Egb march april14

Endurance

Volume 11 Issue 2 March/April 2014

A look at Breeding: Feeding

Supplements Studs and Stallions Foals

Focussing on the Future of Endurance OFFICIAL MEMBERS PUBLICATION FOR ENDURANCE GB

Contents 8 Views from the Chair News Report from the B&W Equine Group Elite Performance Awards Young Rider SERC Breeding Horses for Endurance Feeding for Breeding Breeders Awards

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Editor’s Comment As I write this Comment, we have just had the first competitive rides of the season, in beautiful warm sunshine; quite a contrast to the weather of recent months! The grass is growing, the bulbs are putting forth flowers, and Spring is most definitely in the air!

With Spring, we await the arrival of new foals, and perhaps start to think about breeding from a particularly successful mare. In this issue we have focused on established endurance studs, looked at competition stallions available to use, as well as taking advice on feeding and supplementing for breeding stock and for foals. There is also information about the BEF Futurity series, so do please read all this information and take care to get entries in early for the popular venues.

Over the winter there has been much discussion about the future of endurance; where the sport is heading, how Endurance can ensure more medal success, how we train‌the list is long!

Coming back to endurance after a considerable gap, David Marlin puts forward his thoughts on planning for future success, as well as strategies that any rider can put into place. Interesting and thought provoking reading, I think you will find.

With the season of Awards Dinners now behind us, we are also profiling some of the big winners of the past season, and in this issue we have an in depth interview with Lauren Mills, who won the Young Rider 2013 Championship‌it is interesting to read of her training programme, feeding regime, and plans for the future, food for thought if you are aiming high!

Finally, with training at the forefront of our minds, we have reviewed an interesting new book, 3 Minute Horsemanship, which gives riders plenty to think about as they start the season, and look to prepare for what they might encounter on the trail. If we only have limited time to spend with our horses, it is even more important that

Endurance

March/April 2014 3

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Ride Report Future of Endurance Group News Rider Profile Management Ride Preview Tevis Training Book Review

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Sarah Hare training for the Tevis Cup ride. Photograph courtesy of Lynne Glazer Imagery

we make every minute count, and this book will certainly give the reader plenty of resources to do that!

Whatever your aims and aspirations for 2014, I wish you every success in reaching your goals, and remember to send in reports and photos whenever you can!

See you on the trail!

Cindy

Views from the Chairstill a vista of mud Dear members,

Let’s not mention the winter weather! I do hope nobody has been under water or had damaged homes during the early part of 2014.

Credits Office administration

Olwen Bryer Endurance GB Office, Abbey Park, Stareton, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2RP Tel: 02476 697929 Fax: 02476 418429

Editor

Cindy Russell Green Farm Stables Albyns Lane, Romford Essex RM4 1RX Tel: 01708 688075 Email: cindy@ cynburstud.fsnet.co.uk

Publisher

Matrix Print Consultants Ltd

Unit C, Northfield Point, Cunliffe Drive, Kettering Northants NN16 9QJ Tel: 01536 527297 Fax: 01536 527294

Email: info@matrixprint.com

Designer

Our revamped entry level of membership, the Associate membership scheme, is being advertised nationally. It’s a great way for more riders to try riding with Endurance GB for comparatively little outlay. The scheme offers great value for money, with entry fees for all pleasure rides at members’ rates along with other membership benefits. It would be great if you could use every chance possible to promote the scheme - there is a very attractive poster to download from our website. That way, lots more riders can come to share what we all love – the friendships made, the challenge and joy of the trail and the sense of achievement, whatever the weather…and all in the company of our horses.

Look out for pink riders too, coming your way - we hope the pink series rides run by the groups will attract a multitude of riders to EGB, whilst raising funds for the group’s chosen cancer charity.

The Windsor Park 2* FEI ride is part of the prestigious Royal Windsor Horse Show in May again this year. However, the running of the FEI ride in the Park has not been a contributory factor in the decision not to permit the national EGB Windsor ride to take place in the foreseeable future - this decision is due to issues with the venue and competitors in 2013.

To encourage stewards, one group has had the brilliant idea of offering a training scheme (with awards!) for helpers, working towards becoming Super Stewards. As much fun can be had by feeling really confident in a helping role, and learning what goes on behind an event gives a whole new perspective to taking part as a rider.

A very happy start to the season to everyone – great riding, helpful helping - and good luck.

Best regards Karen

Julie Bland

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We can only look forwards to the season that’s just started; one with loads to inspire us this year. One or two old favourites are missing from the ride calendar for various reasons, but with new events offering excellent riding, why not venture to parts of the country you haven’t been to before? – a wonderful opportunity to enjoy different scenery. There’s always a fresh challenge, however long you have been endurance riding.

ENDURANCE GB BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRMAN Karen Collier Tel: 01686 671016 Mobile: 07717 607992 Email: karencollier@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2015 VICE CHAIRMAN John Hudson Tel: 01398 332089 Mobile: 07779 797170 Email: johnhudson@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2014 FINANCE DIRECTOR Peter Claridge Tel: 01208 821328 Mobile: 07771 897925 Email: peterclaridge@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2015 COMPANY SECRETARY TBA Sue Broughton Tel: 01724 721352 Mobile: 07870 171641 Email: suebroughton@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2016 Jo Claridge Tel: 01208 821328 Mobile: 07917 161599 Email: joclaridge@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2014 Ann Dark Tel: 01380 818223 Email: anndark@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2016 Brian Floyd Davis Tel: 01293 786253 Mobile: 07771581202 Email: brianfloyd-davis@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2016 Kevin Hawes Tel: 01342 825827 Mobile: 07704 535 424 Email: kevinhawes@endurancegb.co.uk Retires – at the AGM 2015 Julie Martin Tel: 01484 681423 Mobile: 07857 445001 EMAIL: juliemartin@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2014 Fiona Videla Tel: 01949 843 349 Mobile: 07841 143032 Email: fionavidela@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2015 SERC REPRESENTATION Christine Farrow Tel: 01228 576826 Email: christinefarrow@endurancegb.co.uk Jeni Gilbert Tel: 01484 863506 Mobile: 07845 975612 Email: jenigilbert@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2015 Calls between 9am and 9pm only please More details of committees and Board Member responsibilities can be found in the EGB Handbook

Copy Dates to Editor for future issues:

Issue May/June 2014 by 16th April Issue July/August 2014 by 15th June

If you wish to advertise in the May/June2014 issue, copy deadline is 7th May

Disclaimer: 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.

Official members publication for Endurance GB

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Performance Equestrian introduces the new 2014 Polar Heart Rate and GPS monitor ranges Just in time for the new riding season Polar, the leader in Equine Heart Rate Monitors, introduces its new 2014 ranges that includes the RC3 GPS unit, a heart rate monitor with built in GPS unit.

At the top of the range the RS800CX GPS is a high specification heart rate monitor with separate GPS module and training software that allows the user to set specific training targets for the horse and download both the Heart Rate and Speed/Distance information for display either graphically or in table format. This comes with the new Polar H3 HRM sensor electrode base set.

The RC3 GPS is the much awaited compact heart rate monitor and combined GPS unit. The monitor will not only display actual Heart rate but also Speed and Distance information which can be uploaded to the Polar personal trainer web site for viewing. Again this comes with the new H3 sensor electrode belt with its removable transmitter for easy cleaning.

For further information on these monitors and the new Polar H3 ride on heart rate sensor belt log onto our website at www.performance-equestrian.com or call us on 01933 624624

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NEWS...NEWS...NEWS...NEWS...NEWS...NEWS. New Royal Mail Stamps feature RDA ‘Working Horses’ collection includes pony and rider from Epsom RDA

Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) features on a new set of Royal Mail stamps as part of a collection called ‘Working Horses’. The pony (Thor) and young rider from Epsom RDA sit alongside The King’s Troop Ceremonial Horses, Drays, Forestry Horses, Police Horses and the Royal Mews

Carriage Horses. Released in February, the stamps highlight the variety of roles that horses still play throughout the UK.

