Endurance GB July/August 2019

Daring to Dream Team GB

Equine Head Anatomy Bitting advice July/August 2019

Official members' publication for Endurance GB

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In this issue

Volume 16 Issue No 4

Regulars 4 6 8 36

Future Focus

Endurance GB Chair Rebecca Kinnarney

10

News

Expansion for British Horse Feeds and a fond farewell

Endurance GB News

Members’ proposals for 2019 and upcoming rides

SERC

12

The Scottish Festival of Endurance

9

Endurance GB 9 10

Ride Preview

Features

Red Dragon serves up a feast

The European Championships

European stage is set for Suffolk

12

Daring to dream

34

Young Riders

Elizabeth Peplow introduces Team GB Ones to watch for the future

38

AGM & Gala

40

Ride Reports

17 20 24

A night of celebration The latest from Thoresby and Cerne

26

Vet Gate Assessments

Endurance vet, Annamaria Nagy explains the assessments

Does your bit fit?

Bitting expert, Olivia Turner, explains how to get it right

Hydration

Dr Tom Shurlock offers advice on hydration for the endurance horse

Rider fitness

Tracy Thompson overcomes her mobility challenges

Office Administration Endurance GB Office, Abbey Park, Stareton, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2RP t: 02476 697929 f: 02476 418429

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Publisher

Deadlines Copy Dates to Editor for future issues of Endurance: September/October by 9th September and November/ December by 4th November. If you wish to advertise in the September/October 2019 issue, artwork deadline is 16th September. The views and opinions of the writers are not necessarily those of the editor, Matrix Print Consultants Ltd or Endurance GB. Endurance magazine is fully protected by copyright and nothing may be reproduced wholly or in part without the permission of Endurance GB and/or Matrix Print Consultants Ltd.

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28 30

Supplements

Advice on electrolyte supplements from Baileys Horse Feeds

Training

Amanda Barton looks at pole exercises for endurance

Cover Photo The kindest eye

Photos courtesy of David Saunders Photography

Follow us on Social Media Twitter @EnduranceGB Facebook @EnduranceGB Instagram @endurancegbinsta

ISSN 2516-2349

contents

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Future focus REBECCA KINNARNEY CHAIR OF ENDURANCE GB Half way through the year and half way through the Endurance GB ride season but still lots of exciting events coming up. This weekend sees the Inter-Regional Championships at Cirencester, with more than 350 horses entered in the various classes at the ride over the 3 days. That requires an army of volunteers and some slick organisation. Huge thanks to everyone involved in making this and every other ride possible. The work on the day is incredible but it’s the work which goes on in the months leading up to the ride which is truly phenomenal. We are just so grateful to all of our volunteers for putting the enjoyment and safety of others at the forefront of their minds for those months.

It might seem like ride season 2020 is a long way off but we are already preparing our provisional calendar for next year. So, if you are a current Ride Organiser, if you know someone who might like to be a Ride Organiser, if you know someone who could be ‘gently persuaded’ to be a Ride Organiser (!) please get in touch with the Operations Committee about your plans for next year. We love our existing rides but we’d really like to add in some new and interesting rides or maybe resurrect old favourites which haven’t run for a few years. We all love riding in new places; after all, isn’t that one of the big reasons we do this sport?

Alex Tennant, Para Endurance Director, and I attended the reception to mark the 50th anniversary of the RDA last week and I think it’s safe to say that we were truly humbled by the ‘can do’ attitude of everyone there. The Princess Royal spoke at length about this and I think that we all know that we see this every day and every weekend in our own discipline. We are all dealing with our own challenges and I’m proud to be part of a community where people are overcoming their challenges every day in pursuit of the sport they love.

Finally, I wanted to offer my personal and the Board’s congratulations to Young Rider National Champion, Madison Pomroy, after her excellent ride at King’s Forest in June. Congratulations, too, to all the nominated entries for the European Championships in August and good luck to those selected for the team to represent Great Britain.

Onwards into the summer, folks!

KERRY DAWSON COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Can you believe that we’re into August already? Where has the year gone? That means the H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum UK Endurance Festival, hosting both international and national rides as well as the Pony Club Endurance Championships at Euston Park on 15th to 19th August is just around the corner where our British Team riders will be going for glory. We hope you will be there to support them and cheer them all along.

I also hope that you are all enjoying the season and learning new skills, exploring areas of the country you haven’t been to before with your equine companions. We have a wonderful range of rides available throughout the country and it’s always good to expand your horizons, meet new friends across the borders and challenge yourselves over different terrains.

The Communications Team of Endurance GB has been incredibly busy increasing our reach on social media; increasing our presence on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube and shouting about our wonderful events and rider achievements; spreading the word about our fabulous sport in whatever fabulously creative ways they can think of.

We’ve also had a brilliant time encouraging new members to join us by hosting an exhibition stand both at Royal Windsor and the Royal Welsh Show where we took our new exhibition trailer, courtesy of sponsorship

by HPower and Meydan, out for a spin, allowing us to put our sport in front of an ever-increasing audience.

However, as we enter ½ year membership, please do encourage your friends and family to join us. There are still plenty of competitions to aim for, including our Endurance GB RiderCise Northern and Welsh Championships.

As ever, if you have a good story or photo and would like to see it published in Endurance magazine, please contact the team at magazine@endurancegb.co.uk as we love to hear from you, our members, about your achievements, aims and ambitions.

Happy riding!

Endurance GB Board of Directors Chair Rebecca Kinnarney T: 07801 868481 E: rebeccakinnarney@ endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES - at the AGM 2020

Vice Chair and Finance Director Sue Box T: 07867 512673 E: suebox@endurancegbco.uk RETIRES - at the AGM 2021

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Company Secretary and Governance Director Ann Dark T: 01380 818223 E: anndark@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at theAGM 2020

Operations Director Esther Young T: 07454 929919 E: estheryoung@ endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2019

International Director John Robertson T: 07801 686959 E: johnrobertson@ endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2019

Training and Development Director Alex Tennant T: 07871 310221 E: alextennant@ endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES - at the AGM 2021

future focus

Groups and Volunteering Director Rosemary Henderson T: 07894 477049 E: rosemaryhenderson@ endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES - at the AGM 2021 Communications Director Kerry Dawson T: 07818 283144 E: kerrydawson@ endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES - at the AGM 2021

SERC Representation Constance Newbould T: 07973 726001 E: constancenewbould@ endurancegb.co.uk Directors of Endurance GB are volunteers, so please be patient and considerate with any queries. Most Directors work full time elsewhere and are not always available during working hours. No calls before 9am or after 9pm please.

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The latest

updates and news

Updating Your Records We would like all members to log into their account on the Endurance GB website and check the details we currently hold against them to make sure they are up to date.

Especially names, telephone numbers and email addresses. We have numerous emails bounce back when we do mailouts. If you do not know your password to log in, please contact the office and we will be able to reset your password for you.

Changes to the published calendar The Operations Committee have approved some requested changes to the 2019 Ride Schedule.

For reasons outside of the Organiser's control, the Chester Zoo ride has moved to 22nd September. All classes remain the same.

HPower have moved the national classes at Euston Park 4 to Monday 19th August.

This is to help reduce damage to the tracks at Euston Park over what will be a very popular event. HPower apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause.

An additional Euston Park date has been added to the calendar. There will be 40km and 80km GERs on the 3rd August with a local group social ride run by the Iceni group on the 4th August.

Report from Endurance GB Disciplinary Committee A complaint against Kirsty Wiscombe was referred to the Disciplinary Committee relating to the use of the whip at Golden Horseshoe 2019.

The complaint was upheld and it was decided that she: (a) i s banned from carrying a whip, or using any other item as a whip, at any future Endurance GB or FEI event. (b) is not permitted to ride Yawl Hill Maverick at any Endurance GB or FEI event, for the remainder of the 2019 season or any of the 2020 season.

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news

Correction of Errors in the National Trophy Results It is with regret that we can confirm that two errors have been identified in the National Trophy results, both as a result of database errors, as follows: Broadstone Charade Trophy for 2016 & 2017 The Broadstone Charade Trophy was awarded incorrectly in 2016 and 2017.

In 2016, the trophy should have been awarded to Flurrie, owned and ridden by Jeni Gilbert.

In 2017, the trophy should have been awarded to Cardinal Panache, owned and ridden by Julia Harman.

Our sincere apologies go to Jeni Gilbert and Julia Harman, but also very much so to Carol Jones and Ptolemaeus, to whom the trophy was awarded in error.

Sam Weller Trophy for 2018 The Sam Weller Trophy should have been awarded to Zim Nazka, owned by Jacqueline Lloyd and ridden by Carolyn Cummings.

Our sincere apologies go to Jacqueline Lloyd and Carolyn Cummings, but also very much so to Anne Walton and Vlacq Iceni, to whom the trophy was awarded in error.

endurancegb.co.uk

New factory set to increase production and create jobs.

Leading animal feed manufacturer, I’Anson Brothers Ltd, makers of the British Horse Feeds hero products Speedi-Beet and FibreBeet and sponsors of the iconic Red Dragon Festival of Endurance, have announced plans to build a new production facility.

The new 23,000 sq ft factory will be built at Dalton New Bridge, the next phase of the Dalton Industrial Estate. The ultramodern facility has been designed to be as energy efficient as possible and the increased production will enable I’Anson to meet the growing demand of existing customers.

I’Anson currently employs 80 people from the local community and this new production facility will initially create a further 10 new jobs.

It will also allow I’Anson to grow its existing network of local producers, farmers and suppliers from whom it buys a large proportion of its raw materials for manufacture.

Founded in Masham in 1900, I’Anson has grown to become a leader in the production of animal feeds and has been based at its current mill for the past 60 years.

Sales Director of British Horse Feeds, Will

I’Anson commented: “This is an exciting time for the business, as custodians of the fourth generation it enables the fifth generation, an energetic, enthusiastic team to grow.

The Masham mill specialist sales will continue the growth of micronized ingredients, coarse rations and the own label service that we are privileged to serve.”

Young Rider Chef d’Equipe steps down Endurance GB Young Rider Chef D ’Equipe Jo Chisholm, is stepping down from the role at the end of the season after three years due to family business commitments. She and husband Andrew will be supporting daughter Tess and her husband Jay Barker-Jones in their new venture as owners of the Dartmoor Inn in Lydford. Jo confirms: “I will still be doing my own work, riding and organising the Golden Horseshoe Ride but it was just the time to step down from being YR Chef as I didn't think I could put 100% into it.”

Speaking of her time with the team, Jo said: “I have huge admiration for our Young Riders.

It is very tough financially and also logistically sometimes for them to go through the qualifiers alone with three FEI level rides to complete at 1* and 2* level and the horse they are aiming to qualify having to do two 2* rides, and at the same time they are doing these rides as well as all the training involved, they are usually at college or university and doing exams or placements so the pressures

are great. We do have a talented pool of riders bidding for places at next year’s Championships and gaining a place on the team is a fantastic achievement and good experience and preparation for moving on to compete internationally at senior level. I wish next year’s team and new Chef, every success.”

Paying tribute to Jo Chisholm for her stewardship of the Young Rider Squad during her time as Chef D’Equipe, John Robertson, Endurance GB’s Chair of International said: “Jo has been a superb Chef D’Equipe and given a great lead and support to our Young Riders both as someone who has enjoyed considerable success in the sport herself but also through her calm manner which has enabled every member of the teams she has managed to give of their best. Endurance GB is grateful to her for her hard work and support for these Young Riders.

We wish her, Andrew, Tess and Jay every success with the Dartmoor Inn, I am sure it will be on the map as a pitstop for endurance riders from across the country!”

news

7

What's new at

Endurance GB

Members’ proposals for 2019 Our organisation is run by its members for its members. Any full member can put forward a proposal for a change to the Rules, Constitution, Administration or running of Endurance GB which will then be voted on by members at the AGM. The deadline for receipt of proposals for the 2019 AGM is 5pm on Friday 27th September 2019, and late proposals will not be accepted.

You will need to submit your proposal in writing, with a named proposer and seconder who must both be full members. There is a form on the Endurance GB website which will help you set out your proposal correctly. Either the proposer or the seconder must be present in person at the AGM, and if they are not present then the proposal will be voted on without debate.

