novice 1st Kimberley Manze - Lolo 2nd Sally Stoddart - Micky 3rd Carly Purviss - Cherie Amore

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SHOW REPORT

Tweseldown Unaffiliated Championships 15th & 16th October 2011 Photography by John Britter

J

ill Lamont devised a fantastic series of Unaffiliated One Day Events culminating in a Championship at Tweseldown in October. Riders could gain qualifying points at Tweseldown, Mattingley and Borde Hill Unaffiliated events, with those gaining the most points throughout the series being invited back to the Championship event.

The competitions were run under BE rules at Pre Intro, Intro and Pre Novice levels.

Chloe Mariani and the striking chestnut, Rathsallagh Royale led from the start, finishing on their impressive dressage mark of 27. A clear 3.5 penalties ahead of runnerup, Sarah Batten and Bright Wire. Collecting her prizes must have felt like winning the lottery for twelve-year-old Chloe, who went home with £150, a huge trophy as well as a sash and rosettes.

Chloe Mariani and Rathsallagh Royale, Pre Intro Champions, and inset pictured receiving her prizes

Intro Championship

Beth Robertson was delighted with her eight-year-old, Dendy Van De Roshoeve, as it was their first season eventing. Beth is currently in her last year of Rural Land Management at the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester and keeps Dendy Van De Roshoeve with her during term time.

They train with Roddy Macdonald and are currently working at Elementary/ Medium level at home. It was their top score of 26.5 in the dressage that saw them lead the way through all three disciplines to head the Intro Championship. Just half a penalty behind, also adding nothing to their dressage score was Angela Ridger and Bilbo III, who finished on 27. Localrider Magazine’ part-time assistant, Jo Thomas and Kruja Roslyn finished third on 28.4.

Beth is looking forward to competing at BE events next season. She plans a couple of runs with Dendy Van De Roshoeve before Easter and then once her finals are out of the way she will crack on. She is clearly very excited and proud of the horse that she has produced herself since she was a four-year-old.

Pre Novice Championship

Heidi Reed and her veteran campaigner, The Merchant of Venice, took the Pre Novice Championship. Only one combination, fifth placed, Sally Munday and Sunkist got home within the time, so 4.8 time penalties did nothing to dent Heidi and The Merchant of Venice’s leading dressage mark of 26. They still finished 1.3 penalties ahead of Sarah Gledhill who finished second and third respectively on Magna Carta and Queen B. Heidi who is a BHS II and Chief Instructor of the Chiddingfold Farmers branch of the Pony Club has owned The Merchant of Venice since he was a five-year-old. They have primarily evented and before her

Beth Robertson and Dendy Van De Roshoeve, Intro Champions

Heidi Reed and The Merchant of Venice, Pre Novice Champions

children were born (now two and five) the combination competed up to two star level, winning at Intermediate and gaining Advanced points. More recently they have been concentrating on dressage and have qualified for the Medium and Advanced Medium PetPlan Championships at Hartpury. Heidi trains with Sarah Jane Lanning and hopes to do PSG one day.

The Merchant of Venice has had a few

runs this season on day tickets winning the Open Novice at Dauntsey and the Open Pre Novice at Rackham. Heidi said that the cross country really seems to cheer him up and as long as he keeps enjoying it, she will keep competing him.

The Merchant of Venice will look very smart when he is out competing next year as Heidi spent his £150 prize money on a new bridle!

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father figure

The behind the scenes hero… Richard John Martin

Any successful equestrian will tell you that the key to success is a great back up team, be it a trainer, sponsor or family member there are just some people we cannot be without. In this continuing series we meet ‘the dads’, so important and so supportive, but very rarely known.

Spending his week days in the boardroom, Rick Martin is more than happy to spend his weekends with his family and the ponies.

Under his wife and daughters’ supervision he’s become a dab hand at the mucking out too!

Name: Richard John Martin, “Rick” Home town: Currently Wadhurst, East Sussex but born in South Australia Occupation: City Slicker Off-spring: Two daughters, Emmaline (nine) and Anna (eight), and a son, Henry (six)

Anna on Firle Cottontail, NPS area 20

How did you become involved with horses?

My wife, Hente and my daughters are very horsey. When we came back from Australia four years ago we bought an equestrian property (formerly an Arab stud) with stables and land so it was inevitable that ponies were the natural thing to come next!