“We were delighted when Royal Mail approached us about this project,” said RDA Chief Executive, Ed Bracher. “Portraying the work of our horses and ponies as part of this series is a fitting acknowledgement of the loyal service they deliver and the vital therapy they provide to our riders and drivers.”

The chosen RDA image features a girl from one of Epsom RDA’s school groups, standing with the support of her walker as she gazes with a huge smile into the kindly face of Thor, one of the Group’s most popular ponies. “It’s a really lovely image,” said Stella Milne, Chairman of Epsom RDA. “They have managed to capture the bond that exists between rider and horse - and of course the

FEI** stallion takes Performance Horse Awards

The 2013 AHS Performance Horse Awards have been won by pure Crabbet Arabstallion, Binley Prince Salim with 710 points.

He is owned by Anne Brown, ridden by Susan Hawes in affiliated Endurance and by Emma Thomas in affiliated British Dressage. Salim is currently FEI**, aiming for FEI*** this season. He takes the Overall PHA Championship from the winner for the past three years, part-Arab mare, Mellway Precious Rose, who is in Reserve position.

The 2013 PHA High Points endurance winner is Aberllwyd Satra, who won the Sheer Versaility Novice prize at the EGB Awards dinner last year.

The Performance Horse Awards are a yearlong multi-discipline ridden competition for horses owned by members of the Arab Horse Society.

Entry is free and cards are available from pha@gadebrookstud.com. Trophies and rosettes will presented at the Arab National Show on July 26 at Malvern.

The Awards have been sponsored for 2013 and 2014 by Gadebrook Arabian Stud, breeders of pure-bred performance Arabians.

DIARY DATE 14th June 2014 West Kington Stud and AI Centre Tour, Wiltshire. £5pp donations to Cancer Research, RDA & Foundation Centre. Please contact Rachael Claridge info@rachaelclaridge.com for further information tel:07789641014 or 01454 238942

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fact that it’s one of our riders is particularly special.”

Andrew Hammond, Royal Mail Stamps, said: “Throughout human history, the horse has often been at the centre of events.

Today the horse still contributes greatly to society, from practical and recreational uses to the leading ceremonies of state. Royal Mail is delighted to mark the contribution working horses make to British life.”

The stamps are available from 4th February online at www.royalmail. com/workinghorses, by phone on 08457 641 641 and in 10,000 Post Offices throughout the UK.

Futurity Dates and Venues 2014 Wednesday 30th July College EC Keysoe Bedfordshire Thursday 31st July Arena UK Lincolnshire Saturday 2nd AugustHartpury College Gloucestershire Sunday 3rd AugustBicton College Devon Wednesday 6th AugustSNEC Edinburgh Friday 8th August Richmond EC Yorkshire Saturday 9th August Southview EC Cheshire Sunday 10th August Southview EC Cheshire Wednesday 13th August Plumpton College Sussex Thursday 14th August Writtle College Essex Friday 15th August Catherston Stud Hampshire Saturday 16th August Catherston Stud Hampshire Monday 18th August Solihull Riding Club West Midlands Tuesday 19th August Solihull Riding Club West Midlands For more information, visit www.britishbreeding.org

Good News for Endurance Futurity The BEF have confirmed that they will NOT require sires or dams of Endurance progeny to be “graded” or “Premium” at their Futurity Evaluations - so open to all - foals, one, two and three-year olds (unlike the other threedisciplines which require the sire to be a Graded stallion). Details and dates on their site: http://www.britishbreeding.org/Player.aspx

2014 Competition Stallions Guide Launched The 2014 edition of the popular stallion guide, Competition Stallions, is now available.The guide was instigated and is compiled annually by Jane Skepper, director of Horseit.com.

The guide is free to breeders and widely available at stallion parades, breeding events, all major competition horse sales and selected stands at Badminton and Burghley, or can be purchased for £10 online at www.competition-stallions.com

Official members publication for Endurance GB

...NEWS...NEWS....NEWS...NEWS...NEWS....

Is there a Riding Club near you!

Endurance GB is offering, for the fifth year, a Team Endurance Event to affiliated Riding Clubs on a national scale, including in Scotland and Ireland with the kind cooperation of SERC and ILDRA respectively. This year’s event is once again being sponsored by KBIS who will be donating prize money totalling £600.

The top 20 teams throughout the country will be offered a place in the final which is to be held at the British Horse Feeds Red Dragon Festival of Endurance on Sunday 5th October 2014. Stabling, camping and corralling facilities will be available at the venue on the Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells.

Riding Clubs are invited to enter endurance teams of three to six combinations into any number of EGB, SERC or ILDRA qualifying rides of 30 to 40km. Riders do not have to be members of EGB, SERC or ILDRA in order to compete, but they must be members of their affiliated Riding Club. Each combination in a team must be declared to the national organisers before they enter any qualifiers. Riding Club teams can enter the qualifiers and the final at membership rates.

Do you know of a Riding Club near you – or can you find one? If so, then please consider making contact with and working with this Club to encourage them to form a team to compete in this event. You do not have to be a member of the Club yourself, but instead make contact with them to see what you can do to help them find out more. It goes without saying that the main objective is to provide a way in which nonmembers can “have a go” at endurance in a supportive team environment.

More information can be found on the dedicated website: www.rcteamevent. endurancegb.co.uk. You can also call the national organisers, Jane & John Hudson, on 01398 332089 for more information and will be more than happy to help in any reasonable way to promote the competition to your local Riding Club.

Please help us to promote the Team Endurance Event to your local Riding Club.

Photo courtesy of David Saunders

TopSpec Win Nutritional Helpline of the Year Award for Seventh Time THE team at innovative horse feed company, TopSpec, are celebrating after scooping the HAYGAIN Nutritional Helpline of the Year Award at the BETA Business Awards for an unprecedented seventh time.

The awards were a glittering affair as the trade gathered to celebrate and reward those who had made outstanding contributions to the equestrian industry. These prestigious accolades were presented to winning individuals and companies during the annual BETA Gala Dinner, at the National Motorcycle Museum, near Birmingham.

Awarded for outstanding personalised customer service, the North Yorkshire based business now has five highly qualified members of the team, including an equine vet, available to answer the multiple awardwinning helpline and provide nutritional advice.

One nominator said: “I cannot recommend TopSpec enough. They take time and

KBIS Launch New Claim App Making a claim can sometimes be a daunting experience, as well as being a

Endurance

interest and you never feel hurried or anonymous.”

An incognito judge added: “Feed quantities were given in great detail and a feed wallchart was posted out, which is a great help when you are trying to take in a lot of detail over the phone.

Nearest stockist details were given and a discount voucher was sent to encourage me to try the feed.”

Nicola Tyler of TopSpec said: “We left to right – Olivia Yates, Anna Welch and Katy Mickle are very grateful to be recognised of TopSpec receive the Nutritional Helpline of the Year Award from Becky James of HAYGAIN. by the industry for consistent excellence in giving nutritional advice. We have recently expanded the team they want to achieve it is very rewarding.” with five people now on the helpline to deal The awards presented at the hugely with nutritional enquiries. successful Gala Dinner are highly sought after throughout the industry and the “Welfare and simplicity are always key in our remarkable seventh win for TopSpec was minds when giving advice but when we can met with a huge round of applause from also help people to achieve success in what those attending. worrying time for any owner who is dealing with a sick or injured horse. KBIS British Equestrian Insurance are the first equine insurer to have launch an app specifically for submitting a claim, with the aim to make the process even easier for their customers.

The app, which is free to download from www.kbis.mobyquote.co.uk, allows KBIS customers to have instance access to vets fee, mortality, tack and trailer claim forms.

The forms can either be completed straight from the mobile device and submitted immediately to the KBIS office or users can

email themselves a blank form to complete from a desktop.

One of the most important aspects of making a claim is notifying your insurer as soon as possible, which this app allows you to do whether you are at the yard, at work or even in the middle of a field!