A member is limited to putting forward a total of THREE proposals (either proposed or seconded) in any one year.

To stand the best chance of getting your proposal through the AGM, please consider doing the following: • S peak to the Director responsible for that area in good time before submitting your proposal. Early consultation will enable you to identify and consider any unintended consequences of your proposal, and to ensure that the wording is workable and clear.

• We already have a lot of rules. Are there other ways of achieving the desired result?

For example, by improving the guidance rather than adding more rules. Guidance can be clarified without recourse to an AGM. • Ensure that you articulate the benefits of your proposal clearly.

• Outline any cost implications for your proposal.

• C onsider any arguments that may be made against your proposal and think about how you might rebut these.

• Consider whether a similar proposal has been submitted before. Can you find out why it wasn't passed last time?

Note: Any rule brought before the AGM and subsequently amended in the handbook must remain in force for a minimum of two seasons unless the Board deem

it to be unworkable, so you cannot propose to amend something which has only recently been added to the rule book • Keep proposals factual, unambiguous, and to the point: one change per proposal.

If you try and include several proposals in one, you risk the entire proposal including any valid parts being rejected by the member vote because there is a tiny section which is fatally flawed.

Thursday 15th August - Monday 19th August – F.E.I. Euston Park - 4

Saturday 14th September - Sunday 15th September – Boyton Hall (The Lavenham Ride)

Upcoming Endurance GB rides

Sunday 25th August – Cumbria Challenge – Hosting the RiderCise Northern Championships

Sunday 15th September – Forest of Dean Autumn Belle

Saturday 31st August - Sunday 1st September – Auriols

Sunday 22nd September – Devils Dyke

AUGUST

Saturday 31st August - Sunday 1st September – Pen Ddol Y Gader – Hosting the RiderCise Welsh Championships

Friday 27th September - Sunday 29th September – Revesby Park (And Ride)*

SEPTEMBER

Friday 4th October - Sunday 6th October – The British Horse Feeds’ Red Dragon Festival of Endurance*

Saturday 3rd August – Euston Park Sunday 4th August – Hexham Ride, Phoenix Ride Sunday 4th August – Euston Park (Iceni Group)

Sunday 1st September – The Dartmoor Ride

Saturday 10th August - Sunday 11th August – Harwood Dale

Saturday 7th September - Sunday 8th September – The Lion’s Tail

Sunday 11th August – Barbury Castle

Sunday 8th September – Bonham

Sunday 22nd September – Camelford

OCTOBER

Sunday 13th October – New Park Rufus Ride Friday 18th October - Sunday 20th October – Hanslope Ride

Something for everyone

Red Dragon

serves up a feast As an ‘almost’ end of season party, the British Horse Feeds’ Red Dragon Festival of Endurance has something for everyone from the Home International and Celtic Challenge to an all new 25km pleasure ride.

T

he dreaded season finale is fast approaching but thankfully for Endurance GB members, the calendar goes out with a bang rather than a whimper and this year brings the intriguing prospect of two major rides in October.

Hanslope Ride near Milton Keynes, supported

by HPower and Meydan will be an impressive full stop on 2019 having been upgraded to an FEI ride with a CEI2* 120km class on Saturday 19th.

Largely based around the original Hanslope route, the organisers have made significant efforts to reduce the road work, so the route will be mostly grass headlands and bridlepaths with some arable fields to cross. To aid the flow of what should be a competitive ride, it is anticipated that all gates will be manned, and road crossings stewarded.

Two weeks previously, there is the iconic challenge at the British Horse Feeds’ Red Dragon Festival of Endurance (4th-6th October) which this year, plays host to the Home International and Celtic Challenge, both of which have four teams apiece this year. Last year’s Home International, held at Brodie in the Scottish Highlands was won by Scotland with England second and Wales in third place. Scotland also took the Celtic Challenge ahead of Wales. There will be one team of six riders competing in the Home International and another team of six riders competing in the Celtic Challenge. Each team can nominate one reserve rider. The Celtic Challenge comprises teams from

Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Cornwall. The English, Cornish and Welsh teams will be selected by EGB, the Irish team will be selected by ILDRA and the Scottish team will be selected by SERC. A parade of the teams around the main arena at the Royal Welsh Showground is planned for the afternoon of 4th October after the vetting.

Meanwhile the Riding Club Team Qualifiers around the country have been taking place.

The top team in each of the ten Regional League Tables will go forward to compete in the Final.

Some wild card places may also be awarded by the national organisers and a good entry is expected for the British Horse Feeds' Riding Club Team Final which takes place Sunday 6th.

Offering an insight into the scale of the challenge in running a ride like Red Dragon, organiser John Hudson says: “Obviously we are hugely grateful to British Horse Feeds for their support again – we could not run it without their support. We have also just completed our usual “tour” of the 30+ landowners last week – we cannot praise them enough for their friendly welcome and level of cooperation. As usual we use a lot of private land for the route.

“We are also very grateful to the three external teams who help to run the event: The Gloucestershire TRF led by Jacky German (9 of them), the medics (8 of them) from SARA led

by Merv Fleming and RAYNET (10 of them) led by Dave Mansell.

"We are equally grateful to all the EGB members who come along to help us – they are always a very happy and willing band!"

“We are equally grateful to all the EGB members who come along to help us – they are always a very happy and willing band!”

A reception will take place on the evening of Thursday 3rd October as a thank you to all the landowners and farmers who enable the ride to take place.

New this year, to attract more local riders, the ride organisers have designed a 25km PR for Sunday with very little roadwork and excellent views and promotion is ongoing to local Riding Clubs, Pony Clubs and Riding Stables.

Elizabeth Peplow

ride preview

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European stage

is set for Suffolk Elizabeth Peplow is Press Officer for Endurance GB and the former Assistant Editor for Horse & Hound. She has reported on endurance at home and abroad for more than 20 years.

Championships

When the FEI European Championships return to the UK for the first time in over a quarter of a century, they will look a little different to the incarnation 26 years ago at Southwell in Nottinghamshire.

This time as many as 40 countries will be represented over four days of competition which also includes the Pony Club Championship, National rides and a Nations Cup. Rebecca Kinnarney, Chair of Endurance GB said: “We are looking forward to the first European Championships on home soil after so many years. Hosting the European Championship brings us the possibility for the sport to reach new audiences and maybe even inspire some stars of the future.

“We would like to thank the Duke and Duchess of Grafton for access to Euston Park and the sponsors HPower and Meydan for their support. We wish everyone involved from our European Championship and Nations Cup teams to riders competing in the Pony Club Championships every success. We know that you

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ride preview

will do the sport, Endurance GB, your country and yourselves proud!”

Euston bites

Endurance GB stand Endurance GB will have a stand at the Festival as part of promoting the sport to potential new members so why not come along, have a chat and help spread the word? The latest edition of EGB’s Endurance Magazine will also be on display and Production Editor Catherine Baldock will be on the look out for snippets and stories for future editions.

Nations Cup team The Festival will stage its second CEI02* 120km Team Nations Cup and Individual Ride on Sunday 18th August. Last year 12 teams entered the Nations Cup. The event was won by the UAE with Spain in second place, France in third and Great Britain in fourth. The combinations selected for the British team are: Linda Cowperthwaite riding Krakatau, Carri Ann Dark riding Bey Sahli or HS Drift, Bella Fricker riding Spanish Heir, Liz Platts riding Obeyaan Seldam and Fiona Griffiths riding Echo with Annie Joppe

"We are looking forward to the first European Championships on home soil after so many years" as the Reserve riding HS Chiara.

Behind the scenes Key faces at Euston are; His Grace The Duke of Grafton, President of the competition, for allowing us to be there, Andrew Blenkiron Managing Director of Euston Estate and his team ensuring that the loops are immaculate, John Robertson (Endurance GB International Chair) Course Designer with Assistant Course Designer Gary Honeywill, Pedens manage the stables

endurancegb.co.uk

The Venue Euston Park is a great venue for Endurance; there are so many route options through absolutely lovely park and farmland, and our course designers are working hard to create new routes amongst old favourites.

Photos courtesy of David Saunders

under the responsibility of Henry Bullen, Bryan Elliott and Jamie Lane-Fox. Donald and Harry Gill are the ground team delivering ice and water to the teams and maintaining the venue under the direction of James Tozer. Holly Farr is managing the International Competitors and Sue Meadows is managing the National Competitors.

British vets take the lead The FEI has announced the officials for the CH-E-EU 160km event. Britain’s Jo Woodman has been named President of the Veterinary Commission and the Foreign Veterinary Delegate is Italy’s Marco De Vecchi. Tom Eaton Evans is the Treating Veterinary President. Ireland’s Kevin Croke is President of the Ground Jury, François Kerboul of France is Technical Delegate, Christian Lozano, also from France is Foreign Judge and Martin Welch is Chief Steward.

Three new water crossings Two new loops have been trialled this year in the build up to the competition and they will form part of the Festival – these include three new water crossings.

European Gold Medal legend looks back Jill Thomas became a household name in equestrian sport after winning individual Gold with the great Egyptian Khalifa at the previous European Championships in Britain, at Southwell, Notts in 1993.

Talking to Horse & Hound back in 2003 to mark the 10th anniversary of her victory, she recalled how the race unfolded: “The start was nerve-wracking. It was a case of trying to keep Kelly out of trouble.

When you’ve got a mass start before dawn, with around 100 horses fit and raring to go, the last thing you want is to get kicked.

“The first part of the course is a blur. I was trying to get him settled and working correctly.

I didn’t want to be right at the front, but not too far off the pace.

“We finally got to the front alongside one of the top Swedish riders, only to get in a tangle at a gate. We came cantering round the corner and someone shouted “mind the gate”. We were on a perfect line and didn’t stop and I heard the crunch as the other rider hit the gatepost.

“On our own from then on, I began to worry about whether I would remember the route. I went through what felt like a gap in the hedge and found myself in a pickyour-own field. I thought I must have gone wrong but then people started to clap, so I kept going.

“I didn’t see the 95-mile vetgate until the last minute. I slammed the brakes on and thought I’d blown it – but his pulse came right down and we went straight through, winning the ride and breaking the British and European records.”

Jill will be following the Championship on social media from home in Cornwall and sends the team all good wishes: “You may be feeling as you get this close to the ride, that getting selected was the easy part and now you have everything to prove!

But well done to each and every competitor for getting this far and good luck. I hope your training and run up to this competition has gone well and that you can come away afterwards knowing you and your horse have done the very best you are capable of.”

ride preview

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Photos courtesy of David Saunders

Daring to Dream Team GB

T

Elizabeth Peplow is Press Officer for Endurance GB and the former Assistant Editor for Horse & Hound. She has reported on endurance at home and abroad for more than 20 years.

he prospect of the first European Championship on home soil for over a quarter of a century has fuelled medal hopes for a team determined to fly the flag for their country and endurance.

the sport. Whether it is highlighting the focus they place on welfare, inspiring others to achieve their own endurance goals or reaching out to newcomers to the sport to get involved for the first time, the team is united in its goal of ensuring endurance emerges as the winner.

The close-knit team of Endurance GB riders selected to represent Team GB at the FEI European Championships have a certain steely determination when it comes to summing up their hopes and dreams for the first European Championship on home soil since Southwell in 1993. That year, the British team won gold and Jill Thomas carried the European crown with the great Egyptian Khalifa That success promoted a growing interest in the sport and for the British riders bidding for a place in the final five to compete at Euston Park on August 17th, they are quietly determined to do their bit to make this European Championship another watershed moment. As the spotlight falls on the sport once again, Endurance GB’s riders are preparing to face a certain weight of expectation as the host team, but they are determined first and foremost to showcase

Chef d’Equipe Liz Finney who herself won a European Silver Medal at the 1987 Championships at Erlangen in Germany and stepped into the role of team manager at Morlaix in 1995 where the team won Gold, understands all too well that the squad is aiming high but says it will be about holding their nerve and dealing with the unexpected challenges the ride throws up.

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international

She says: “All eyes are on endurance at the moment, but I know this team is well placed to deliver a strong performance that honours the sport as well as doing our country, Endurance GB and its members proud. Going to a championship abroad has other challenges but being on home soil will give us an edge if we stay focused.”