Do you ride yourself? I have been known to ride on the odd occasion back in Australia / New Zealand, but I don’t think I’d get away with saying at home that I can ride!

Favourite horse or pony and why? We still have Emmaline’s very first pony, a grumpy old man by the name of Owen. He is, I have been told 11.2hh, twenty-one years old, Welsh A. He recently managed to kick another pony who is recovering from a broken leg as a result. Don’t ask me why, but I think he’s still the all time favourite!

Perhaps we have a lot in common – apart from the kicking obviously!

What area of sport are you involved with?

I played Aussie Rules football for eighteen seasons, I love playing tennis, but now I mainly enjoy running and skiing. Most recently I’ve been supporting my children in the show ring.

How do you support your family with their sport? I have been told I am very helpful at the weekend - we muck out as a family, kids included, and I poo pick fields, turn out and help get the ponies back in. I am also assured that my sponsorship is enormously helpful! I absolutely love the enjoyment the children get out of riding and showing and the fact that they are always outside – come rain or storm!

What’s the best thing about competing? It gives the children discipline, it teaches them to focus and concentrate and that if you want to achieve something you have to work hard for it! I think that’s a good life lesson.

My favourite time competing is when we go somewhere local, the weather is nice and

Left: Anna winning the Area Championship Pretty Polly and Area Championship Mini Show Pony on Nantcol Lady Penelope

we get to have a good picnic afterwards.

Personally, I don’t mind what colour the rosettes are at the end of the day because I have no idea what colour is which place! I have recently learnt that red is good!

What’s the worst thing about competing?

As a father I get left behind with Henry, our son, to do all the work back home, which is great apart from sometimes I feel I don’t see the girls at the weekend during summer.

What was your proudest moment when watching your children compete? Last year both girls rode at the Horse of the Year Show in the First Ridden Pony class and did beautiful shows! One has very poor vision, the other was the youngest there, but both were my daughters! I’m so proud of them!

Favourite show ground snack? That would have to be bacon sandwiches!!

How do you and your family like to celebrate a big win? We’ll let you know when that happens!!

Favourite show ground and why? The Royal Windsor Horse Show. The Castle in the grounds is spectacular and the possibility of bumping into the Queen is rather special!

That is one show I wouldn’t like to miss.

What do your friends think about what you and your family do? I think they don’t really appreciate exactly how much work goes into it all but they like to watch if it’s a local show and are always supportive. Some think we’re slightly mad!

Emmaline on Rhydgwillim Gwen at Ponies UK 2009

Emmaline on Singing the Blues, coming first and Champion at NPS area 20, First Ridden SP/SHP

Above: Anna on Roseberry Spiderman, a four-year-old 128cm SP/ PBA at the Cherif Champs in September.

They came sixth and won a beautiful sash and trophy for the youngest competitor (youngest combination ever: rider, 8, pony, 4)

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To advertise here, call 01892 863062 or email: info@localrider.co.uk

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3 December LMEQ, Show Jumping with Ernest Dillon, Littleton Manor Equestrian Centre, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 8LB call Jennifer on 07771 598730 for places. www.lmeq.com

3 December Mount Mascal Stables, Evening Dressage Event, Preliminary 18 Test & Novice 36 Test, Mount Mascal Stables, Vicarage Road, Bexley, Kent, DA5 2AW Email: ali@mountmascalstables. com www.mountmascalstables.com

3 December Royal Leisure Pony British Show Jumping, Indoors, Royal Leisure Centre, Horn Lane, Henfield, BN5 9SA, Telephone: 01273 493864 Email: royalleisure@ hotmail.co.uk, www.royalleisure.co.uk

4 December The Equi-Fun Club, Winter Series Dressage Show, Plumpton College, Ditching Road, Nr Lewes, East Sussex.

Telephone: 07738 993995, email: becca@ equi-fun.co.uk www.equi-fun.co.uk

4 December LMEQ, Show Jumping with Lucy Thompson, Littleton Manor Equestrian Centre, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 8LB call Ruth on 07708 066089 for places. www.lmeq.com

4 December Mid Surrey Branch of the Pony Club, Sponsored Ride at Highland Farm, Telephone 01372 275521 www. pcuk.org – go to Mid Surrey Branch