For further information visit www.kbis.co.uk For further enquiries, please contact Sarah Gordon-Jones on 01635 244399 or sarahgordonjones@kbis.co.uk

March/April 2014 7

Saracen Day

Early Learning

Report from the B&W Equine Group Endurance Seminar by Rachael Claridge

UKCC Level 3 Endurance Coach B&W Equine Group and Saracen Horse feeds delivered an educational seminar at their Breadstone Clinic on Saturday 8th February. Becky Jones explained the benefits of the Clinics new Hallmarq1 ‘standing’ veterinary imaging MRI unit. With lameness eliminating a high percentage of endurance horses in competition Becky demonstrated the benefits of the standing MRI where the horse is sedated and stands comfortably with one leg inside the scanner.

The reason why Equine MRI may be suitable for your horse is that for lameness caused by a problem inside the foot only an MRI allows veterinarians to clearly distinguish between lesions in the bone, ligaments or tendons. The treatment for each is different, so only with an accurate diagnosis can treatment be properly targeted. Better treatment gives a better outcome. Standing MRI is also valuable for problems higher up the leg, and for monitoring the progress of recovery from injury. MRI can reveal stress fractures weeks before any damage would be visible on X-ray. Early diagnosis allows modifications to the training regime, potentially avoiding a catastrophic injury.

Oliver Crowe explored ‘Endurance horse orthopaedics; why do paperclips snap?’ drawing on his knowledge of stress and repetitive strain injuries. Oliver explained the most common causes of lameness which include: suspensory dermatitis, feet, external myopathy, sdft tendonitis, fetlock, spavin, paravertebral myalgia, splints, gluteal, lumbosacral and si pain, fractures which is an emerging statistic.

From the existing FEI competition data 30% of all starters are eliminated for lameness.

There is a lack of supporting information on endurance horses and Oliver hoped the data will grown in the forthcoming years. Oliver highlighted the need for good confirmation in endurance horses; because 8

Using the MRI scanner horses are front end loaded, therefore if there are 450kg+ weight baring on fetlocks the natural shock absorbers may ‘give’ at some point.

Oliver explored why endurance horses might break. He examined gradual fitness programmes, ensuring the horse has enough work, their neurology is normal e.g. the awareness of the brain and feet. Oliver then explained Microclutziness, which occurs when

Ollie Crowe BVSc the athlete becomes fatigued towards the end of the event. This concept was proposed in human orthopaedics which focused on decreased co-ordination, decreased muscular protection, decreased vibration dampening, resulting in increased concussion.

Tendon and Ligament injuries where explored with flexor tendons, suspensory and check ligaments, cruciate ligaments, distal sesamoidean ligaments.

Endurance horses sustain common repetitive strain injury of superficial digital flexor tendons, which are subtle lameness or are not always lame and can be hard to identify. Oliver suggested horse owners should check and

massage their horses tendons on a daily basis to check for abnormalities.

The role of flexor tendons is to store energy like an elastic band, this is a complex hierarchical architecture. Tendons connect ligaments to the bone and ligaments connect bone to bone. Tendons have a molecular anatomy and with age their ‘crimp’ starts to straighten and snap.

Oliver explained that tendons reach maturity at 2 years old in thoroughbreds and training should be adapted for those horses under 2. The question surrounding hereditary was asked with the Arabian horse being a resilient breed compared to others for the sport of endurance through their strong confirmation. Oliver suggested the avoidance of long sloping pasterns and encouraged short toed farriery to reduce damage. Oliver concluded his presentation by saying hind fetlocks are more prone to arthritis and stress fractures are becoming more common in endurance horses particularly in the UAE because of the flat and fast terrain they compete over compared to the undulating and challenging terrain of Europe.

Richard Hepburn conducted a practical demonstration of Gastric Ulcers and Scoping with the use of Janice CockleyAdams, Sue and Lou Rich’s horses.

Richard explained that around 60% of performance horses and approximately 40% of leisure riding horses are affected by stomach ulcers which is normally associated with race horses. Richard explained that horses stomachs are only 30cm in diameter and can only expand by twice its size, unlike humans which can swell by 20 times it orginal size. Richard used a long endoscope (gastroscope), two to three metre long to pass down into the horse’s stomach. This he explained was the only definitive test to verify the Official members publication for Endurance GB

CONTROLLED PERFORMANCE

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The SARACEN range of BALANCERS offer a highly > “Super-fibres� & oil provide concentrated source oflasting essential proteins, with long energy > High fibre to support patented vitamins, minerals andformulation yeasts designed to gut health & aid gut mobility supplement all classes of horses when additional during competition calories (energy) >are not necessarily called for.

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FEED THE DIFFERENCE

Saracen Day

presence of gastric ulcers. The horses were starved for between 8-10 hours before the scoping to ensure all food had been digested and the gastroscope had a clear view of the stomach lining. Pieces of hay were still present and Richard flushed water down into the stomach to move them out of the way. He joked that mineral water was used for dressage horses and puddle water for endurance horses! Richard explained that the horses stomach shrinks whilst the animal is in work and splash legions from stomach

Example of a healthy stomach

acid will rise up if the horse has no food.

Traditionally race horses were deprived of hay during the day however it is now recommended horses are given a chaff or alfalfa feed just before exercise to act as a ‘fibre mat’. Hay is also recommended because of its tubular structure the acid is captured within the centre of the hay and then passes through the stomach into the intestine. By feeding before exercise blood flow is maintained within the stomach and it promotes blood flow to the muscles which aids performance and well being overall.

A way of mitigating stomach ulcers could be to review stabling arrangements.

Stabled horses can be susceptible to ulcers, therefore it is recommended that a shelter with coral is the best way to manage your horse(s) to allow them to choose to be inside or out rather than a one routine suits all approach. Also allowing your horse to eat little and often is the key ingredient for a healthy stomach

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because like rats, horses are scavengers or drip feeders and should have access to ab lib forage and light grazing, with a muzzle for those with weight management issues.

After Richard showed us the practical scoping of the horse he then examined the captured images after the 4 minute procedure was complete. He concluded the session by showing a healthy horses stomach, which was much smaller than expected when seen outside of the horses body.

Lizzie Drury of Saracen Horse Feeds concluded the seminar by exploring how to feed an endurance horse. Body conditioning scores were first discussed with 1 being poor and 9 being extremely fat. Lizzie recommended the endurance athlete should be 4.5 between Moderately Thin and Moderate. The reasons for this is that the horse like and human needs to be lean and effective to do its job efficiently.

Therefore to carry excess fat will hinder, rather than enhance, performance. Lizzie recommended that riders should be aware of the water and electrolyte losses within their horses and showed through the Kentucky Equine Research, horses that are provided with a ready supply for fibre retained more water in their gut and were more efficient throughout the competition.

Fibre source could be provided through long chop roughage such as hay, haylage, chaff, alfalfa, highfi or through the use of grass pellets, sugar beet pulp or fibre cubes. This advice nicely linked in with Richards previous advice from the gastric ulcer session. Lizzie advised horse owners to check the source of their products before feeding their horses to ensure the feed is UFAS (Universal Feed Assurance Scheme) approved. UFAS will conduct an annual audit of the supply and production chain of horse feed to ensure the tracability of each raw material is confirmed to identify prohibited substances such as morphane poppy seeds for example.

Lizzie recommended that our horses should have access to a balanced diet of fibre, cereals, starch, simple sugars, fats and oils and protein, but not as a primary source. If oil is to be added to the horses diet linseed, maize and soya were recommended because they are more palatable to horses and those looking to increase omega 3 intake could feed fish oil or linseed.

Lizzie promoted the use of fibre because long forage takes longer to chew, promotes a thirst response, traps water

Lizzie Drury in action and electrolytes in the stomach which aids hydration and performance.

The reason for feeding protein was for essential renewal and tissue/muscle repair.