Liz is supported by a very experienced and

competitive Senior Management Team working together with vet Georgina Vaughan, who is standing in for Team Vet Hannah Kelly who is eight months pregnant, Team Farrier Kelvin Lymer and Physio Sam Daplyn.

Former Senior National Champion, Sarah Rogerson, 31, in the final five with Warrens Hill Rubyn, who represented Britain at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, says: “I'm sure there is some additional expectation that we will do well due to being on home soil. I think we do actually stand a good chance this year, but I'd like to think that the endurance community will be proud of that success rather than critical of failure. It's a very tough sport and a lot of things need to go very well on the day. A team medal is about being as accurate and precise as possible; we've all done the hard work so it's about avoiding stupid mistakes and not having regrets about things that could have been different.”

Fellow squad member, with two European championships, a World Championships, and last year’s Tryon under her belt, Nicki Thorne, 48, also wants to use the opportunity to inspire

endurancegb.co.uk

"Euston is a fantastic course through stunning park land with great water crossings" others: “This will be a real flagship event, and I am very proud to have the opportunity to be a part of that. I also hope it will be a great inspiration to other endurance riders of all ages within the UK and the chance to promote endurance in general.

“The whole team is totally dedicated to doing the absolute best that we can. However, whatever happens on the day in terms of the final placings I know that the entire Team will have put on an excellent display of horsemanship, taking the very best of care of their horses throughout the entire event, and presenting a professional and positive attitude that shows the very best of Endurance.”

Annette Masterson, 49, lined up for Team GB at the Europeans in 2013 but was also on the team who competed at the World Championships at

Euston Park in 2012. She says she is thrilled to be back in contention for a second championship at the Suffolk venue, this time with Shoshana.

“Euston is a fantastic course through stunning park land with great water crossings. I think we have a strong group of horses and riders for the selectors to choose from with all of the team doing well on home soil.”

If selected this will be 51-year-old Rachael Atkinson’s fifth championship representing Great Britain, with her best placed finish coming 17th at the European Championships in 2017.

While excited at the prospect of competing on home soil, she strikes a note of caution about the track that awaits.

She explains: “Euston has become more technical recently and needs to be respected.

The weather can play a large part and there are quite a few hazards.”

That said, she says that there is a strong sense of purpose surrounding the team.

“Team GB has a good work ethic and team spirit and we have all ridden together before. As riders we all put horse welfare first and enjoy the sport and competing together tremendously.

“We have all achieved success by getting this far

and after that anything is the icing on the cake.”

For the Atkinson family, ‘getting this far’ has been a double achievement because, if they are both selected, Rachael and daughter Kate will earn the distinction of becoming the first mother and daughter to represent Team GB at a major championship.

Kate, 22, is undaunted by the prospect of stepping up to Senior Team selection a year after leaving the Young Rider team and is daring to dream that 2019 might deliver a win for the sport similar to that at the previous home Europeans, four years before she was born: “Being short listed for a Championship on home soil is an incredible feeling. I am looking forward to competing alongside my mum and it will be amazing if we can both complete a championship ride together.

“I have come straight from young riders and managed to get qualified for the senior team and I think it shows that in endurance, at whatever level, hard work does pay off and as clichéd as it sounds, dreams do come true.”

Lauren Mills (HS Jamal) and Heather Whiteley (Distance Oasis), were the other two nominated entries for Team GB's squad for the European Championships but withdrew before the final selection weekend.

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so well; we have spent so many hours training and competing together.”

Crew: “The very experienced Langley family and Carri Ann Dark are stepping up to crew me this time as my normal crew (mum and dad) are potentially going to be otherwise occupied haha! They have crewed me many times before and we are all very good friends.”

Kate Atkinson Age: 22 Based: Lancashire Number of years in the sport: “15. I first started when I was seven and at the time it was something my mum did and it looked fun, so she let me start doing some pleasure rides on my pony.”

Horse: “DNS Ronaldo (Nessie) is a 15.1 bay Arab gelding, we have had him since he was six. He has come to two young rider championships with me and we have been Young Rider National Champions together.

He is a very determined horse and will always strive to please. We work well as a combination just because we know each other

Why endurance? “Starting in the sport from such a young age makes being an endurance rider second nature, I feel like I’m very good at judging different terrains and know how to adjust my riding accordingly.

I love the fact that such a high level of skill is required to complete an endurance race.

Getting to the finish line is such an achievement, and such a great feeling.

It’s a full day of adrenaline!”

On making the short list for the Europeans on home soil: “Being short listed for a championship on home soil is an incredible feeling, especially as it is my first year on the senior team.”

Age: 51 Based: Lancashire Number of years in the sport: 22 Horse: “Tannasg Psyches Realm, bred at the Tannasg Stud in Scotland. Known as Sykes, he is very competitive, doesn’t like to be overtaken and always gets humans to do his bidding.

He loves the big stage and travels well.”

Crew: “My husband Andrew, the best all round horseman I know, Caroline Cowley, a fellow competitor and Jessie Mchugh, the comedienne!”

Why endurance? “Endurance in GB is a friendly sport and you will always be able to approach people and ask for advice and support. The media has created a lot of bad press recently of endurance riding on the global stage, creating the wrong image of endurance. People who enjoy their horse should have a go and see what new horizons it opens up for them.”

Rachael Atkinson

On making the short list for the Europeans on home soil: “I am very excited at the prospect of competing on home soil – there will probably be more pressure than when I competed for Team GB at European and World championships.”

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Age: 48 Based: Norfolk

Number of years in the sport: “Approximately 20 from starting pleasure rides in my 20’s to competing internationally for the first time in 2009.”

Horse: “LM Bolena, a chestnut arab mare bred in Argentina. I have close links to the stud farm there and her sire ZT Naphl was a well claimed flat race arabian. She can be quirky and is very opiniated and not always an easy ride, but this also makes her the tough determined athlete that she is. She has completed the HH Sheikh Mohammed Cup in Dubai, FEI 3* 160 kms, with me not once but twice and is an exceptional horse who is very special to me.”

Nicola Thorne

Job: Data scientist for a water consultancy, Artesia Consulting.

Age: 31 Based: Gloucestershire/Welsh borders Number of years in the sport: 20 Horse: “Warrens Hill Rubyn by Warrens Hill Destiny out of Flo Jo. He was bred by Lesley Dunn at Warrens Hill Arabians who gifted Rubyn to my sister Rachael and myself for our 18th birthday. He's an athletic 15.2 grey arab.

Rubyn started his FEI career in 2014 with a 1* in France, after a year out we started again with qualifications and this has pretty much been our focus since. In 2017 he came 2nd in the National Championships, a tough 2-day 160km at Red Dragon, this plus his other rides led to him becoming Senior National Champion in 2017. He only has one eye after an accident as a youngster. It doesn't seem to bother him, he's just had to learn to trust us that little bit more and it doesn't detract too much from his pretty face.”

Crew: “My husband Andy Thorne is my number one support and rock and I couldn’t do this without him. Hannah Verkerk and Greta Verkerk who work with me full time, know each horse and help me to make sure everything is perfectly planned and prepared.

Laurence Ridgeway who has been my farrier for about 15 years and ensures we have the absolute best of footcare. He is also passionate

some okay photos along the way. Rose Yates, my best friend. She is in charge of keeping my brain and body in check as well as Rubyn.

Nikki Malcolm, as professional as they come, she'll be joining us in August to make sure we get it all right on the day and in the build-up.”

What is it about endurance? “The challenge of a tough sport, the freedom and energy

about endurance too and helps with all aspects of crewing on competition day.”

What is it about endurance? “First and foremost it is the horses. It’s also the opportunity to ride and create a bond through the highs and lows of competition. I love that it is a solo sport where you ride and therefore compete predominantly on your own – just you and your horse, but it is impossible to achieve this without your crew supporting you not just on the day but throughout the training and the days that surround a competition. There is a huge sense of camaraderie and achievement.

Above all else I love the freedom to ride and simply enjoy my horse in open country.”

On making the short list on home soil: “I have been extremely privileged to ride previously for Team GB and it never ceases to be the most enormous honour to represent one’s country, and I am very proud and thankful to have this wonderful opportunity to compete not only in our own country, but virtually in my own backyard.”

of a seriously fit horse, the lifelong memories of the very good days.”

On making the short list for the Europeans on home soil: “I'm a little bit excited! I have competed at Euston Park a number of times over the years, I know the course well, which parts of the course to respect and where to pick up the pace.”

Sarah Rogerson

Crew: “Rachael Cratchley, my twin sister and chief crew. Having a twin sister who I've ridden with, trained with, crewed for and been crewed by for 20 years makes delegating this job rather easy. Mary Stubbs, my mum. She's pretty good as mums go, nothing is too much effort or too hard work and she definitely knows her stuff.

Steve Rogerson, my dad, he's alright too.

He doesn't seem to have got fed up of running round after the three of us just yet, and takes

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Age: 49

Annette Masterson

Based: Staffordshire Number of years in the sport: 13 Horse: “Shoshana by Deja Des Forges out of Shovana, a 15-year-old chestnut mare bred by Ann Harrison. She is small, sharp, feisty and very determined. A great team horse; loves to lead but also happy to ride in a pack.”

Crew: “Paula Lynam my Main Crew with Ann Harrison, Felicity Edmeston, James Dickinson and Katie Bedwin who are all great all rounders with James being a good runner!”

What is it about endurance? “This sport has given me the chance to build a partnership with my horse, explore some of the most wonderful places and meet some great people while keeping us both fit and healthy.”

On making the short list for the Europeans on home soil: “I am thrilled and I think we have a strong group of horses and riders for the selectors to choose from.”

The Vet Gate

Assessments Explained

The aim of the vet gate

Endurance is a unique discipline in that horses are assessed by vets throughout the competition and can get eliminated at any of these assessments (vet gates) if they are deemed unfit to continue the ride. The main aim of the vet gate is to protect horses from developing potentially severe or serious injuries. Vets are doing their examination to spot horses at risk and to remove them from the competition, hopefully early enough to prevent serious harm.

Main steps

The same principles apply to all vet gates with some small differences in the pre-ride and final inspections.

Heart rate

Ask the expert

Annamaria Nagy (DrMedVet Dipl ACVSMR Dipl ECVSMR PhD FRCVS) – Equine Sports Medicine specialist at the Animal Health Trust, focusing on lameness diagnosis and a 4* FEI endurance veterinarian.

When the horse is presented to the vet, the heart rate is taken by a stethoscope or an electronic heart rate monitor. Generally, it must be 64 beats per minute or lower. Depending on your horse’s heart rate, your vet may listen for 15 seconds or up to a full minute. It is in everyone’s interest that horses get through the vet gate quickly (to avoid other horses waiting and to allow horses to have the longest possible rest in the hold), so if the heart rate is 64 or below based on a count taken in 15 seconds, there is no point in listening further. If the heart rate is higher or the vet hears some abnormality (e.g. a murmur or irregular rhythm), then they will listen longer. If the heart rate is too high, the examination is stopped and the horse has another chance to represent within 20 minutes from first entering the vet gate, except at the final vet gate where they only have one chance.

Trot up

The next step is the gait assessment. The horse is trotted away and back; this should be done in a straight line on a loose rein to ensure that vets

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"Endurance is a unique discipline and the main aim of the vet gate is to protect horses " get the best possible view of the horse’s gait.

A poor trot up can make horses look lame or simply make assessment impossible, which will result in a re-trot and vote. Vets are looking for a gait abnormality that makes the horse unfit to continue the ride. There are different definitions of what type of gait abnormality should result in elimination, but the important point is that horses that are at risk of developing serious injuries are stopped. Vets don’t aim to eliminate horses for the tiniest lameness (horses can be subtly and/or irregularly lame and this does not necessarily makes them unfit to continue the ride) but to decide whether the gait abnormality seen is severe enough to compromise the

What you can see on the vet card

horse’s welfare and/or put them at risk of a severe injury. Judgement will be based on rules and the vets’ personal experience. Remember that this is not a full lameness exam and vets have to make their decision based on a snap shot.