4 December Royal Leisure Senior British Show Jumping, Indoors, Royal Leisure Centre, Horn Lane, Henfield, BN5 9SA, Telephone: 01273 493864 Email: royalleisure@ hotmail.co.uk, www.royalleisure.co.uk

4 December Fun Dog Show, Pedigree & Novelty with or withour experience, Willow Farm, Nr Faversham, Kent. Telephone: 07557 404025

11 December Francis Whittington Training Clinics, Show Jumping – clear round instruction, Willow Farm, Nr Faversham, Kent. Email: training@whittingtoneventing. co.uk, www.whittingtoneventing.co.uk

28 December LMEQ, Dressage with Andrew Gould, Littleton Manor Equestrian Centre, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 8LB email matt@lmeq.com for places. Telephone: 07771 600 033 www.lmeq.com

Centre, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 8LB call Jennifer

11 December Royal Leisure Senior British Show Jumping, Indoors, Royal Leisure Centre, Horn Lane, Henfield, BN5 9SA, Telephone: 01273 493864 Email: royalleisure@ hotmail.co.uk, www.royalleisure.co.uk

29 December LMEQ, Show Jumping with Ernest Dillon, Littleton Manor Equestrian

Centre, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 8LB call Ruth on

13 December Royal Leisure Senior British Show Jumping, Indoors, Royal Leisure Centre, Horn Lane, Henfield, BN5 9SA, Telephone: 01273 493864 Email: royalleisure@ hotmail.co.uk, www.royalleisure.co.uk 14 December Royal Leisure Evening Clear Round Jumping, Indoors, Royal Leisure Centre, Horn Lane, Henfield, BN5 9SA, Telephone: 01273 493864 Email: royalleisure@ hotmail.co.uk, www.royalleisure.co.uk 14 December Golden Cross Equestrian Centre, Trailblazer Dressage, Chalvington Road, Golden Cross, East Sussex, BN27 3SS Telephone: 01825 873022 Email: info@ goldencross.co.uk, www.goldencrossec.co.uk 15 December LMEQ, Show Jumping with Lucy Thompson, Littleton Manor Equestrian Centre, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 8LB call Ruth on 07708 066089 for places. www.lmeq.com

30 December LMEQ, Show Jumping with Lucy Thompson, Littleton Manor Equestrian 07708 066089 for places. www.lmeq.com

Mount Mascal Festive Events

Saturday 3rd December 2011 Evening Dressage Event Preliminary 18 Test & Novice 36 Test. £12 Test Entry Tuesday 27th December 2011 Fun Festive Dressage Competition Intro A, Fancy Dress Pairs Test, Preliminary Freestyle to Music & Preliminary 19 Test. £12 Test Entry & £18 Pairs Monday 2nd January 2012 New Year Show Mixed Show jumping classes to suit all abilities £7 Class Entry, OTD £9 ali@mountmascalstables.com • www.mountmascalstables.co.uk • 020 8300 3947

17 December Bedgebury Park, Indoor Show Jumping Clinic with Janine Lamy, Clinic for small groups of riders wanting to improve their technique and competition results, Bedgebury Park, Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 2SH, Enquires email: jlamy666@hotmail.com, Telephone: 07973 780820 www.bedgeburypark.com

Celebrate Christmas by visiting our New Website Throughout December, spend over £25.00 and receive free P&P.

17 December Royal Leisure Pony Area 46 British Show Jumping, Indoors, Royal Leisure Centre, Horn Lane, Henfield, BN5 9SA, Telephone: 01273 493864 Email: royalleisure@ hotmail.co.uk, www.royalleisure.co.uk

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6 December Royal Leisure Senior British

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18 December Golden Cross Equestrian

Centre, Unafiliated Show Jumping inc Golden X Factor Finals, Chalvington Road, Golden Cross, East Sussex, BN27 3SS Telephone: 01825 873022 Email: info@goldencross. co.uk, www.goldencrossec.co.uk

18 December Royal Leisure Senior British Show Jumping, Indoors, Royal Leisure Centre, Horn Lane, Henfield, BN5 9SA, Telephone: 01273 493864 Email: royalleisure@ hotmail.co.uk, www.royalleisure.co.uk

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7 December Bedgebury Park, Affiliated

Dressage, unaffiliated Intro and Prelim test, Affiliated tests can be ridden on a BD ticket, Bedgebury Park, Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 2SH, Enquires email: kerry@ bedgeburypark.com, www.bedgeburypark.com