However too much protein in the diet will cause increased urination, strong odour and increased heat production which will be identifiable through sticky white sweat.

To replace the lost electrolytes (Sodium and Chloride) in the horses body Lizzie recommended feeding table salt to the feed. For a maintenance level 20g could be added and for those in hard work up to 60g per feed. She suggested that if increased urination was occurred, monitor and then reduce the amount as required by the individual horse. Lizzie emphasised that electrolyte loading was not possible with horses before a competition and to taper training 4 to 5 days ahead of a race, feed 4 hours ahead of an event, top up with a handful of alfalfa before the event to give a fibre mat and calcium boost will aid performance on race day.

Offering a buffet of buckets of feed on race day will also assist horses who may change appetite whilst in a competition environment. Lizzie also focussed on postride reloading of glycogen up to 72 hours after the event with a little gentle exercise either in hand or under saddle with access to unlimited water to allow optimum hydration to be achieved.

The inclusion of sugar in the horses diet can come in the form of molasses, honey and syrup which have a simple digestion within the horses gut. They can be used to improve palatability and can be added to water. Sugar can be used as a quick recovery from drops in blood glucose, with glucose is the only fuel that can be used by the brain. Sugar occurs naturally in grass and therefore monitoring grass intake for those which are good doers or prone to laminitis a muzzle is recommended.

The day was very well attended and I would like to thank Nikki McGee for organising the event which was in support of the Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Official members publication for Endurance GB

e will proceed with the copy below if we do not hear from you by the shown date.

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Daventry Court Hotel, 12 October 24th October noon (unless otherwise Ride Fixtures meeting Mail: sales@redpin.co.uk advised) 25thIndustrial October Estate, Devizes, Wiltshire. SN10 2EH g Ltd, UnitDaventry 2 Devizes Trade Centre, Hopton Board of Directors d. Copyright is vested in the Publishers for all advertisements and editorial. Any designs created by Redpin are the Meetings of Members’ such cannotReceipt be reproduced without permission or purchase of said copyright. Reproduction in part or in whole without 18th/19th January on of the Publishers is strictly prohibited.

Proposals for AGM 8th March In writing to Company 24th May Secretary at Stoneleigh 19th July Office before 5pm on 26th 9/19/2013 1:53:33 PM 27th September September nd rd 22 /23 November Nominations for the We look forward to meeting you at the Golden Horseshoe ride, we Volunteers Conference sponsor the Exmoor Experience. The above link explains in detail Board of Directors (For Groups, Ride why many endurance riders now feed Aloeride to their horses: In writing to Company Organisers, Health & Secretary at Stoneleigh Nutrient loading with one sachet sprinkled over daily feed helps the Safety Office before 5pm on 26th natural biotransformation of lactic acid, offsets exercise‐induced st South – 1 February electrolyte loss by feeding a wide spectrum of inorganic minerals, September Representatives & supports digestion and condition, lowers hindrance by tissue Nominations for Unsung sprains or strains, gives an excellent recovery rate, and our broad Technical Stewards) North Hero, John Yeats Bursary spectrum of nutrients gives other benefits too!

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talents and versatility of the thoroughbred and their potential for success in another sphere.

The Elite Performance Award for Endurance offers a valuable prize fund of £2,500 to the winner and £500 to the runner up, donated

by RoR.

Photograph courtesy of West End Photography

Lorna Kidson was the winner of the 2013 award with Paul Wright and Margaret Donnolly’s ex racehorse, Jack Dawson.

Lorna collected the Award at the Breeders Dinner and Award Ceremony.

The Ballroom at the Grange City Hotel, London, was packed for the glittering British Horse Foundation Breeders dinner and Awards Ceremony held on Saturday the 11th January. The evening incorporated the South Essex Insurance Brokers (SEIB) and the charity Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Elite Performance Awards for exracehorses. Leading equine insurance brokers, SEIB, instigated the awards over 10 years ago.

The awards provide a focus for exracehorses competing in the disciplines of Dressage, Eventing, Show Jumping, Endurance and Showing and have encouraged more riders to recognize the

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Jack Dawson was owned by the Premier Cru Syndicate in his racing days. He had success on the racecourse both on the flat and over hurdles winning around £120,000 in prize money. Upon his retirement from racing, two members of the syndicate, Paul Wright and Margaret Donnolly from Equilibrium Products became his owners and he participated in some riding club shows. Lorna said, “Back in 2009, Equilibrium Products had recently started sponsoring me when Paul and Margaret suggested I might like to ride Jack Dawson.

Paul and Margaret are really supportive owners and whenever we are off competing they provide me and Jack with a really supportive crew”.

Lorna and Jack Dawson won a total of 1605 Endurance GB Trophy Points throughout the 2013 season to take the SEIB and RoR Elite Performance Award for Endurance.

The pair took 2nd place at the Cranwich 80k endurance ride and 2nd place at Kings Forest in March. Lorna plans to compete seventeen year old Jack Dawson in the Veterans Championships at Cirencester in June this year and also to tackle a 100 or 120km ride.

Lorna fits in her busy endurance riding schedule around her day job as an insurance underwriter at Royal Sun Alliance.

Alongside the talented Jack Dawson she has a young horse to compete this season.

Lorna added “Its so pleasing how well Jack has done this year and that he has gone from success in one career straight on to the next!”

Taking the runner up award for the 2013 SEIB & RoR Elite Performance Award for Endurance was Amber Barnicoat from Dorset with Sue Lees’ grey mare, See You Sunday. Sadly Amber was unable to attend the dinner to collect her award.

See You Sunday was trained by Seamus Mullins, she ran once in a National Hunt Flat race and was unplaced. Amber has had See You Sunday on loan from Sue

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Picture courtesy of Trevor Meeks

Ex Racehorse

Lorna Kidson receives the Elite Performance Award for Endurance from David Buckton of SEIB and Di Arbuthnot of the RoR

Lees of Chesil Equestrian Centre for just a year. 2013 was the first full season See You Sunday has competed in endurance.

Amber was thrilled to take the runner up spot in the SEIB and RoR award, she said, “See You Sunday just loves her endurance and we have completed a lot of rides this season. I am so pleased she has won this award”. Successes for the pair have included completing several 80km endurance rides including completion of the Red Dragon 80km ride. The pair earned 1,384 Endurance GB Trophy Points in the 2013 season.

See You Sunday and Amber are trained by Sue Lees. Amber added, “We are planning to compete in as many rides as possible this year and will focus on competing at longer distances”.

Amber has recently completed an apprenticeship at Chesil Equestrian in Level 2 horse care. She is set to start work shortly as a Business Administrator for Dorset County Council.

Endurance

Equine Insurance brokers, South Essex Insurance Brokers who provide cover for horses, horse boxes, yards and much more, instigated the Performance Awards in order to support the retraining of the thousands of racehorses who come out of training each year. “The Performance Awards also provide a platform to show how a correctly re-schooled ex-racehorse can be successful in a new career and continue to have a bright future, competing successfully in many different disciplines.

This year’s competition has proved yet again the versatility and resilience of the thoroughbred”, says Nicolina Mackenzie, Marketing Manager of SEIB. To find out more about the ROR and SEIB Elite Performance Awards visit www. racehorse2ridinghorse.co.uk.

Or, www.ror.org.uk

SEIB & RoR ELITE PERFORMANCE ENDURANCE AWARDS 1st JACK DAWSON (IRE) 1997 Bay Gelding s: Persian Bold d: Dream Of Jenny Trained by John Berry Owned by Paul Wright and Margaret Donnolly and ridden by Lorna Kidson from Cheshire 2nd SEE YOU SUNDAY 2005 Grey Mare s: Baryshnikov (AUS) d: Shepani Trained by Seamus Mullins Owned by Sue Lees and ridden by Amber Barnicoat from Dorset

To be eligible, horses must have run in the UK and be registered with ROR, details of the 2014 competition will be available soon.