At higher level competitions a second heart rate is taken after the trot up, exactly one minute after the first heart rate was taken. This is called the cardiac recovery index or Ridgeway test (after Kerry Ridgeway, an American endurance veterinarian). The difference between the first and second heart rate gives an indication about the metabolic status of the horse. Ideally the second heart rate should be similar to or only slightly higher (e.g. 4 beats per minute) than the first one. In fit horses it may even be lower.

A high second heart rate itself is not grounds for elimination; however, if other metabolic parameters are abnormal too, it is a useful indicator that the horse should not continue the ride. The cardiac recovery index is not measured at the pre-ride inspection.

Metabolic assessment

Eliminations



The heart rate was the first indicator of the metabolic status; now further parameters are assessed. The colour and moisture of the mucous membranes and the capillary refill time (the time it takes for the gum to regain its colour after pressing on it) are checked on the horse’s gum. Both show how well the

At higher level national and any international rides most eliminations are by anonymous voting of three veterinarians (the panel). Horses with gait abnormalities are trotted again in front of the panel before voting and horses with metabolic issues are examined by two more veterinarians. If the heart rate is too high, it is taken again, usually by the president of the vet commission or by a second heart rate monitor. No voting takes place, the second heart rate is final.

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Other than the heart rate, parameters are graded A to C or counted in seconds with A and 1 being the best.

B usually means that the parameter is not quite perfect but acceptable. It can be perfectly fine to have some B’s on the vet card as the ride progresses – very few horses will be in a resting state after 100-160 km! horse’s circulation is working. In a healthy horse at rest the mucous membranes are pink and moist, and the capillary refill time is 1-2 seconds.

If the horse is metabolically compromised, the gums become darker and drier and the capillary refill time longer. The vet then listens to the horse’s gut sounds. When there is adequate blood flow to the guts, a gurgling sound is heard, even after exercise. If the horse is pushed too hard, blood flow is diverted from the guts to the working large muscle groups, which slows and then eventually stops movement of the guts, which is noted as reduced or absent gut sounds. Lack of adequate blood flow can damage the guts and result in colic.

Skin turgor (also referred to as ‘dehydration’ on some vet cards) is checked at the point of the shoulder – the skin is pinched and the time it takes for the skin to go flat is counted in seconds. It is a rather subjective and unreliable parameter; however, vets are still required to use it. The count will depend on many factors (e.g. how strongly the skin was pinched) and has been shown not to be associated with the hydration status of the horse. Of course, if it stays folded up for a long time, it is not good, but whether it goes back in two or three seconds it does not really matter.

Back, wounds, sores and muscle tone

To finish off the exam, the vet runs their hands on the horse’s back and palpates the large muscles in the hindquarters. The latter is to detect any stiffness and hardness that may

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"Most importantly, remember that vets are there to protect your horse and to help you and your horse finish the ride!" indicate tying up. Horses may get back pain from an ill-fitting saddle, an unbalanced rider, from compensating for lameness or simply due to having carried a rider for too long for the horse’s current level of fitness. If the back pain is severe, it can result in elimination.

Vets also check the horse for obvious injuries and sores under the saddle, girth or the bridle and bit, including lesions in the mouth.

Re-examination

Re-examinations are to check how well horses recovered during the hold time and if they are fit to go on the next loop. In longer distances there are compulsory re-examinations in the second half of the ride. A line vet can also request a re-examination if they are concerned about the horse, but the detected abnormality is not severe enough to warrant immediate voting. It is basically giving the benefit of the doubt to borderline cases – subtle lameness can quickly improve but can also deteriorate during the hold time; tired horses may perk up or sadly sometimes fail to recover and get worse.

What can you expect from the vets Vets are very happy to talk to you about your horse but please note that there is no time for a long chat about the horse’s history. Vets must make their decision based on what they see at the vet gate.

E.g. if the horse is lame, it does not make a difference in the decision making if he has had lameness in the past or not and what the cause was. However, there are a few situations where the history can be very important. E.g. if your horse has a heart murmur that has been investigated fully, it is a good idea to bring the report to the pre-ride inspection. It is much more likely that a horse with a fully investigated (and deemed harmless) heart murmur will be allowed to start than a horse without any prior veterinary investigation. Also, if your horse has something very visible; e.g. skin condition, lumps etc. it is good to have a report with you even if it does not change the vet’s decision.

Vets will always be interested to hear how the horse feels out on course, whether they have been drinking, eating, urinating and how they have been during hold time.

You have the right to ask about the vets’ decision. If your horse has been eliminated, find out why. If the horse is deemed lame, the vets won’t give you a diagnosis, but should be able to tell you the limb(s) they were concerned about.

Tips Remember that vets have to make their decision based on what they see during their 2-3 minute-long examination.

In order to remain fair and objective, most of the time circumstances leading to the horse’s parameters can’t be considered and no allowance can be made.

E.g. if your horse is nervous and the heart rate keeps fluctuating, if time allows, wait until it becomes stable.

If your horse has lost a shoe, trot him up and if in doubt about the horse’s soundness or you want to be on the safe side, replace the shoe before presenting the horse to the vet.

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Equine head anatomy

and bitting advice Olivia Turner (BSc Hons) is an Equine Bitting Specialist and Behaviourist based in Hertfordshire. She studied at The Academy run by Neue Schule and is 1 of 11 bit fitters certified by Lantra in the UK. www.oliviaturnerabc.co.uk

Does your bit fit?

Introduction

A rider’s seat and hands are the main lines of communication between them and their horse, if one of these is imperfect the horse has a harder job interpreting the right answer.

Anything that’s restricting the horse’s movement or causing discomfort will inhibit their ability to perform and maintain the ridden relationship. There are many specialists in varying equestrian fields and among them we have bit and bridle fitters to ensure our horses are comfortable and happy: for what is there to riding if our partners are not?

So, where do you start on your bitting journey?

In this article I’ll go through the basics of bit fitting and give you some more knowledge on how bits work.

Importance of dentistry

or ulcers. Horses are prey animals and hide their pain as a survival tactic. So, if your horse is showing these behavioural signs then something must be quite painful! Just a small cut in the mouth can be enough for a horse to evade the bit and not want to be soft in your hands whilst

riding. If you suspect your horse has a dental problem don’t hesitate to contact your equine dentist. Cuts and ulcers can go completely unnoticed until the dentist has seen inside the mouth, so it's always good to keep up to date with their check ups. If your horse has a rub

Wolf Teeth

Canine Teeth

Can be painful when erupting, present in 25% mares, 100% stallions and geldings.

Good practice to remove them

TMJ

Firstly, I always check a horse is up to date with their dental treatments. Many bitting issues are caused by unhealthy teeth and can easily be avoided by ensuring regular dental treatments every 6 months to a year by a qualified and registered equine dental practitioner or Veterinary dentist. Sharp points on teeth are the main cause of painful lesions

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Behavioural signs of dental pain • Difficulty eating • Head tilt/shy • Aggression • Evading the bit • Bucking

or sore patch, then avoid riding them with a bit in until it’s fully healed, imagine if you had a sore patch in your mouth and something was constantly irritating it!

How does a bit fit?

Once any dental issues have been ruled out, I’ll assess the horse’s head and mouth conformation to determine what bit mouthpiece shape will fit most comfortably.

It’s a good idea to check inside your horse’s mouth regularly for any signs of damage.

The equine mouth was not designed to have a bit in, so the tongue takes up most of the space. Draw out the measurements in the box and see for yourself how little room there is for a bit! Familiarise yourself with the shape of your horse’s mouth firstly without a bit in, then pop it in and check again to see how the bit is sitting in the mouth.

The interdental space (in between the premolars and canines or incisors) is where the bit sits. The height of the interdental space varies and sometimes bits are too wide to allow a horse to close its jaw comfortably.

This is often the case with large chunky bits or thick rubber bits, a thinner bit is sometimes kinder because it takes up less room in the

Diagram - Average dimensions of the mouth and bit space.

Width of hard palate = 2 – 3.5cm Between bars = 4- 6.3cm Height of interdental space = 25 – 44mm Draw these out on a piece of paper yourself and see how little space there is for a bit!

mouth and won’t squash the oral tissues as much. Can your horse comfortably close its jaw when the bit is in?

The bars of the jaw are narrow and can be sharp with only a few millimetres of tissue covering them. Some horses have quite fleshy bars in which case care needs to be taken that the tissue membrane isn’t being drawn back and trapped between the bit and the premolars. All bits will rest on this area, but it is protected by the tongue and some bits will apply pressure here, whilst others have been designed to lessen the pressure on the bars. If a horse has a habit of drawing its tongue behind the bit it’s exposing the bars of the mouth which can become bruised from a bit, especially single jointed bits that create a squeezing action on the edges of the jaw. Take your thumb and gently slide them down the bars, how do they feel to you? Sharp or fleshy? Are they smooth or is your horse sensitive to them being touched? If your horse jerks its head up a lot it may be that it dislikes bit pressure on the bars.

The roof of the mouth is called the hard palate and its shape ranges from low to arched. Some parts of a mouthpiece may come into contact with the hard palate which can be sore or aversive for some horses. You can see what shape your horse has fairly easily and check what parts of the bit are touching the hard plate when it's in. Some horses will hold the bit still or even push it up into the hard palate with their tongue to stop it from moving around when they’re being ridden. This is a clear sign the mouthpiece is not comfortable for your horse and you may find they have a tense mouth and jaw.

We also have to take into account the size of a horse’s tongue, is it thin or fat and how much room does it take up? Tongue evasions are often the result of something painful in the mouth or an indication of a physical problem which the horse is struggling with. Fat tongues and fleshy lips can be difficult to work with when bitting, you’re left with hardly any room to comfortably fit a bit in the mouth, but there are designs out there that work alongside anatomy like this. A horse’s lips also need to be considered, fleshy lips are more likely to

Find your local BAEDT qualified dental technician here: www.baedt.com

interfere with a mouthpiece and can suffer from damage. You should make a habit of checking your horse’s mouth for damage regularly, the commissures of the lips can sometimes have old scarring or discolouration of the tissue which indicates previous bit induced rubs or damage.

Gently open your horse’s lips when the bit is in the mouth and look to see how it’s sitting.

If it’s evenly and softly held in the mouth, then it’s likely to be comfortable for your horse. If it’s being held to one side, then the mouthpiece feature (i.e. a lozenge or plate) may be causing your horse some discomfort. Look to see where the mouthpiece feature is sitting and what is it pressing on? Always check the position of the bit under rein tension as it will move in the mouth and create different pressure points: we don’t ride round with hanging reins so looking at the bit at rest isn’t going to give us enough information about any problems. Either get a rider to take up a slight contact or stand at your horse’s shoulder and take up the reins to mimic a ridden contact. Now gently look inside the mouth again and assess what the bit is doing. Is your horse still relaxed and soft in the mouth or has the bit moved over and caused the feature to press uncomfortably on the sensitive areas of the mouth? It may even be trapping the soft tissues of the mouth which will be extremely uncomfortable for your horse and could lead to mouth damage.

Checking Bridle Fit

Trying to decide on the right bridle can be as much of a minefield as that of bits! There are many different designs with fancy names and new anatomical or ergonomic features, but how do you know you’ve got a comfortably fitting bridle? Every horse’s head will be different to all the others so it’s important to check certain points for a correct and comfortable fit.

• The browband shouldn’t be too small so that it pulls the bridle forwards towards the ears or creates pressure around the base of the ears.

• Any buckles or browband loops should lie flat and not be tight against the face or

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To check your bit is fitting correctly you first need to identify if it’s a fixed cheek (e.g. d-ring, eggbutt, full cheek, weymouth) or a loose ring (any bit where the ring is free to slide through the hole in the mouthpiece).

A fixed cheek bit should gently buff up against the edges of the lips, the mouthpiece shouldn’t be showing, and the lips should not be pushed in or squashed. For a loose ring you always allow ¼” of space between the lips and the hole of the mouthpiece where the ring slides through (bore hole). This prevents the lips from becoming trapped in the sliding action of the ring through the mouthpiece.

If you can see more than ¼” the bit is too large and won’t work properly in the mouth.

You wouldn’t go jogging if your shoes didn’t fit properly and gave you blisters every time, making sure their bit fits is like giving them a comfortable shoe to wear.

interfere with the TMJ. The buckles should be done up evenly on both sides of the face.