19 December Golden Cross Equestrian

Centre, Clear Round Day, Chalvington Road, Golden Cross, East Sussex, BN27 3SS Telephone: 01825 873022 Email: info@ goldencross.co.uk, www.goldencrossec.co.uk

To be held on

7 December Golden Cross Equestrian Centre,

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British Dressage, & Trailblazer Dressage, Chalvington Road, Golden Cross, East Sussex, BN27 3SS Telephone: 01825 873022 Email: info@ goldencross.co.uk, www.goldencrossec.co.uk

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Over 40 Classes21including: December Golden Cross Equestrian Centre, Nick Turner FBHS BE Accredited Two Jumping Rings plus Clear RoundRoad, Golden Coach Clinic, Chalvington Cross, East Sussex, BN27 3SS Telephone: 7 December Golden Cross Equestrian Centre, 01825 873022 Email: info@goldencross.

Working Hunter and Best Rider Championships, Evening Clear Round Jumping, Chalvington co.uk, www.goldencrossec.co.uk Road, Golden Cross, East Sussex, BN27 In3SSHand Classes.

21 December Royal Leisure Evening Clear Telephone: 01825 873022 Email: info@ Jumping, Indoors, Royal Leisure goldencross.co.uk, www.goldencrossec.co.uk Ring dedicated to ‘12Round years and Under’ Centre, Horn Lane, Henfield, BN5 9SA, 9 December The Equi-Fun Club, Clear Telephone: 01273 493864 Email: royalleisure@ With Leading Condition and Turnout, Handy Pony, etc.

Round Jumping Evening,Rein, Plumpton College, hotmail.co.uk, www.royalleisure.co.uk Round Jumping, Indoors, Royal Leisure Centre, Horn Lane, Henfield, BN5 9SA, Telephone: 01273 493864 Email: royalleisure@ hotmail.co.uk, www.royalleisure.co.uk

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27 December Mount Mascal Stables, PLUS ‘FUN DOG SHOW’ Fun Festive Dressage Competition, Intro A,

Introductory to Music, Preliminary Freestyle to Music & Preliminary 19 Test, Mount Mascal Stables, Vicarage Road, Bexley, Kent, DA5 2AW Email: ali@mountmascalstables. com www.mountmascalstables.com

All proceeds to Local Charities

10 December Francis Whittington Training Clinics, Show Jumping, Heathfield Stables, Rotherfield, East Sussex. Telephone: 07595 979372 Email: training@whittingtoneventing. co.uk, www.whittingtoneventing.co.uk

28 December Bedgebury Park, Affiliated For schedule see: www.horseshowsuk.info Dressage, unaffiliated Intro and Prelim test, Affiliated tests can be ridden on a BD ticket, or send SAE to: Mrs J Williams, Collingham, Bedgebury Park, Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 2SH, Enquires email: kerry@ bedgeburypark.com, www.bedgeburypark.com 85 Hastings Road, Pembury, Kent TN2 4JS.

10 December Golden Cross Equestrian Centre, Pony British Show Jumping, Chalvington Road, Golden Cross, East Sussex, BN27 3SS Telephone: 01825 873022 Email: info@ goldencross.co.uk, www.goldencrossec.co.uk 10 December Honnington Riding Club, Open Show Jumping, One clear round followed by competition, H.E.C. Vauxhall Lane, Southborough, Kent, TN2 0XD, Telephone: 01892 681229 Email: carol@honningtonrc. co.uk, www.honningtonrc.co.uk

28 December Golden Cross Equestrian Centre, Senior British Show Jumping, Chalvington Road, Golden Cross, East Sussex, BN27 3SS Telephone: 01825 873022 Email: info@ goldencross.co.uk, www.goldencrossec.co.uk

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British Show Jumping Club Show, Indoors, Royal Leisure Centre, Horn Lane, Henfield, BN5 9SA, Telephone: 01273 493864 Email: royalleisure@ SUNDAY 30th AUGUST 2009 hotmail.co.uk, www.royalleisure.co.uk This 10 mile route starting in Fairlight near Hastings is normally 11inaccessible December Bedgebury Park, to the general public and takes participants over some Unaffiliated Dressage, Bedgebury Park, of the most picturesque countryside around so come on give your Lady Kent, TN17 self aOak specialLane, treat andGoudhurst, support a really worthwhile charity that does as it says and transforms peoples lives.