March/April 2014 13

Young rider

YOUNG RIDERS TRAINING GETS GOING Report from Beth Stokes

The squad training weekend took place on the 22nd and 23rd of February at Liscombe Park Equestrian Centre in Soulbury. All three squads were present and it was a busy weekend for all with a range of activities taking place from riding to horse assessments. The weekend was attended by eight young riders, six with horses and two without: Kate Atkinson R’Barabus James Dickinson Bonnie Safira Alice Loten Warrens Hill Kizmet Beth Stokes Maximillion Andrew Theodorou Jamal Caitlin Theodorou H S Drift Penny Amond Amber Sole The weekend started on Saturday with a group talk involving all the squads given by Sue Broughton, summarising the weekend and introducing key people.

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The young riders then had horse assessments with the new squad vetTom Eaton-Evans and the team selectorsDi Latham and Pam James. This involved trotting the horses up, having their heart rates taken and checking over the horse’s body and legs so Tom could get to know the horses. All the horses in attendance had to have previously completed an 80km ride minimum and many were well into their FEI qualifications. Soon after, the ridden session began in the school with Kerrilee Wilson.

We focused on lengthening the horse’s strides and getting the horses to relax into the pace- all the horses were well behaved and worked well in the session.

A well-deserved lunch was next on the agenda! All the squads were together for this so it was nice to catch up with and chat to other riders/ crews. Having all three squads in attendance meant there was a wealth of knowledge available and there was plenty of time to ask other riders or

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Young rider crew for any advice. The indoor school also had a viewing gallery above it so we could watch the other squads riding, this is really beneficial as you can learn a lot from watching others! After lunch we met with David Marlin who discussed with us what we wanted to gain from the squad and how we could overcome obstacles we faced.

After the talk, I think if we were asked what our goals were, we would all say 1 - Win a gold medal 2 - Be better than last year!

Ridden session feedback Left to right- Alice and Warrens Hill Kizmet, Beth and Maximillion, Kate and R’Barabus with trainer Kerrilee Wilson

Next we had another interesting talk from Fiona Videla on the benefits and issues with using social media, this was a really useful talk as we all use facebook and twitter so we picked up some really useful tips! We had a short break after this in which we socialised with each other and the other squads, the weather wasn’t too bad but it was nice to have a cup of tea in the warm!

We then headed down to the gym for a session with Mike Jones, and did individual stretches which Mike watched and assessed us on, he was looking at balance and any weaknesses within the rider as if these can be located we can improve them which will in turn improve rider balance!

After this session all the riders had individual sessions with their crew and the selectors so our plan for the coming season could be discussed.

there was lots of chatting before heading off to our beds for the night in either trailer/ lorries or nearby hotels.

Gym time Andrew with trainer Mike Jones

This allows the selectors to have an idea of who may be qualified for the championship this year and who will be qualified later down the line. Dinner and social time followed next and we all enjoyed a choice of chilli, pasta and jacket potatoes, all the squads were again together for this and

‘Riding and Revising’ Getting your horse(s) and yourself fit for the endurance season whilst trying to revise for exams is a difficulty all young riders face at some point! Fitting everything in can be a struggle so we have compiled some ‘top tips’ that we hope you will find useful whether you are doing your GCSE’s, A-levels, a college course or degree. · Make a timetable/ plan that schedules everything in ·

Use your horse’s rest days as major revision time

·

Take regular breaks from revision and use these as your time to work on both horse and rider fitness- exercise is a stress reliever, it refreshes and revives the brain!

·

Sacrifice a few rides for your revision, you can make up for it in spring and autumn

·

Ride in the morning, revise in the afternoons and work on rider fitness during the evening- this will break up the day!

·

Use riding as motivation to revise and set targets for topics to revise before going out riding

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Sunday began with breakfast and another brief talk from Sue with all the squads together discussing the weekend and answering any questions as well as sorting out forms that needed to be filled in, the squads then separated and the young riders were given another ridden task.

This involved riding together around a five mile loop located in the centre followed by a mock vetting. We had to record how much we walked, trotted and cantered and how

AND REMEMBER…Ride, Revise, Run, Repeat!

There will be time to sleep during summer!

Warming up for ridden session and discussing aims with Kerrilee and Tom Left to right- Alice and Warrens hill Kizmet, Kate and R’Barabus, James and Bonnie

March/April 2014 15 2014 15

Young rider we worked with the ground conditions, we also noted how the horses went in a group and what formation worked best.

The young riders were then presented with gold medals made out of bailing twine and coffee cup lids by our artistic crews- nothing like practicing our winning poses!

We then finished the weekend with a final

lunch before we all departed, it’s safe to say we all took something away from the weekend and it was great to get together with all the other squads in our team GBR clothing- there are lots of big plans and goals for the future so watch this space!

Safira

RIDING & REVISING AND REMEMBER Ride, Revise, Run, Repeat...

...There will be time to sleep during summer!

Getting your horse(s) and yourself fit for the endurance season whilst trying to revise for exams is a difficulty all young riders face at some point! Fitting everything in can be a struggle so we have compiled some ‘top tips’ that we hope you will find useful whether you are doing your GCSE’s, A-levels, a college course or degree.

• Make a timetable/ plan that schedules everything in Horse assessments Team vet, selectors and young rider liason Ann Dark with Beth and Maximillion

• Use your horse’s rest days as major revision time • Take regular breaks from revision and use these as your time to work on both horse and rider fitnessexercise is a stress reliever, it refreshes and revives the brain!

• Sacrifice a few rides for your revision, you can make up for it in spring and autumn • Ride in the morning, revise in the afternoons and work on rider fitness during the evening- this will break up the day!

• Use riding as motivation to revise and set targets for topics to revise before going out riding

Gold medal winners!Left to right: Beth, Alice, Caitlin, Andrew, James

Ridden Session Caitlin with H S Drift

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Emir Lindum sleeping

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March/April 2014 17

Scottish Endurance Riding Club

SERC AGM Our Club AGM attracted about 90 members on Sunday 16th February.

The day before included a visit to a local veterinary practice with a meal in the evening for friends to catch up.

Before the business at the AGM we were all treated to a talk by vet, Harry McKerchar.

Harry is a director of the Merlin Veterinary Group, based in the Scottish Borders.

He qualified in 1977 from the Dick Vet in Edinburgh and arrived in Galashiels in August 1977 and is still there 37 years later.

He calls himself a true mixed practitioner, but latterly has concentrated more on horses and companion animals.

He attended our AGM to talk to us about his role as lead vet for the extraordinary Mongol Derby, which is endurance -but not as we know it – involving hundreds of horses but fewer than 30 riders.

He held us enthralled by the sheer vastness of Mongolia and the amazing lifestyle of the Mongolian people. His slides gave everyone a true picture of what the Derby really

Ride Down the Paths of History-in the Footsteps of the Picts and King Macbeth

Diane Darnaway

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Constance Newbold

Rhona Matthews - Golden Bose of Islay award

entails. It is not for the faint-hearted, dealing with semi-wild horses and natural hazards including wolves and bears.After this our business seemed really tame.

Nevertheless, there was some animated

discussion on several proposals.

The Award Ceremony followed lunch and was punctuated by various squeals of delight when winners were announced.

All in all an enjoyable weekend.

Scottish Endurance Riding Club (SERC), Highland Branch, are busy preparing for their biggest ride of the year on 24th/25th May 2014 ; the Darnaway /Culbin Ride from the grounds of Brodie Castle, Moray.

The venue will be held at the 16th century Brodie Castle, Moray. The Castle is set in 71 hectares of stunning grounds and is famous for its amazing display of hundreds of different varieties of daffodils in Spring.

The Castle itself is well worth a viewing indoors too, with its intricate decor and world famous art collection. There is also a lovely cafe and shop to indulge yourself after a stroll in the grounds.

Commission owned. Culbin stretches from the seaside town of Nairn all the way along the coast of the Moray Firth to Findhorn Bay and is steeped in history. It is famous for its amazing sand dunes as well as war time history and protected wildlife. There are beautiful woodland trails including the Hill 99 Trail which provides a stunning viewing point.