• The headpiece shouldn’t be pushing into the backs of the ears, a tight noseband can pull the headpiece down and forwards; this is common if a flash is fitted and too tight.

• Ensure the cheek pieces are not too tight or they will pull the headpiece down and exert pressure on the poll and in the corners of the lips from the bit. The horse is then less able to feel a light rein aid because there is already pre-tension on the cheek piece.

• A minimum of 2 fingers under the front of the noseband, on the nasal plane is a good guide for noseband tightness. This allows the horse to move its jaw and tongue which helps encourage relaxation and softness of the mouth.

Check it isn’t interfering with the movement of the bit or pressing tightly on the cheekbones.

• Anatomical bridles: Just because something is marketed as ‘anatomic’ doesn’t mean it will fit your horse perfectly. Every bridle will cause pressure somewhere on the head, the design dictates where this pressure lies. Removing pressure from one area will just transfer it to another, sometimes this is worse for the horse than a simple bridle. I often see anatomical headpieces that are cut away at the wrong point for the ears, thereby putting more pressure on the base of the ear.

• Avoid rolled leather as it causes more pressure on the face (Murray et al, 2015) than flat leather and make Headpiece sure there aren’t any hard or uncomfortable points Browband on the bridle.

Noseband How Bits Work

Understanding how a bit works will enable you to assess what pressure points it’s creating in the mouth and how your horse may respond to it. Every bit will create pressure somewhere in the mouth, those that claim to relieve tongue pressure will be adding pressure to the edges of the mouth for example. Every rider will be producing rein tension (average is 3kg) by pulling on the reins and this force will be sent down

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to the bit and cause the bit to rotate in the mouth and invoke the designed pressure points.

Upon rein tension all bits will slide backwards in the mouth towards the premolars. It’s impossible to have a bit that doesn’t create pressure, but ultimately the amount created is controlled by the rider and it’s up to you what type of bit you feel you need to use. Some horses may need a bit that applies more pressure to get a response to allow the rider to have softer hands, rather than having a milder bit which the rider must apply a lot of pressure onto.

Even bitless bridles will create pressure somewhere on the head, it’s up to the rider what they think is an appropriate level.

Bits can be categorised into 2 groups which tell you what happens under rein tension. Bits where the cheek piece of the bridle and the reins are attached to the same ring are called Class I and will rotate backwards towards the rider. These bits won’t incur poll pressure. Bits where the cheek piece and reins are attached to different rings are called Class II bits and rotate forwards towards the nose of the horse (Benoist and Cross, 2018). Many of these bits will incur poll pressure via a lever action, the further away the rein is from the mouthpiece, the larger the lever effect and the more pressure you can exert on the poll. An exception is the hanging cheek which relieves poll pressure – don’t believe me, then try it for yourself and watch what happens to the cheek pieces of the bridle upon rein tension. A universal cheek will also have the same effect on the first ring, but when the rein is lowered to the second or 3rd ring, you’ll incur poll pressure.

Now we know which way the bit is rotating we can see how the features of a mouthpiece are working in the mouth. Consider a loose ring French link with a plate in the middle. The plate is currently lying flat and looks to be a very comfy and mild bit. However, when you rotate that backwards (as it would under rein tension) the angle of the plate changes and its edge is now pushing into the tongue. Horses with a low palate can be quite avoidant of the contact in these bits because of this change in the angle of the plate which causes a huge pressure point on the tongue and sometimes the roof of the mouth.

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Working Through a Bitting Issue

The root of all bitting issues is discomfort, confusion or pain. Sometimes this is because the bit does not suit the horse and the job, and sometimes it’s because the horse isn’t coping physically with the type of ridden work it’s being asked to do. Any pain or physical problems need to be ruled out (see pre-bitting checklist) before you start changing bits around or you’ll only be sticking a plaster over a problem rather than fixing the root cause.

Horses can’t lie; for every problem or evasion there will be a reason, they cannot simply decide to ‘misbehave’ or annoy you on purpose. The list below shows the common indicators of a bitting issue.

• • • • • • • • • • •

Mouth opening Reefing or pulling the bit Constant chewing or mouthing of the bit Straightness issues Head tilting or shaking (can also be bridle related) Excessive salivation Lifting the bit in the mouth Tongue evasions Flapping lips Contact evasion or resistance to the hands High head carriage

Pre- bitting checklist: • • • •

Teeth Saddle Farrier Musculoskeletal Therapy (i.e. osteopathy, physiotherapy or sports massage)

Carefully observe how the horse is responding in relation to what the rider and bit is doing.

For example, the horse may only bulge its tongue over the bit during turns or lateral work. This could be a combination of a training issue and the bit moving too much through the mouth or the mouthpiece becoming uncomfortable, making it harder for the horse to remain soft and balanced through the movement.

An uncomfortable bit is not going to encourage a horse to relax and develop a stable, confident contact through the reins. This should be your first step when assessing a bitting problem, then you can test out the horse’s responses to the aids and identify what the horse isn’t responding well to. Secondly make sure the bit is a suitable fit for the horse, ensuring you’ve got the right size will make all the difference!

If an evasion is due to poor training, then the horse has learnt an incorrect response to an aid or has learnt to evade something because it’s confused. Horses learn what movements to perform through bit use by the removal of the pressure created by the bit via the rider (negative reinforcement). For example: applying pressure through the reins for a stop and releasing the pressure when the horse stopped; it’s the release of the pressure that rewarded the horse for stopping. This can easily turn into positive punishment if the pressure becomes painful or a rider decides to reprimand their horse for an unwanted behaviour. If the rider has heavy hands that never give a release in pressure, then what is a horse going to learn from? How much do you have to ask for a stop for your horse to come to a stop, 4 steps, 2 steps or does it stop immediately? A delayed response means something is lost in translation and you haven’t

made it easy for your horse to understand what you’re asking. However, going back to basics is not always an option for some horses who have developed some strong habits or inappropriate responses. In these cases, it’s sensible and safe to opt for a bit that gives you more control so you can refine those aids and teach the horse what to do instead.

‘I need more brakes’ is a very common problem presented to me, but there is a huge training element to this issue that also needs addressing.

Finding a bit that helps is of course very possible, you might consider a bit that applies more poll pressure via a lever action for example. The use of the pressure is used to amplify your rein aid asking for a slow or a stop, but it depends what the horse’s response was in the first place. Ramping up bit pressure can be very uncomfortable or painful for a horse and their first reaction is to avoid or run away from that feeling. A horse might start pulling on the bit, rushing, bolting and head tossing to avoid the pressure if there hasn’t been appropriate training involved. Horses that are then punished for these behaviours find themselves in a difficult situation and become avoidant of the contact and unresponsive to the aids. Some learn to pull the bit away from you or hold it in a certain way in their mouths to prevent the bits from working and invoking the pressure points that the horse finds uncomfortable.

Not all evasions are obvious to spot, a little lack in straightness or a slight head tilt may not be noticed straight away. The bridle can also have a huge impact on the way of going for a horse, a poorly fitting bridle can cause head shaking, tilting and problems with straightness. Be critical of your riding, are your aids clear and easy for your horse to understand and respond to?

Notice the little changes in your horse’s behaviour to identify a potential issue early on rather than leaving it until it’s a bigger problem that’s difficult to resolve.

End note

References: Benoist, C.C., Cross, G.H., 2018.

A Photographic Methodology for Analyzing Bit Position Under Rein Tension.

Journal of Equine Veterinary Science.

67,pp.102-111.

Murray, R., Guire, R., Fisher, M., Fairfax, V., 2015. A Bridle Designed to Avoid Peak Pressure Locations Under the Headpiece

and Noseband Is Associated With More Uniform Pressure and Increased Carpal and Tarsal Flexion, Compared With the Horse’s Usual Bridle. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 35,pp.947-955.

Sadly, there is no magic bit that will resolve every bitting problem for every horse, they are all individuals with different past experiences and preferences. One horse may prefer the action of a single joint over a lozenge, while another may prefer metal over rubber. A bit should be a neutral stimulus in the mouth which can clearly translate your rein aid to the horse, it shouldn’t encourage mouthing or playing and shouldn’t be something a horse finds uncomfortable or distracting. Bits can be misused in the wrong hands, but in the right hands they can be wonderful pieces of equipment. Every horse should be comfortable, free of pain, fear or discomfort to be able to relax and listen to its rider. Listen to your horse and notice what they’re telling you; for their comfort, performance and welfare!

horse health

23

Hydration for

the Endurance Horse Hydration

W

hether it be a 16km pleasure ride or a 160km competitive ride, it is extremely important to ensure your horse or pony competing in endurance is well hydrated, particularly during the summer months. It has been calculated that 7% of a horse’s weight is drunk daily – three buckets for a 400kg horse.

This merely tops up the horse’s needs; saliva, acid and enzyme secretions and maintaining the moisture level of the gut contents takes 100 litres of water. During exercise another 15 litres of water per hour can be lost as sweat! For the endurance animal this can soon add up to staggering amounts.

Moisture is also lost through breathing, faeces and urine. Losses can be greater than intake especially if there is little moisture in the feed offered. This results in dehydration. The water content of the cells and the circulatory system all drop slightly and impacts on the physiology of the animal. Gums look paler, eyes yellower and elasticity of cells is reduced – a pinch on the flank will take a time to disappear. Other symptoms include rapid, shallow breathing, dark yellow urine and, in extreme cases, a reduction in sweating and salivation. As the body tries

24

horse health

Dr Tom Shurlock has worked in the animal feed industry since 1981 after gaining a BSc Hons in Animal Nutrition and his PhD in Digestive Physiology and is now the technical advisor to British Horse Feeds.

to reduce moisture losses water will be resorbed from the gut, and colic may result.

At the very least, mild hydration will cause a loss of performance. For the endurance horse this is a serious setback.

The endurance horse is a specialist athlete and is particularly efficient in using energy derived from the fermentation of fibre in the hind gut – slow release energy. At the same time the hind gut is a massive water reservoir – much intestinal water is absorbed here – and any disruption could have a great impact on the supply of both water and energy. It is obvious that a horse needs to enter the competition with the highest hydration level possible and keep itself topped up during rest periods.

Feeding a wet feed will help maintain hydration, whilst accommodating the horse’s behavioural needs

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"During exercise 15 litres of water per hour can be lost as sweat!"

This potentially gives the owner two problems. After transport – which is potentially a stressful situation, where the horse is unlikely to drink – on site feeding does not really encourage water intake.

It’s likely that hay and hard feed is on hand, at least until a time before the ride, but may not stimulate sufficient water intake. Secondly, the recovering horse may not want to drink sufficiently. It is in the behaviour pattern of horses to feed after exercise; in a “normal” situation grazing has a number of benefits from relaxation and recovery to refuelling to rehydration due to water being the major component of grass. It is this property that gives the clue to aiding hydration.

As the preparation and execution of endurance competition is stressing, behavioural relaxation is the key to

It is extremely important to ensure your horse or pony competing in endurance is well hydrated, particularly during the summer months

preparation, recovery and hydration.

Simply put, feeding a wet feed will help maintain hydration, whilst accommodating the horse’s behavioural needs. If it can also add a nutrient dense component, so much the better.

This is where “designed” wet feeds are so good. Feeds like Speedi-Beet and Fibre-Beet, supplying highly digestible fibre can take up large amounts of water, having sufficient water binding capacity to “hold” it until it reaches the hindgut, providing continuous hydration; making extremely slushy mixes is an excellent way for encouraging intake during rests.

By presenting water as a very wet mix of feed, hydration can be maintained by playing on the horse’s natural behaviour patterns.

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

Rapid Rehydration Ideal to keep horses and ponies hydrated during warm weather • High water content to aid rehydration • A great way to hydrate your horse when out competing • Soaks in just ten minutes • Highly digestible fibre feed • Non-heating slow release energy • Ideal fibre source for equines prone to laminitis • First BETA Approved soaked fibre, suitable for equines prone to gastric ulcers* *As part of a balanced diet.