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No. 326901 jean@btinternet.com, www.eaglesfield.net

91_show_lrdec11.indd 2

on 07771 598730 for places. www.lmeq.com

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CHIPSTEAD RIDING CLUB SUMMER 2009 EVENTS

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CLEAR 12 JulyEVENINGS TWRC Open Show At East JULY ROUND JUMPING

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5 July Hospice in the Weald Speldhurst 12 July Felbridge Show Ground Derby Challenge Series– Tunbridge Unaffiliated Jumping www.felbridge.

1MID SURREY BRANCH OF THE PONY CLUB 20/10/08 Wells Kent. Call 07989906230 net

522nd July Wey Valley Riding Club and Indoor 19th January February 2012 12 July Sevenoaks Riding Club dressage www.wvrc.co.uk 07917 Dressage, SJ and combined training at Dressage Competitions 602527 Redlands 01732 461462 including Dengie qualifi er

10:27:31

5 July FelbridgeVenue Show Ground Ebbisham Farm ménages 14 July Sevenoaks Riding Club Evening Unaffiliated Dressage www.felbridge.

SJ and combined training at (parking in PonyDressage, Club Field) net Redlands 01732 461462 Secretary Mrs. Hazel Wilson, 3 Lyonsdene, 5 July CBEquine Show atTadworth, Lower Summer Kingswood, KT20 6UB. 17 -Surrey, 19 July Kent County Show www.

Barville Farm www.cbequine.co.uk 01737 832026 jdandhazel@btinternet.com kentshow.co.uk 01622 633060 07949 096086 18 July Fiddlers Green Stud DECEMBER 2011 Localrider 91 7 July TWRC Evening Dressage & Show Unaffiliated Dressage www.FGStud.

Jumping at Beechenwood Farm www. co.uk 07752 712915 twridingclub.org.uk 07921 552132 22/11/11 23:35:18

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To advertise here please call Karen on 01892 863062 Boots

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l

LRM DECEMBER 2007 89

RETIRED AND SEMI RETIRED EQUINES. Q  .

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14:06:07

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To advertise here please call Karen on 01892 863062 riding schools

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saddlers

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december 2011 Localrider 95

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classifieds

trade dIrecTOrY sOcietY OF Master saDDlers

shelters / staBles

LEVADE SYSTEMS Manufacturer of stables, mobile shelters, field shelters, ancillary buildings and other larger style timber buildings Levade Systems Ltd, Lines Farm Estate, Parrock Lane, Colemans Hatch, Hartfield, Sussex. TN7 4HT

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qualiFieD saDDle Fitters Meadowlea saddle Fitting services ltd Society Of Master Saddlers Quilified Saddle Fitter and Master Saddler. Saddles to suit all budgets from synthetics to various makes of full leather Full assessment and profile of horse carried out prior to fitting. Please visit our new showroom at Unit 7, Brocklands Farm, Alton Rd, West Meon, GU32 1JN. For more information Tel Jill on 07575 052423 or visit www.meadowleasaddles.co.uk

aGricultural anD FarM servces Horse Manure loaded and taken – Price per load. Flail mowing (untidy field to a Lawn). Hay, Straw and Road – Planings available (Small or large Loads) general field work undertaken and hay making service provided. 01233 756673 or 07890 818783

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L A N E S C O N S T R U C T I O N LT D

FencinG n.B.Fencing services Specialists in deer, stock, equestrian fencing and gates.

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riDinG BOOt rePairs the riding Boot repair centre, Unit 17 Grays Farm Production Village, Grays Farm Road, St Pauls Cray, Kent. Complete refurbishment, re-fit and re-zipping, etc.

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ruBBer MattinG Professional matting, grooves and bobble top, for cheaper option:- good condition 2nd hand belting. Ideal for walls and stable floors. Fitting service available.

Tel. Mo Chapman 07768 834761

tacK sHOPs charity Farm country store. Everything for Horse and Rider. Pet feed & accessories.

Swattenden Lane, Cranbrook, Kent. 01580 713189 www.charityfarmcountrystore.co.uk. the tack room, Johns Cross, Robertsbridge, East Sussex. Tel: 01580 882255.