The ride will leave from Brodie Castle heading South, over to the Moray Family Estate, Darnaway Forest, which is the largest area of woodland on Moray Estate, part of which was formerly Royal hunting ground. The forest is mainly of beech and oak with the oldest tree said to be around 750 years old. The wildlife here is prolific and there are protected areas for the endangered Capercaillie bird.

Once through Darnaway Forest, the ride will then head back North and over to the vast Culbin Forest which is Forestry

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SERC are offering a variety of 2 day and 1 day rides to suit all comers, including classes from 2 day 160km ER/ to 1 day 80k ER/ to Pleasure Ride classes. Check our website. The route is flat with very minimal road work on a mixture of grassy, sandy, easy going tracks. All vetting will be back at the castle venue.

Camping, corralling and toilet facilities are available on site, and some stabling is possible locally. There are B&Bs close by in the village of Brodie and in the nearby towns of Nairn and Forres. Many good local hotels and restaurants will provide delicious evening meals to delight the palate and recharge your energy levels.

Come and enjoy some Highland riding and hospitality.

Scottish Endurance Riding Club

Seacliff builds on success The Seacliff ride on 14 and 15 June 2014 is one of the biggest rides of the year for SERC. Following on the success of the 2* classes last year, this year will feature FEI 80k* and 120k** plus Young Rider classes at both distances on the Saturday, along with National classes including a 160k Elevator

ER, 80kCR, and 60k both ER and CR. On the Sunday riders can enjoy distances from 50k to Pleasure.

The ride expanded in 2013, based on the success of previous years, and this year the routes will be fundamentally the same, with everyone enjoying the fantastic going around the beautiful grassy farmland, tracks and beaches of East Lothian.

The route’s combination of excellent flat grassy going and long stretches of beach means that higher speeds are easily attainable with the 120km being won at 16.99kph in 2013. Riders going more slowly will have time to absorb the glorious scenery and the history represented by ruined castles, and antilanding fortifications on the beach…

Seacliff is located 30 miles south of Edinburgh, not far off the A1, and at just 37 miles from Berwick-Upon-Tweed it is also easily accessible for those south of the Border.

There is camping and corralling space on the venue field as well as plenty of space for exciting racing finishes! With local stabling and B&B available too, why not come and join in the fun this year and receive a warm Scottish welcome at our ‘Surf and Turf’ ride!

For further details (and a lot more pictures!) please click on the Seacliff link on www. scottishendurance.com or see the Events section on SERC’s Facebook page, or for other enquiries please contact Kirsten Jenkins at kak103@hotmail.com

Iain and Fionnghuala Paterson on the beach last year.

Photo: Riders enjoying the beach at Seacliff photograph Mel Horne Endurance

March/April 2014 19

Breeding for endurance

Breeding Arabian Performance Horses for Endurance

by Paul Simmons

In the UK we are extremely lucky to have a huge number of superb racing and endurance stallions available to use in our own breeding programmes. As we all know, it takes a significant amount of time to get a stud up and running; they say that on average it takes ten years to get a stud firmly established. With the showing world the results are quicker as you can show foals, yearlings and two-year-olds; but with racing and endurance it is a slow burn to see if the planned breedings are successful. In Arab racing, three-yearolds are allowed to race, but many studs choose not to race their stock until they are four.

With endurance the wait until you see the results of those hard years of breeding and waiting is even longer. Many endurance riders wisely bring their horses on slowly through the stages of Novice competition through to Open, Advanced and finally FEI competitive rides. Many of the horses are nearing 10 before they reach these levels.

Some start earlier and these are usually ex race-horses that have been toughened up by years of racing on the tracks. My own breeding operation, Zayin Arabian Stud, has always been working with both racing and endurance in mind, but with racing goals as the chief aim. However, my most successful endurance homebred to date is Zayin Vakaash (Vasilisk x Autumn Columbine), born in 2003. He was unplaced as a three-year-old racing, but has gone on to win the Builth Wells Novice Endurance race in 2008 and last year added a win in the 80 km Dragons Egg to his achievements with owner/trainer/ rider Jill Semmens. While Sakeena Sky Zayin won the 65 km Phoenix Endurance ride and was 3rd in South Coast Open Championship.

I spoke to some of the UK’s leading breeders of racing and endurance horses to see what pearls of wisdom they could share with the performance breeding community. I am delighted that we have three of the UK’s best endurance breeders taking part; namely Sue & Laura Pyke of the Vlacq Stud, Lesley Dunn from Warrens Hill Arabians and Anne Brown from Gadebrook Stud; as well as top dual

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race/endurance breeders Carol Legg and Georgie Moore and former Umm Qarn Farm manager Val Bunting. These studs have been producing top class performers consistently for the past 30 years and their stock are still in demand today from serious endurance and racing competitors. These breeders share their thoughts on selecting mares and choosing stallions; their successes and future ambitions.

Anne Brown of Gadebrook Stud “I have been breeding Arabian race and endurance horses for 20 years. When selecting broodmares I look for depth of girth, breadth of chest allowing plenty of room for heart and lungs and strong limbs.

A mare should have an easy, groundcovering gait, a low heart-rate, energy and a keen attitude with kind temperament. I prefer a mixture of proven Crabbet and Russian lines for endurance, and Russian lines for racing. I have bred from unproven mares. I think that if I choose the right pedigree, conformation, temperament and stallion, then the mare should produce the goods.

“When selecting a suitable performance sire I refer to results for consistency, his pedigree, his size, conformation and strong legs. He should have a winning attitude for the flat, or a good temperament for endurance. I also look at fertility and the conditions of the stud. Am I happy to leave my mare, or mare with foal at foot, with them?”

“At Gadebrook I stand the AHS Premium stallion Sambist. He is pure Russian and he’s the best! Big, bold and beautiful. He has a keen intelligence, is kind to mares, including maidens, he is very fertile, a multi-race winner himself and sire of so many winners that he has been AHS Racehorse Sire of the Year an incredible seven times. Sambist’s UK offspring are now just old enough to start endurance. In the USA, his son 11 Damb Much, is being considered for the National Endurance Team for the World Endurance Games.

Next in our stable is Binley Prince Salim (by racing sire Prince Sadik x Silvern Image). He is 15.1hh and pure Crabbet. At just five he is already winning in affiliated British Dressage, against all breeds of

much older and more experienced horses.

Salim is full brother to the HOYS winner and British National Ridden Champion Ikoni, but taller. He has a ground-covering stride, slim hips, low heart rate and eyes on the horizon, and is now advanced in endurance.”

“Prior to Sambist’s arrival, our most significant breeding achievements would have to be our two 100% Crabbet boys.

The 6hh Magic Domino (Ludomino x Hamsfah by Hanif) is a top dressage and sport horse in America, wiining the prestigious ‘Living Legend’ award. This accolade is presented only once every 25 years, to only 10 Arabians out of 650,000.

He is the current US National Sport Horse Sire, above all breeds. His half-brother Hachim (by Achim’s Silver Magic) was the winner of the 2005 World Endurance Championship and other international 100-mile races. He is now in Abu Dhabi.

Another horse of note is the 100km winner and UK team contestant Croix de Guerre (Sky Crusader x Someone Special by The Shah). He is now at stud in Sweden, where he is part of the National endurance team. We hope to continue breeding happy healthy horses that are a credit to the wonderful Arabian lines that we have inherited; to place them in homes that can take them to their full potential as Group winners on the Flat and 100-mile winners around the world.”

The author riding at Barbary Castle

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Breeding for endurance

Carol Legg – Hillside Arabian Stud “Our first foal was born in 1993. He was Silent Dream, by Ahmoun and out of Autumn Dream. He was followed in 1994 by the colt Midnite Dream (by Dantist x Autumn Dream) , who would be our first homebred winner. When selecting mares my first concern is her physicality.