T: +44 (0) 1765 680 300 F: www.facebook.com/britishhorsefeeds W: www.britishhorsefeeds.com

Getting

your leg over RiderCise

M

Tracy Thompson has competed in Endurance since 1990. Following a spinal injury in 1998, support from her husband and fellow riders has enabled her to compete alongside her son, Jamie and complete another 160km.

any years ago, I worked in a trekking centre and was stunned by how much difficulty people could have trying to get on the horses, with the more mature amongst them saying things like “I have lost my spring”. At the time I couldn't comprehend what on earth they meant and suspect I was far from sympathetic, but their words have now come back to haunt me and I realise I owe them an apology!

on the horse, (when I say horse, I actually mean 14hh pony but let’s not split hairs). I use a mounting block and provided the pony stands still I can just about launch myself into the saddle. This is a far from elegant procedure and often involves a little swearing and cursing.

If for any reason I must get off I am completely stuck and have to hover about hoping some well-meaning hiker will take pity and hoist me into the saddle.

I have mobility problems as a result of a spinal injury in my thirties but have been fortunate enough to be able to continue to ride. The horses have been my sanity and provide me with the freedom to go places that I could never reach on foot.

At the start of 2019 I was feeling despondent about the whole situation and was beginning to wonder what I could do to remedy things.

A friend mentioned RiderCise® and suggested it might help.

Through my love of endurance riding, I have been able to explore the British countryside and I am very fortunate that my fellow endurance riders are a great group of people and always willing to open any gates that I can’t manage from the horse.

Over the last few years I have noticed a decrease in my range of movements and mobility. One of the biggest issues is getting

26

rider fitness

RiderCise® is the brainchild of Clare Gangadeen who is a rider, Soft Tissue Therapist and a Personal Trainer with much experience in the fitness industry. Using all her knowledge and real-life experience with riding and training people, Clare developed a series of programmes that are specifically designed to improve fitness, strength, mobility, stability and balance in the saddle. RiderCise® provides online programmes to all riders at any level or discipline, making rider fitness easy and affordable.

"I can’t believe what a difference a few minutes a day can make" It sounded too good to be true, but I contacted Clare to learn more and she explained how you can access her training programmes via an app on your phone and given my individual needs she was able to adapt the programme to suit.

January 7th found me starting on the RiderCise® 9 week challenge, which is something that Clare offers riders to allow them to see how easy it can be to improve their rider fitness, totally risk free! Not only do you get direct access to Clare for help and guidance when needed but you can cancel anytime.

Despite being useless with technology I found it very straightforward. The ‘Challenge’ starts

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at foundation level and begins with ten minute sessions that are easy to fit into your day. The set of exercises and stretches come with a step by step video. Clare took a very detailed medical history so she could adapt the programme due to my mobility issue. She regularly messages to see how you are getting on.

P

Some of the exercises were extremely challenging, but each week became a little easier. They focus on quality rather than quantity and gradually you increase the repetitions. They are something you can do almost anywhere, which makes it easy to fit into a busy schedule.

I did encounter a slightly embarrassing moment when I was doing the” Bear Walk”. This involves walking along on all fours and I was doing my best grizzly impression around the kitchen floor.

I did not hear the arrival of the delivery man as I wandered around the kitchen on all fours and it was only when I turned around, I spotted him standing at the door looking somewhat bemused.

I inelegantly hauled myself to my feet and thought I owed the poor guy an explanation.

I told him I was doing an exercise programme and that it involved Bear Walking. There was a look of horror on his face as he practically chucked the parcel at me and I was bent double laughing at the thought of him going

Benefits of RiderCise® Online

back to the depot with tales of crazy women.

On a more serious note I can’t believe what a difference a few minutes a day can make.

My posture has improved and my core muscles have got stronger. The exercises are very varied, so you don’t get bored. It’s like having a personal trainer at your beck and call.

Recent studies have shown what a dramatic impact the rider can have on the horse’s way of going. Injuries and weakness in riders often cause them to sit unlevel and this can have a very negative impact on the horse. We owe it to our horses to sort out our own niggles as well as looking at their problems.

• Workout on your own schedule • The mobile app allows you to train, ‘Anytime’ Anywhere’.

• Having horses is demanding alongside working and family and social life, so often finding time for improving ourselves is not a priority.

• The workouts are scheduled in your diary, but these can be moved to more suitable days, so you choose to workout, anytime you like.

Electrolytes

Why, What, When and How! Supplements

What Are They?

Horses sweat to cool the temperature of their body which increases when muscles work, when the ambient temperature rises or as a response to stress. Electrolytes (salts) are minerals which form charged particles, or “ions”, when dissolved in water. They are integral components of body fluids, causing cells to have electrical charges according to the concentrations of the various ions inside and outside the cell membrane.

This phenomenon is involved in various cellular functions, including maintenance of fluid balance,

Emma Short BSc (Hons) - Senior Nutritionist at Baileys Horse Feeds. Emma provides feed advice for horse owners, oversees forage analyses and does feeding talks and training for clubs and groups

muscle contraction and the transmission of nerve impulses. When the body sweats it releases these body fluids via the sweat glands with the horse losing chloride, sodium and potassium and smaller amounts of calcium and magnesium.

Electrolyte Losses

Most horses on a fully balanced diet, comprising good quality feed and forage, and in light to moderate work will receive sufficient electrolytes to meet their daily requirements but any potential shortfall can be made up by the addition of 1 to 2 tablespoons (25 – 50g) of table salt daily or free choice access to rock salt in their manger.

Research has shown that administering an electrolyte before, during and after work can delay the onset of fatigue dramatically.

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horse health

Since electrolytes are lost mainly in sweat, requirements can however be dramatically increased for horses exercising over longer periods or working intensely, especially during warmer weather and in hot, humid conditions.

These losses could take 5 – 10 days to replenish without supplementation so for performance horses, particularly those who have to compete over successive days, administration of an electrolyte supplement becomes a necessity to aid recovery.

Selecting an Electrolyte Supplement

Ideally the formulation should mirror the levels of electrolytes lost in sweat; a useful guide is that the quoted levels of sodium plus potassium should roughly equal the amount of chloride in the formula. There should also be small amounts of calcium and magnesium along with some sugar, generally dextrose, which helps to improve palatability and also increases the rate of absorption of the electrolytes across the gut wall.

Some suggest “homemade” electrolytes combining table salt (sodium chloride) and “Lo-Salt” (potassium and sodium chloride) but reputable brands should contain a range of salts

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Celebrate and and include ingredients selected for maximum absorption, present in the correct proportions and readily available to the horse.

Using Electrolyte Supplements

An isotonic solution of electrolytes mixed in water is the ideal way to help the body rehydrate as quickly as possible and should ideally be given within an hour of work or sweating finishing, although performance horses who are sweating over prolonged periods, say when travelling, should be offered an isotonic solution whenever possible.

Most electrolyte supplements should carry instructions on how to make up a solution though getting the horse to drink it may have mixed results. In theory, an isotonic solution should taste more appealing to the dehydrated horse than one that is either weaker than body fluids (hypotonic) or stronger and saltier (hypertonic). Adding apple juice or sugar beet water can encourage a horse to take electrolytes in.

The Reality!

In the event of a horse not wishing to drink water containing electrolytes, they can be offered in a very wet, almost soup-like blend of soaked beet pulp and/or chaff, given in the horse’s normal feed or given via a syringe directly into the horse’s mouth. When given in feed or by syringe, it is absolutely imperative that the feed is made wet and slushy and that the horse has access to plenty of fresh drinking water. Because electrolytes are “hygroscopic” (attract water), if they are ingested with insufficient water, they will draw fluid into the gut from the surrounding tissues, worsening the horse’s dehydration. Syringes are therefore best administered when there is a guarantee that the horse will have access to ad lib fresh water for several hours afterwards so that he can drink to avoid dehydration.

"Electrolyte supplements can significantly affect a horse’s performance and recovery" The Benefits

Whilst we cannot “preload” the system, because the body can’t store excess electrolytes, it is still worth giving electrolytes prior to competition to be absolutely sure a horse will not be starting out with a deficit. Electrolytes stay in the system for about four hours before an excess is excreted by the kidneys, so a carefully timed feed containing electrolytes, or an isotonic drink, can be worthwhile on a competition day.

Research has proven that correct administration of good quality electrolytes before and during moderate to intense work can increase the time to fatigue by nearly 23%; that means a horse can continue to work for 23% longer before getting tired.

It has also been shown that when horses receive electrolytes within an hour of work being completed, recovery is improved and the horses are able to bounce back and perform to the same level on a second and third day. This is clearly important for many performance horses but highlights that any horse who sweats could benefit from receiving an electrolyte supplement.

Contact Baileys Horse Feeds on 01371 850247 or visit www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk.

WIN

as Baileys Lo-Cal Balancer Comes of Age

In 1998, Baileys launched Lo-Cal as “the ultimate low calorie, high nutrient forage balancer”, and it was the first feed of its kind aimed solely at good-doers and Native ponies. It was originally sold in a 15kg sack as this was a month’s supply for the average “large breed” Native pony. This year, Lo-Cal Balancer celebrates its coming of age, with a 21st birthday makeover and a few tweaks to its tried and trusted formula.

Those who buy promotional bags of Lo-Cal Balancer can celebrate its fantastic milestone with a chance to win one of 21 fabulous Horseware prizes from a Rambo Duo Rug, with liners, to their new HorsePal app for monitoring your horse’s welfare. Each promotional bag of Lo-Cal contains a prize “birthday” card which, if not a Horseware winner, will give £2 off the next purchase of Lo-Cal Balancer so, essentially, every one is a winner!

In response to the latest research, customer requirements and market trends, Baileys have taken the opportunity to boost the biotin level, in Lo-Cal Balancer, as well as lowering the starch and sugar levels, making it doubly suitable for those prone to laminitis. It now also contains added linseed, to promote coat shine without adding calories, and ensure horses positively glow with health!

horse health

29

Training

Training exercises

for everyone

T

he wonderful things about endurance are the countryside, the amazing relationship we get with our horses, the speed and exhilaration and riding with friends but the one thing we don’t get too much of is circles, bends and turns. Some readers might see that as yet another advantage, but the truth of the matter is that to keep our horses as pain-free as possible, happy and working well, we have certain responsibilities as riders to train them correctly. If you ride the exercises below once or twice a week you can develop your horses physically and mentally to make them stronger, straighter and more supple for the job you want to do. That means they are more likely to go the distance without injury.

Amanda Barton is a BHS qualified Coach and UKCC L2 Endurance and Pony Club Coach with a special interest in welfare and biomechanics. She has been competing in endurance since 2004 and her passion is to introduce people of all ages to this wonderful sport.

Use your inside leg to push the horse outwards onto the bigger circle, avoid using your inside rein to move the horse sideways, this just causes your horse to resist and push against the rein aid. Going over the pole is also a great gymnastic exercise and you can often use small branches on your hacks.

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training

endurancegb.co.uk

Set up of the exercise These exercises are really simple to set up. All you need is a space 20m x 20m and you can set the exercises up in an arena, field, garden or use some trees or bushes along your hacking route.

Place 4 poles in a star pattern as shown in the diagram.

Place the poles about 1m from the edge of one end of a 20m wide arena, if you have one.

Most poles are about 10ft (3m) long and that allows space for the horse to work on a smaller circle inside the poles. The outside circle is about 20m and the circle inside the poles is approximately 10m.

Four 10m circles Start off riding around the outside of the poles on a 20m circle. Each time you arrive at the end of a pole ride a smaller 10m circle, this should take you to the centre of the 20m circle, as shown in the picture below. It’s important to make the circle go all the way to the centre, if you just go around the pole the circle is going to be too small for most horses. Once you are familiar with the pattern, build transitions into the exercise and experiment with different gaits.

You can develop this exercise to ride figures of 8 around the poles rather than circles. Start by riding around the outside of the poles on the 20m circle. Ride either the blue or the red figure of 8. When you return to the starting point, ride a Âź circle on the original 20m circle and then ride the other figure of 8.

Spiral in and spiral out of the circle Start off in walk on the 20m circle outside the poles. Gradually spiral in until you are riding a 10m circle on the inside of the poles.