Everything for the horse and rider, including feed, bedding and wormers.

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training

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Understanding your horse/pony

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Lecture and practical sessions are being run by Ali Remmen and Rachel Roberts. Covering the grass roots of Show Jumping, Dressage and Showing.

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Contact: www.sussexhorsetransport.net Mobile: 07740 724834 96 Localrider december 2011

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The trials & tribulations of Oli

Lawrence

Despite long days studying Natural Sciences at Cambridge, Oli has managed to fit in a fair bit of riding as well as the normal high jinx associated with freshers...

W

ell hello from wet and windy Cambridge! Life couldn’t be much better, but being at Cambridge isn’t exactly ‘normal’ Uni life. In actual fact this last month has been so different I could write you a book, rather than the page the editor give me (clearly she doesn’t love me enough!). For starters I’m writing this sitting in a 600 year old library in polo gear and wearing a gown. What’s more surprising is that I haven’t had a single weird look.

Mortar boards rule

Cambridge must be the only place in the world that it’s perfectly normal to see people stroll the streets in mortar boards, rowing lycra and riding kit. To put it into context my average day seems to consist of the following: Lack of sleep is the usual start. Four hours is about average. Working through the night is pretty much standard a few days a week and the other nights are usually spent sampling Cambridge’s night life, but more on that later.

Studying Natural Sciences or “Nat Sci” as it’s referred to by anyone other than the most lost tourist means 9 O’clock lectures nearly every day and lectures, practicals and supervisions (one on two tuition) usually last until 6:30pm on a bad day. The elusive afternoon off comes up every now and then, but the Cambridge week runs Wednesday to Thursday so there’s a multitude of ways to confuse freshers... The next thing on most student’s list is usually food. Pretty standard really, in the hall, every evening with waiters and three courses. College accommodation has a major flaw apart from being newly renovated with balconies, gym and bar - there’s only a microwave. Much to my mother’s surprise I’ve managed not to poison myself and have rustled up pasta, eggs, more pasta, pizza and an exploded egg. No comment on the “I told you sooooo” remarks.

On the subject of free time. I seem to have done what everyone warned me not to do and over filled it. I landed myself a spot on the Uni riding team and then the allure of polo came along, so that got added to the list. Predictably I got dragged along to the boat house and then rowing suddenly appeared in my diary. Alongside one of

the most time consuming courses going, I’m in a kind of limbo between spontaneously combusting and total zen.

On the transport front the bike rules, which suits me perfectly. Weaving through tourists performing some strange form of martial arts with cameras, jumping a few red lights and dodging the abuse of “punt men” who seem to treat me like a kind of cycling terrorist make up my morning’s entertainment. Then there are the one way streets, but we won’t dream of cycling down them the wrong way with no hands and someone on the back, right past the police station.

Bops and entertainment

No story of Uni would be complete without a description of the night life. Tragically my parents and certain up standing members of society read Localrider, so perhaps to preserve the sketchy semi pro reputation I’d like to think I have we won’t go into too much detail. That said bops (college based events) and college ents (short for entertainment) have the constant battle of pushing the boundaries up to the point of being “deaned”. This is bad and will shorten your life expectancy. In simple terms it means you’ve behaved so outrageously that you get an “extra special” interview with several fellows and the dean of your college to “discuss” you behaviour. To cut to the point if you have a medics initiation with the theme “lab coats and underwear” you’re pretty much asking for several black marks in the college conduct book. Cambridge night clubs are varied, but undoubtedly play the cheesiest music possible and are reminiscent of your first disco, aged seven.

Perhaps the last thing that’s worth noting before we skip to the plethora of equestrian madness here is the “Cambridge effect”. The thing about life here is that it’s full of people who have always been the best. They arrive and then realise they’re not anymore. BUM! The usual result is that everything becomes very competitive and everyone generally feels quite stupid. On top of that, the environment moves at 1,000 miles per hour, blink and you’ll be in the next week. People work hard and play even harder.