I like a mare that is sound, with good conformation and the right attitude. A proven performance record would be the icing on the cake. I would prefer the mare to have some performance record, but if not, then a decent proven performance pedigree is essential. In terms of choosing the right stallion for my mare, I again look for a sound and proven horse. He has to complement the mare in all the areas that I think are important.

“Talking about our biggest achievements to date is quite difficult. I’m very proud to have bred and trained the winners of both the Jebel Al finals in 2003. That was a massive thrill. Mystic Dream won Silver Final and French Lieutenant won Bronze Final. But I think the most significant accomplishment would be Mystic Dream again. He is an endurance winner in Dubai and that is real achievement. I have already bred the dual FEI winner French Lieutenant, so my aim for the future would be to breed the winner of the Dubai International. Well, with horses you have to dream don’t you!”

stallion Chatanz. Both of his parents, Bonanza and Chatelaine, were outstanding performers in endurance, racing and show jumping. Chatanz has also been successful in each one of the different performance events that he has tried. He breeds sound and confident youngsters that go on to be successful in performance and/or much loved family horses.

“My most significant achievement with the stud is breeding two Endurance GB National Champions in Franzara and Zaranz, and the Senior Champion Warrens Hill Chanda. I’m also very proud to have bred Felizja who was 5th in the European Championships and the multiple ER winner Falaina Bint Chatanz. On the racetrack, Chatanz was winner of the British Bred Championships in 1996, as well as his endurance wins. I hope to be happily enjoying watching the horses bred here competing at the top levels for many more years.”

Sue Pyke – Vlacq Arabians “We have been breeding sane, sound, and quality competition horses for 35 years. Our mares must have strong basic conformation; good bone and healthy feet are vital; a good ‘riding’ front with plenty of length of rein and free at the elbow. I can forgive a mare being a little long, as I like a short-coupled stallion. Movement

ring reject is not the perfect endurance horse. If a horse can’t hold it’s own in an in hand class, where conformation, movement and manners are scrutinised, then it is unlikely to consistently excel in endurance. I’m not suggesting we go for hype and type, but heart room and a clean throatlatch are just good sense for the equine athlete. As is a pleasing head; one that can still breathe, with a broad forehead and a brain inside. A number of our current broodmares are uncompeted, but they are almost all homebred with multiple siblings and relatives competing at high level. All of the foundation mares were competed, either in showing, working hunter, eventing or racing, and their daughters and granddaughters here are the distillation of their best qualities. One of our very first mares Brindisi was very average looking and never ridden. She produced multiple race winners to different sires, endurance stars and even Laura’s juniors and western horse. She is well represented here today, as good damlines should be.”

“No horse is perfect, but stride length and cadence are vitally important for any ridden discipline, so a stallion should stamp all of his stock physically with a good frame and movement, and mentally with a biddable character. We aim to breed horses that are effortless on the move; covering the ground, straight and true, in an economic

Lesley Dunn – Warrens Hill Arabians “I have been breeding Arabian race/ endurance horses for 35 years with great successes with mares and stallions; in particular with Chatanz and Franzara.

Chatanz’s dam, Chatalaine, was a top class racehorse and Chatanz himself beat many top class French horses. I choose my broodmares based on their soundness and temperament. Their performance history, or that of their relations, comes next in my order of thinking. I do breed from unproven mares so long as they are closely related to outstanding performers.

Good conformation and temperament are strong indicators for me; I don’t have the time to train and compete all of my horses!”

“When it comes to stallions, I again prioritise soundness and a kind, sane temperament. If the foal doesn’t turn out to be a world beater, I want to be confident that I have bred a kind and useful horse that will be a joy for someone to own.

Ideally a stallion should have performed at a high level, but must at least have been regularly ridden. Dhruv is a good example; he is one of the most successful endurance sires. I have also used successful racing sires like Pavot Al Maury and Vert Olive.

Here at Warrens Hill I stand my homebred

Endurance

Zayin stud stock is a must; I like a long and expressive stride that has many gears. Aesthetics are important here too; it is very hard to love an ugly face, but form should be secondary to function. Ours have always been show quality horses first and foremost, for good reason. I hate the trend for poor specimens of the breed being advertised as ‘would make a good endurance horse’. A show-

way. We also select for a balanced temperament which is invaluable in such a tough sport; the ability to show real pizzazz at the right time, with the grit to compete, but then switch off when you need it to.

The senior stallions here are Vlacq Khazad and Princeton Mariner. Kaz is mostly Crabbet and a very appealing stallion.

He has wonderful movement and a great

March/April 2014 21

Breeding for endurance

attitude to horses and humans. He is a well put-together horse that passes on size and bone with a mark of quality. He is a proven sire to top level endurance horses, Pony Club ponies, driving and dressage horses. Prince is of old tough Babson Egyptian lines. His pedigree has dressage champions and 100 mile endurance horses a-plenty. Again he has superb groundeating paces and a sweet temperament.

You cannot significantly improve these two qualities if they are not inherent in the horse, so you must breed for them. Several young homebred colts will start covering this year. Vlacq Zibaq (Vlacq Khazad x Vlacq Lorindol) is probably of most interest here as he is of Brindisi’s family, and doubles up on Shah Shadow, our AHS premium sire. His dam is an AHS Nationals in hand winner, easy ridden horse and sister to Vlacq Gilfae who has to be one of the most consistent endurance horses of her time. Zibaq is a tall and athletic horse with flying paces and presence, yet he is a very loving and happy horse to do. We have pure-bred, Anglo and part-bred foals due this year by Khazad, as well as a pertbred by Prince. The mares are of Crabbet and Polish lines, with one golden cross in the mix too. We are also very keen on the

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¾-breds from part-bred Arab pony mares.

They are very popular with endurance riders who like the bit of pony canniness in times of need. They also make great juniors horses as they are so versatile which is all part of the fun of having a partbred Arab.”

content. There are no short-cuts to serious breeding. I hope that the Prince offspring venture into endurance, and that the young colts prove as worthy as their sires. We will keep breeding what we would like to own: correct, scopey and beautiful horses with a happy disposition.”

“We’re proud of so many of our horses: Vlacq Khamul going to WEG was a proud moment; Vlacq Abattarik taking bronze over 160km in Compiegne at just seven years old; or his win at Dukeries last year when he had enough will left in him after 100 miles to streak ahead in a racing finish when his rider asked him to. Seeing our breeding make that 100 mile mark time and time again is so gratifying, even if we never get time to have a go at endurance.

Often the best part lies in just seeing a partnership work, whether they want to race ride, or just hack about and teach the kids to ride. Quite often the horse’s talents push the owners into being more competitive too. As a breeder, you have to be prepared for other people to have the headline successes, and be happy with that. But if you can objectively study your 3rd or 4th generation colt or filly, and have to look hard for a fault, you can feel

These studs have all been breeding for many years with considerable success using a wide variety of bloodlines. I have always aimed to make my own stud and its lines original in the types of mares and stallions I use, so that if I decide to sell that my youngstock they represent a good out cross for other studs; and I use a prefix “Zayin” so that those who do well promote the stud as they compete. I have been lucky enough to purchase some decent consistent winning dam lines from Clarendon Stud inc. Comete, Shamal and Jumah as well as Conkwell’s last broodmare Barryh. I am proud of all the horses I have bred to date but each year I strive to breed better quality foals and to continue experimenting with the bloodlines that I cross to see the result. So good luck to all those starting their performance breeding operations, it’s a long wait but an incredibly worthwhile journey.

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Semen Freezing Landscape A5 - H&H.pdf

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26/02/2014

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// Stallion AI Services is the UK’s leading equine semen collection centre and we pride ourselves on the first class facilities and care we can offer you and your stallion // We provide a safe and controlled environment for semen collection with a team of highly trained staff // Assessment of your stallion’s semen quality in the UK’s leading equine semen laboratory ensures that only the highest quality semen is frozen and stored // We are a DEFRA approved quarantine centre and therefore able to freeze your stallion’s semen for both the UK and worldwide export markets // We specialise in freezing semen from sub-fertile stallions // We continually push the scientific boundaries surrounding the freezing of equine semen and invest heavily in carrying out research to maintain our position as number one in the field

Why Freeze Semen From Your Stallion?