Many show jump poles have 5 or 6 sections of different colours, you decrease the size of the circle just one colour each Âź circle, being really accurate about where your horse puts his feet. Then make the circle larger again, all the way to the 20m circle. When ridden well, you should be travelling out in a very slight leg yield with a slight inside bend. You will know when you get it right as the horse will soften in your reins, take the same bend as the circle and the movement should feel easy. If it feels difficult, stiff or resistant then something is going wrong and you should get some help before continuing. Get the exercise working well in the walk before you go to trot. You may find it easier to use cones for markers rather than poles when you trot this exercise.

training

31

From an anatomical perspective

• T he inside hind leg needs to come under the body and take weight when riding a circle, this is an important aspect of good movement.

• Circles are great exercise because the muscles on the outside of the bend relax and lengthen while the muscles on the inside shorten.

• The horse’s vertebral column (spine) moves in three main ways; longitudinal flexion which means that the spine can flex upwardly, we want to encourage lifting of the horse’s back to bear a rider’s weight, lateral flexion which is the left or right bend of the body (especially in the neck) and axial rotation which is the swing of the ribcage from one side to the other.

• All three movements need to be perfectly coordinated for correct posture and well ridden circles encourage this.

• Circles and turns encourage the engagement of the thoracic sling to lift the horse up off the forehand • The abdominal (core) muscles are engaged, especially the oblique abdominals.

Case study Rider Kate and pony Mouse are a novice level combination, competing at distances of between 33 - 42km. The exercises in this article have been of use to them as the saddle was slipping to the right. After checking both the saddle and the rider’s position it was clear that the problem was coming primarily from the horse’s movement. By doing pole work and these exercises 2 or 3 times a week for 2 months the problem has been very significantly improved and the saddle slip is resolved.

Benefits for all riders INTEREST Poles or markers on the ground can make a schooling session far more interesting and remind you to stick to your plan.

FOCUS Because you and your horse can see the poles on the ground you will stay much more focused on the exercise.

ACCURACY By using poles it becomes much easier to ride accurate patterns,

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training

and you can see clearly when you are not accurate!

CORRECT BEND Because the circles are quite small you will encourage your horse take the correct, inside bend.

STRAIGHTNESS You will notice if the circle is easier in one direction than the other.

This may happen because you are not sitting straight in the saddle and/or your horse is moving asymmetrically

and may be stiff in his body.

This sort of asymmetry will lead to tension over months or years and eventually to lameness, these exercises will help you to address it sooner rather than later.

RELAXATION If you keep your focus, pay attention to accuracy and inside bend your horse will relax, work more softly and in better balance.

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The future

is bright

Young ambition

E

ndurance GB’s new Young Rider Champion, Suffolk-based Madison (Maddie) Pomroy, has spoken of her dream of representing Team GB at next year’s Young Rider European Championships.

The teenager landed the title after a strong performance riding Roz Plail’s horse, Odie, in the 120km class at The King’s Forest Ride near Thetford and to top it all, Maddie and Odie this month moved to 16th place in the WORLD FEI YR combination rankings.

Maddie, 17, has been competing in the sport for the past six years after completing her first endurance ride, covering 64km in two days with her pony Milky Way, aged just 11.

“My grandmother Jane Girling got me involved as she has been competing in endurance for a long time. I was slightly thrown in at the deep end doing a two-day ride and I kept saying, ‘I’m really tired’, but my grandma wouldn’t let me give up. It was a real eye-opener and I was hooked.”

The King’s Forest is a happy hunting ground for Maddie as she completed her first 120km ride

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young riders

Elizabeth Peplow is Press Officer for Endurance GB and the former Assistant Editor for Horse & Hound. She has reported on endurance at home and abroad for more than 20 years. there the day before her 16th birthday with her grandmother Jane’s horse, Zaferan, back in 2017.

“We train over similar countryside around the forest tracks near the Suffolk coast so Odie has got used to the going in East Anglia having moved here from Devon last autumn,” she says.

“It was my first International 2* (120km) ride and I wasn’t sure how we would get on. I misjudged things slightly at the start as we went off quite strongly. But helped by my crew of my grandmother, Jane, my father Chris and sister Ella and with assistance from Bella Fricker who pitched in to help at one of the crew points, he was soon back on track. On the first loop, I was leading the UAE riders but let them go past as Odie was getting wound up. On the second loop I caught them up again. I rode the last loop with Martin McNamara, [the race winner from Ireland], but let him go on ahead as I didn’t want a racing finish and wanted to make sure we completed safely to secure the title.”

“Odie is just a fantastic horse and it is such a great opportunity to be able to ride him. I learned a lot from this ride to help us for the

future and our plan is to compete next at Euston Park in August and then if things go well, we will try for the British Young Rider team going to the European Championships in Spain next summer.”

Odie’s owner Roz Plail said: “A huge thanks must also go to Tim and Sarah Dennis for taking Odie into training at their racing stables in Cornwall, whilst I was pregnant and then poorly, and getting him in such fabulous race ready condition for when Maddie started loaning him in October. All credit to Maddie too for maintaining his fitness levels over the winter months. I am excited to see how they progress over the rest of the season.”

Katie Bedwin, 21, from West Sussex was named Reserve National Young Rider Champion with Aberllwyd Ibn Phariz, owned by Welshpoolbased Sue Higgins.

Katie is currently in her final year of a paediatric nursing degree. She has represented Great Britain in Young Rider teams previously and is aiming for the Young Rider World Championships in Italy this year. She was also

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Young riders on the trail introduced to the sport by her grandmother Rosemary Attfield, a renowned trainer and former team selector and coach.

Katie explained: “What a weekend we had at Kings Forest, with 2nd in the CEI 2* for Magdy and 3rd in the CEI 2* YR for Phariz. Sue asked me to take the ride on Phariz at endurance competitions for the 2018 season. But in May 2018, Sue sustained an injury, so we arranged for Phariz to come to live with and be trained by me.

We haven’t looked back since. Kings Forest was Phariz’s last qualfier for this year’s World Young Rider Championships at San Rossore in Italy in September.”

She added: “None of this would be possible without the amazing support I receive both from my family and from sponsors and professionals involved in keeping my horses in peak condition. The horses are fuelled by Baileys Horse Feeds, their daily supplements and electrolytes come from Feedmark, they have biomechanics assessments from EquiLaterals, regular physiotherapy from PhysioFi and amazing saddles and fitting from The Bespoke Saddle Co Ltd and KM Elite Products.

“Thank you also to ride organiser Dianne Luke, her family and the volunteers who make Kings Forest happen. It was very special to be part of the 25th anniversary and I will treasure our awards.”

Phariz’s owner Sue Higgins said: “A big thank you to Katie for looking after my boy so well and helping him on the way to achieving his full potential. It’s even better because I can be part of it without all the hard work - except on the ride day! Thanks also to Katie’s crew – what a great team.”

Rebecca Kinnarney, Chair of Endurance GB said: “This was a brilliant achievement by both Maddie and Katie, who are both talented endurance riders with a great future ahead of them.”

Dates for Young Riders • 7-10th August - Euston Park Young Rider and Junior Camp • 25th + 26th October – YR Camp in Powys, Wales • 9th November – New Forest YR Day hosted by UKCC coach Amanda Barton

French success Congratulations to Alicia Reeves for coming fourth with Qulbuto de Lap in the FEI CEI1*80km ride at Loubejac in France. Alicia landed the placing after a racing finish against a group of four French riders completing at an average speed of 15.7km/hr. This was her first international ride with Qulbuto de Lap. One to watch, last year she came seventh at Euston Park CEI1* 80km with Doylan Lacoste’s Gift, her first attempt at an international ride.

Dartmoor dude After coming second in their first FEI ride, the CEIYJ1* 80km at Kings Forest in April, all eyes were on Emma Taylor’s superstar Dartmoor pony Cool Dude as they set off in the CEI2* 70+2 and National Championships at King’s Forest. The pair completed the first loop, with lots of photos being taken by UAE and other crews at slosh points excited to see a native pony amid the throng of Arab horses. The pair cruised the first loop at a speed of 15.44km/h and vetted after 8mins 44 with a heart rate of 52/52 and all A’s. After loop two, Dude had an incredible recovery time of just 6min to vet, however as the heat of the day developed Emma took the decision to retire. She told Dude’s many Facebook fans: “So overall not the result we were looking for but came home with a safe sound pony ready to race again! Dude will be back out this year – I don’t think a 2* but definitely a 1*.”

Scottish surprise Well done to former Young Rider Nikki Brown, 23, whose mare, Tinkerbell’s Image, won best condition in the 56 mile class in a tough challenge at Cairngorms 100 and emerged the overall winner on points.

Nikki said: “I am super proud of her, she has taken me so many amazing places, however, the Cairngorms has got to be the best adventure yet!! To come joint second across the line, and then win best condition the day after, really is so special.”

young riders

35

Scottish

Festival of Endurance

Championships

Success for Novice Champion, Kirstie Graham and winners of the 60km ER and 120km class, Gill Brittle and Andrea Champ.

‘You can’t please all of the people all of the time.’ It seems that the SERC Championships route-finding group couldn’t please quite enough people with its single-loop 80km and 60km routes to make for a viable entry for those classes. So, at the last minute there was some major re-jigging and the two long distances were achieved by using the shorter – but no less scenic and challenging – 30km and Pleasure routes.

Another factor in the relatively low entry for the longer classes may have been the mid-July dates – earlier than usual and possibly too early for many horses to achieve peak fitness. But those who did make the journey – and there were 130 entries over the three days - to the Border town of Peebles were rewarded with varied routes that definitely asked a question of horse and rider. One rider’s phone app recorded

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"I can't wait to do it all again next year." a total ascent of 1,300 metres over 52kms – and for every ascent there is a descent… However, every ascent also means a spectacular view in this part of the country – and an opportunity for a breather while looking down the Tweed Valley and surrounding glens. The weather was very varied but overall quite humid which added to the challenge, and more than one horse was vetted out on heart rate.

For those who did get round and sound, there was the satisfaction of conquering an undeniably ‘old fashioned’ endurance route. It helped that the organisers had done a tremendous job of getting gates open and water stations manned at strategic spots. Much of the route is accessible only by quad or 4WD and certainly not suitable for crew cars, so welfare was a top priority.

The Championships are all about targets and achievements. Many riders plan their season so that they attempt their Bronze Thistle Final (50kms) at the Champs – and if this coincides with their Novice competitive year, they get a crack at the Novice Championship. For obvious reasons every horse has only one chance of being Novice Champion. This year the award goes to Kirstie Graham and her tiny home-bred mare Silver Bluebelle (Flora) whose even more diminutive dam, Arabelle, enjoyed a stellar endurance career. Completing the

Photos courtesy of Kris Clay/TopGearPhotos.com

distance at 11.18kph, Kirstie and Flora won by only one minute over Jacqui Macmillan and her Welsh mare Brynfa Gwanwen aka Misty. As Kirstie said, ‘What a fabulous Championship route – a really tough challenge with superb views and not another soul in sight.

Flora was a wee superstar finding that little bit more for me to get her Bronze Thistle Final.’

The Open 50km class was won by Denise Playfair and GR Moneer, who also collected the Scottish Arab Horse Society salver for the highest placed Arab in 50km classes.

The overall Scottish Champion is usually the winner of the flagship 2-day 160km class, but there were no entries this year. EGB’s Andrea Champ and Druimghigha Lantana (pictured above) came all the way from Herefordshire to successfully complete the 2-day 120kms class.

The 80km ER was won by Chris Macmillan and her outstanding Connemara gelding Coolagoree Glen Thunder, who powered across the finish line looking as though he could do it all again.

‘Fantastic routes’, said Chris, ‘challenging, but

Chris Macmillan with Coolagoree Glen Thunder scooped the 80kER.

that's as it should be, and worth it for the scenery. I can't wait to do it all again next year.’

The 60km ER was hotly contested by Gill Steven on Rocky and Gill Brittle on Holme Park Flirt who rode together almost every step of the way – until Rocky stood on a screw only a few kilometres from the end and his day ended in the Royal (Dick) Vet hospital in Edinburgh.

However disappointed those who failed to achieve their goals felt, they couldn’t have had a worse day than that suffered by an Italian family on holiday who were involved in a serious accident with a police car right outside the venue, just as riders were about to sit down to their post-ride meal on Saturday. The family’s only stroke of luck was the immediate assistance offered not only by our on-site vets but also by the many doctors and nurses who were riders, crew and helpers at the venue, who held the fort until the ambulance arrived.