To find out more about Oli Lawrence visit www.olilawrence.co.uk 97-oli_lrdec11.indd 2

Playing Polo Back to the horse front! As this article goes to print we’ll be setting off to the first Uni riding competition of the term, so watch this space for the results of that. Typically I got roped into teaching within the first few weeks of being here. At the moment the main attraction is polo - the rationale being that Cambridge Polo Club owns ponies, is sponsored by Jack Wills and virtually has its own polo ground. The reality being that once I leave Cambridge I’ll never be able to afford to play again so I may as well make the most of it. Polo is pretty much high speed croquet on ponies that turn on a sixpence and although it doesn’t look it - it hurts! The term “ride off” in no uncertain terms means to push someone off the line of the ball - by riding into them. Suffice to say at high speed things become slightly more akin to rugby than the croquet pitch.

Soxs (aka Billy Banta) meanwhile is fine and dandy with a winter of show jumping awaiting us. I’ve also managed to get permission for a car on college grounds, which is as elusive as a maths student in a night club. Things are going good.

My next diary will come from the totally non-horse related location of Val Thorens as the Varsity (Oxford and Cambridge) ski trip with 3500 students takes over the resort for a week. Epicness! After that I’m home - you have been warned.... ;-) But I leave you with my lab partner’s final words to me today, in true Cambridge abbreviations and seemingly elfish phrases “Oh John’s DOS rollocked him this morning for missing his Sunday deadline, but he got below Simon’s split in the UT2 even after the swap with Tit Hall and he’s trialling for the blues. Gosh, the Hawks and Osprey’s ball was shocking and the cupids ended up at the van of death. I’ll see you at cellars tonight after formal, can you bring my mat sci notes and leave them in the plodge.

I promised the boaties I’d bring some engineers pennies to hall, but I’m frightfully concerned we’ll be thrown out for silvering before final grace” Conversations like that smile and wave.

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NEXT MONTH IN

Reader of the Month Localrider Mr Mowbray jumping the 1 metre Open at Hickstead

FOCUS ON VETERANS: More of your stories, plus feeding & caring for the older horse

Name: Jo Sellars-Waymark

TRANSPORT: Economic options Strictly Come Dressage

Tiffanys Lady jumping in her first affiliated show at Felbridge

Age: 25-years-old Occupation: Carer Horses’ name and ages: Harry (Gincox Harry), 20-years-old Digbe (Mr Mowbray), 16-years-old Lady (Tiffanys Lady), 5-years-old Millie (Just Glory), 12-years-old How long have you had your horses?

Harry 11 years, Digbe 5 years, Lady 18 months, Millie nearly a year What do you do with your horses? I have re-schooled all of them myself and now and compete in British Showjumping competitions with them. Harry and Millie also do showing.

Just Glory jumping in her first affiliated show at Felbridge

Future goals and ambitions? To jump them all successfully at British Showjumping competitions and to take the girls to Hickstead next year hopefully!

Also to take one of my ex-racehorses to the Horse of the Year Show and Olympia.

Favourite equestrian Product: My magnetic boots, which keep Harry nice and supple.

Favourite food for your horse: Everything! Carrots and apples always go down well with all their hard feed!

INSURANCE: do you have the right cover?

On sale 1st February 2012

All features subject to possible change

Equestrian Idols: The Whitakers Where do you buy your Localrider? By subscription Favourite Tack Shop: Stirrups in East Grinstead Favourite Horse Feed Shop: Ifield Park in Lingfield

Gincox Harry jumping the 1 metre Open at Hickstead

If you would like to feature as Reader of The Month, please contact Fiona on 01892 863062 or email: fiona@localrider.co.uk

98 Localrider DECEMBER 2011

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Other Veteran Mixes are now pretty much old hat.

PRO VEN

* * ck sa r More feeding days pe

Plus a healthy horse to boot!

Superior ingredients provide greater, all over nutrition.

The boffins here at Saracen have always been convinced that you could feed less Saracen with the same or improved results. After all, this is exactly what customers like you tell us, when you make the switch to Saracen feeds. The benefit as shown in the diagram (left) demonstrates how Saracen not only lasts longer, but it’s superior ingredients provide greater, all over nutrition for your equine. So if you’re after a feed that goes further per scoop and cares for your equine, choose world-class nutrition from Saracen for your best friend.

For those who know what they’re on.

If you don’t know what you’re on, visit our online horse feed service: www.saracenhorsefeeds.com or call 01622 718487 for more information. *Formulated to the same nutritional principles as Cooling Mix. Pagan, J.D. (2010) A digestibility Study of Cooling Mix and Herbs Against Another Leading Cooling Mix

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