The attendance of the emergency services at an endurance event is thankfully rare – and rarer still for it not to involve any participants. By great good fortune only one of those involved was seriously injured, but the accident cast a shadow over the evening and the following day.

The overall verdict on the 2019 Championships?

A tough route but a real target to aim for.

Alison Wilson

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BOOK NOW

Your AGM

and Gala Dinner

"I love to have a catch up with all my friends, a good night to celebrate everyone's amazing achievements during the season!"

Annual General Meeting

The AGM will start at 12.15pm in the Inspiration Suite at the Village Hotel. Please arrive early for registration, and don’t forget your membership card. The timings of the AGM may be subject to change. Teas and coffee will be served also.

All rule changes and nominations need to be in by 5pm on the 27th September 2019. Any received after this time will not be counted.

These can be emailed, and they must be legible.

Distance Awards and Trophies

All Distance Awards claims must be with Darren in the office no later than 18th October.

Any sent in after this date will not be eligible for a claim for this year. You can only claim one distance award per horse per year. All awards and trophies that are not collected on the day of the AGM / Gala dinner will either need to be signed for by someone collecting on your behalf, or, if the award is a rosette, a large SAE should be sent to the office before the 18th October so this can be sent out to you. Any larger awards and trophies will need to be collected from the office at a later date. If you would like your award collected by someone else, we will need permission from you prior to the day. Awards will not be given out without this permission. There will be no exceptions to this.

Gala Dinner

The Gala Dinner will be a sparkly affair with the theme of an Awards Ceremony, complete with a red carpet and paparazzi on arrival! A welcome drink will be provided at 7pm, before taking your seats for the starter of a three course dinner.

Awards will be given out between courses, and will be followed by a disco, complete with photo booth!

There will also be a themed quiz at your table.

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Starter

Leek and Potato Soup Smoked Haddock Fishcake Red Pepper and Tomato Soup

Main

Roast Turkey Breast with all the Trimmings Grilled Salmon with all the Trimmings Tomato Tart with all the Trimmings

Dessert

Crème Caramel Chocolate and Vanilla Profiteroles New York Style Cheesecake The cost for the Gala Dinner which includes all the above is £38

Overnight Accommodation

Endurance GB has reserved a number of rooms at the hotel. These are priced at £105 for single occupancy and £115 for double occupancy.

Family rooms are also available. This includes a buffet breakfast consisting of a full English and Continental, access to a large gym with classes, a swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna. The price also includes free parking and free WIFI. There is also a spa onsite which is an additional charge.

If you plan to stay at the hotel but do not wish to attend the Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony, there is a pub and grill as well as a Starbucks coffee. The city centre offers a range of cafes and restaurants and is only a 30 minute walk away.

Location

The hotel is located in Coventry, just off the A45, with excellent transport links from the M40, M42, M1 and M6. There is also Canley

railway station less than a 5 minute walk from the hotel. Check in is from 3pm.

Bookings

Bookings for your hotel rooms and the gala dinner will be available in the Endurance GB shop from Monday 6th August and will close on Friday 1st November.

If you have any queries about any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact Darren Butler or Anna Williams either by calling the office on 024 7669 7929 or by emailing egbdinner@gmail.com

Joining the Board of Directors

We need you!

Nominations for the 2019/2020 Endurance GB Board of Directors need to be sent to the Company Secretary in writing by 5pm on Friday 27th September 2019. Late nominations will not be accepted. Nominees must be a full member of Endurance GB and must be proposed and seconded by full members of Endurance GB. There will be three spaces up for election this time and we would love for some new faces to put themselves forward. These are key leadership positions and are an excellent opportunity for members to use and develop their skills. If you are considering putting yourself forward, the following may help: Non-Profits are messy This quote is from Joan Garry, who is a consultant and blogger for small non-profit boards. She is right. We are all volunteers and we are driven by passion. So no, this is going to be nothing like any business boardroom that you may have sat in previously. However, that passion is extremely powerful and can achieve great things. Don't underestimate it.

Work with people: consult, engage. Endurance GB is an awesome family to be part of.

If you're not prepared to eliminate your best friend, you shouldn't be doing it This is what we tell our Technical Stewards, and the same goes for taking on a Directorship.

You will have to make difficult decisions and have difficult conversations. You will have to tell good friends of yours that they haven't been successful or that they have done something wrong. You will have to publicly support Board decisions which you maybe don't personally agree with and which disadvantage people that you know.

You will see the other side of things, and in some cases it may not be pretty. You will lose friends, it can be very stressful, but you will also gain some potentially unexpected cheerleaders.

It's taken over my life!

Do not underestimate the amount of time that the role will take. Even if you take on one of the less reactive roles, it is still a significant time commitment. Most of the Board fit their

responsibilities in around their real life working commitments, and with discipline it can be done, but it's not easy and you will need an understanding family and an understanding boss.

Think of it as taking on a full-time job and you won't be far off; but it is worth it!

It's one of the most rewarding things I have ever done Being part of the Board of Directors can be extremely rewarding. It is a unique opportunity to give back to Endurance GB and to help to shape and protect the sport for future generations. You will meet amazing, inspirational people and will gain insight into the governance of not just Endurance GB but all equestrian sport in the UK. If you are considering the next step in your volunteering journey, why not put yourself forward?

To discuss the role further, please contact Ann Dark by emailing anndark@endurancegb.co.uk

The Young Rider Meeting Every year, whilst the National AGM is taking place, the Young and Junior Rider Committee hold a separate meeting for our members, 21 years and under, to get together as the season ends. This is an excellent opportunity to bring together friends, new and old, from all corners of the country, with a similar passion and goals to achieve. Each year we discuss what has happened for our members during that season - whether it's National, International, Pony Club or training events we like to hear what has gone well and what we can improve on. This enables the newly elected committee for the following season, to plan ahead for the next year.

This meeting is a brilliant chance for the future of our sport to have their say, so please do consider coming along!

Katie Bedwin

community

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Photos courtesy of David Saunders

Quite a warm one

Thoresby

Summer Weekend W

e all know about riding rides but who knows what really goes on behind the scenes? Ride marking is an art performed on this occasion by Chris and Elaine, one on her electric bike and the other (younger person) on a traditional push bike. The course was colour coded by loop and distance and Elaine encountered a rather large stag!

The Ride Secretary's tent was set up and the field prepared for campers, in time for the arrival of Mick, Paul and Andrea. Andrea was made Camp Commandant, charged with collecting camping dues and making sure all was safe. Mick was putting signs out, Paul and Andrea setting up the Vetting Area – Finally we were ready for the Opening!

On Saturday morning, we had a visit from Head Office in the form of Darren Butler. This was Darren’s first Ride experience and he spent the day helping Sue the Ride Secretary and generally getting the feel for things. The morning was a Group Social Ride with 60 entries and all had to be out by noon before the Competition vetting started at 12:30. John, Petra, Ian, Paul and Andrea took on the roles of First Aid, Health & Safety, Timekeepers, Vet Steward, covering traffic and passport control. Phone reception in the forest is patchy, so all ground staff needed access to a professional mobile radio which was directly linked to Control.

Steve, our Burger Van man, was busy making breakfasts, ensuring everyone was well fuelled.

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ride report

Riders hadn’t been out on course long, before a call came in, reporting a rider fall and a potentially injured horse. First Aiders were dispatched, and it was established that the horse was ambulatory and was being walked back.

Suzi and Agnes were our vets and dealt with the injury, while the First aiders made sure the rider was ok. The ride was put on hold for a short time whilst the emergency was dealt with to the rider's and the vet’s satisfaction.

David Saunders, our photographer had used his water to help wash the wounded horse and Darren, who had not long passed his driving test, volunteered to drive up the forest tracks and replenish it. His first experience of “off roading” and he is officially part of the endurance team now!! He learnt a lot during the day, and witnessed how every member of the team can carry out several roles to make rides run as smoothly as possible.

The vetting started and riders went back out and didn’t get lost, confused sometimes but not really lost! Riders returned for the final vetting, before either retiring with a rosette to camp or going home. An interesting fact is that it was a very hot day and riders had been made aware of conditions on course. There were no eliminations on Saturday, riders took care of their horses and rode to the conditions.

A marquee had been set up for the evening, and then disaster struck! The caterers' chip fryer had failed to function. Time for Plan B – take a massive order for fish and chips to the

"Riders rode to the conditions." local chippy in the hope they can supply the fish and chip supper we had promised.

Yes, they could. Not quite the evening we had planned, but not a total failure.

Sunday started early with a slightly changed vet team, Suzi and Charlotte with two Student Vets. The 80k ride kicked off and we resumed our roles for the day. It was cooler than the previous day and this was reflected in the ride speeds going up slightly, resulting in some eliminations. Perhaps it was the longer distances or the subtle change in atmosphere noticed by one or two of our ground crew.

When everyone was back, all bibs returned, rosettes collected, road signs and banners taken down, we were packed up ready to leave the venue. The final task was to lock the gate and go home, when a 4x4 with trailer came out from behind the trees and made its way out of the gate! “Where did that come from” said Mick, “I’d better have a final run round and see if any other person is hidden away”!

Dave Hull

endurancegb.co.uk

Smiles across the miles!

Cerne

Giant Ride T

his ride has been in the Wessex calendar (and one of my personal favourites) since Endurance Horse and Pony Society days. The venue is just so pretty, set in a green bowl under the Dorset downs and of course beneath the Giant too. With a cricket field alongside (which Head Vet Nick said “would make an excellent flatter trot up”) the route starts on fabulous short turf alongside the church tower.

The Stats for 2019: Fully booked, riders came from near (only about 5 miles away) and far (N & W Wales, Sussex & Milton Keynes).

A phenomenal 22 entries for longer distance classes with one or more vetgates. 90% success rate – it can be done!!

12 camped on site in lorries/ trailers. With the ‘less than ideal layout’ I worried – but it was such a lovely overnight community. Others booked horsey B&B in the locality.

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New for 2019, the quiet Pleasure Ride and 22km Foundation GER, with practically no tarmac and no gates, also form the base of second and third loops for 58/64/80km. The 42km is a continuous loop across stunning Dorset downland with smiling stewards at all the main road crossings.

Most tarmac encountered is just crossed rather than ridden along! Today’s farming includes increasing amounts of oilseed rape which means that some large golden fields and hard tracks are unavoidable, but miles of green grass hopefully favourably tips the balance. Timeless and beautiful fragrant bluebells and frothy white hawthorn are scattered in the hedges and starry white wild garlic in the woodlands.

Cerne always has been a good ‘fittening ride’ or last careful preparation for Golden Horseshoe.

With lots of opportunity for grassy cantering, you’ll feel like you’ve enjoyed and conquered a “real endurance ride”.

Five years ago when Anthony Sargent gave up being Ride Organiser I was so sad that I just couldn’t let the ride die. So now Cerne is ‘my baby’ and my opportunity to ‘put back into the sport, in the hope that others will put on lovely events for me and my husband to ride’.

Over the past 4 years I have made changes based on what I’ve learnt, or suggestions made: • F irst year: NEVER run on 1st May due to extra activity on May Day • 32km: There just isn’t a suitable route, but in 2019 I did find a 64km (42+22 which

"The helpers were excellent and I couldn’t fault the ride organisation." proved very popular) • R iding together: Having decided to run 80km with 2 vetgates – it means that 80, 64 and 58 have the same first loop and can ride together, if they wish • The venue: NEVER assume there will be grass for corrals, the venue won’t be flooded or the one and only gateway won’t be muddy and slippery. It has all happened!

• NEVER assume that a previously successful route will be fine: one year we found a bridleway had disappeared under oil-seed rape • ALWAYS make early contact with farmers/ landowners and talk to them nearer Ride Day to make final adjustments • NEVER ASSUME ENTRIES: 2019 the ride was ‘Full’ way before the closing date. Cerne has always been “No Late Entries” – so that I can finalise resources and get rider information out in good time If The Giant is on your bucket list for 2020, please enter early to avoid disappointment!

Janthea Newman

endurancegb.co.uk

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