Preserving the genetics of a stallion before castration is also common practice, whether it be an unproven colt or a competition stallion whose career may benefit from a little more concentration!

Often unless a colt has improved sale prospects or potential as a sire, life on the farm is a whole lot easier when these youngsters are castrated. Harvesting sperm from the stallion’s testicles (epididymis) post castration is now also possible with new and improved methods for freezing epididymal sperm, which should maximise its fertility after thawing.

The export of frozen semen is a rapidly expanding market where the demand for superior genetics and new bloodlines in certain countries is significantly outweighed by its current supply.

Equine frozen semen can be shipped throughout the world safely without altering its quality and there are no costs and stress associated with the movement of animals, therefore increasing revenue streams.

The popularity of semen collection and freezing from the competition stallion is constantly growing as it enables him to have a breeding career alongside an uninterrupted competition career.

It is almost unheard of for top equine athletes to juggle stud duties with a demanding international competition schedule. Having frozen semen stored and distributed means that stallions can still meet their supply and demand requirements without the risk of fatigue or lack of attention disrupting competition.

Endurance

There are many reasons why today’s breeder may choose cryopreservation for their stallion ranging from preserving a breed to increasing the revenue or as insurance against injury or death of the stallion. As equine breeders we have a great opportunity to embrace new technology and use it to its full potential.

This undoubtedly means that more stallions will be available to a wider market, with better reproductive success, which can only be beneficial, leading to a healthier gene pool with more choice for all.

March/April 2014 23

Feeding for breeding

Foals with Growth Disorders Dengie senior nutritionist Katie Williams, MSc (Dist), looks at growth disorders – why they occur – and examines how fibre feed can play an important role in helping to avoid them.

What are growth disorders?

Developmental orthopaedic disease (DOD) is a term used to describe any growthrelated problems. These can include obvious conditions such as contracted tendons, where the foal appears to walk on tiptoes, or those that are more difficult to diagnose such as Wobbler Syndrome.

Some people believe that an excess of protein in the diet can cause DOD. This is simply not true – it is now generally agreed that the most dangerous type of diet is one that is high in energy and low in minerals because it stimulates a rapid rate of growth without supplying the building blocks to support it.

also means that by the time a plentiful supply of grass arrives in April and May, and the mare starts to produce lots of milk, the foal will be less reliant on her as a source of nutrition. Some researchers believe that growth problems might be caused by this milk by providing too much energy when the foal no longer needs it .

Why do they occur?

There are many factors involved and some are easier to influence than others. One of the most difficult to control is genetics, where, despite all the effort you put in to try to avoid the growth problems, they still occur. One contributing factor that can be influenced, however, is nutrition.

Straight cereals are an obvious culprit because they provide energy but have poor vitamin and mineral content. If, however, a supplement or balancer is fed alongside cereals that are given in moderation, this can prove a cost-effective way to feed.

How can you manage them?

Traditionally, the advice for caring for a foal with DOD has been to shut it in a stable and feed it hay and water. Although there are still many unanswered questions, it is certain that providing only hay and water is not good enough because foals need a balance of essential nutrients to repair any damage. A supplement or lowcalorie balancer fed at the recommended levels alongside good-quality hay will provide enough nutrients to repair damage and build healthy tissues.

How does diet influence them?

Growth of the foal begins at the point of conception and the diet needs to take account of this. In breeds where mares tend to maintain their weight easily, extra calories are not needed. It is common practice, therefore, for mares to receive little additional feed to keep their calorie intake down. This means that they then miss out on extra minerals, which can cause problems.

The foetus stores minerals, which can be used during the first few months after birth, when the foal is growing quickly.

If DOD occurs at this time, it is often an indication that the foetus has been unable to gather enough minerals. This can occur for a number of reasons, but the most usual is that the mare did not receive additional minerals in her diet to pass on to her foal. Sometimes, the health of the placenta might have been compromised by infections or old age, which can impair the transfer of nutrients to the foetus. This does not mean you cannot breed from older mares – you just have to be aware of the increased risks.

24

Vitamins that are added to the diet must be balanced. Feeding more of one particular mineral is not necessarily a good thing because it upsets the balance of others.

Limestone is often added as a source of calcium, for example, but feeding too much can block the availability of other minerals such as zinc and copper, which are important for growth and development.

Supplements and balancers that have been specifically formulated for breeding stock are low in calories but contain optimum levels of minerals and other essential nutrients, making them ideal for good doers.

An interesting theory is that development of the foal could be influenced by the time of year it was born. Foals would naturally be born in late spring and summer, when the mare has access to plenty of goodquality grass, which allows her to produce the most milk just when her foal needs it.

Breeding foals early, as often occurs in the Thoroughbred industry, means that foals are born when there is little available grass. To compensate, large amounts of supplementary feed is given, which can lead to digestive upsets such as colic. It

In summary. . .

This information should provide you with some insight into why DOD can occur.

Although there are no guarantees, feeding a balanced diet of minerals and vitamins – and avoiding over-feeding – means that you are certainly on the right track.

Arguably, the most important message is that, if you mess with Mother Nature by breeding early or from older mares, problems are more likely to arise. It doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t do it – you just need to be prepared to deal with the consequences. =The information used in this feature was taken from research presented at the 2004 European Workshop on equine nutrition. For friendly advice on feeding your brood mare, telephone the Dengie Feedline on 0845 345 5115 or visit www. dengie.com, where you can chat live with a nutritionist.

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Charlotte Chadwick

photo by David Saunders

Junior Champion 2013

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Feeding for breeding

Early Nutrition for Correct Growth

You may imagine that all your new foal needs is mother’s milk and, indeed, you wouldn’t be far wrong but there are factors which affect the quality of that milk and some foals do need a helping hand. The mare’s diet is a big influence as, what you feed her during pregnancy and lactation has a strong bearing on the nutrients provided by her milk as well as the amount she produces. That said, genetics are also involved and will dictate a mare’s ability to produce sufficient nutritional milk for her foal.

he is growing rapidly as a result, for example, of his dam producing large quantities of poor quality milk. This is because growth spurts, like this, can lead to developmental problems, if the diet is lacking in the necessary micronutrients for correct tissue, bone and cartilage formation.

Even when the mare is receiving a balanced diet, the mineral content of the mare’s milk also declines over time and it is these essential nutrients which are key to supporting correct even growth in the foal. Baileys Foal Assist is a vitamin and trace mineral supplement formulated for suckling foals and designed to provide essential nutrients which may be lacking in the mare’s milk.

Supplying extra vitamin and mineral support to the foal is of particular importance if

If your foal is a poorerdoer, has suffered setbacks or his dam simply can’t keep up with his appetite, he may need extra help maintaining condition. For the first three months while his digestive system is still maturing, a milkbased creep feed, like Baileys Foal Creep Pellets, is the ideal solution as it provides the necessary highly digestible calories alongside vitamins and minerals to support growth.

Monitoring your growing foal’s bodyweight, using a weightape, will help you plot his rate of growth and spot any changes meaning you can alter his diet accordingly to avoid any developmental problems.

For advice on feeding your youngster, contact Baileys Horse Feeds on 01371 850247, or visit www.baileyshorsefeeds. co.uk/studareahome.htm

Supplements for breeding

Minerals,vitamins and supplements

Can be one of the most confusing aspects of feeding horses. H ow do you know which ones to use? Or which brands are best, or even if your horse needs them?

So, why do we supplement at all?

1. The pasture/hay might not be providing the right balance of minerals or enough to keep the horse healthy, epsecially if the soil is depleted. Horses deficient in minerals often show signs in their coat and hoof health, with skin conditions, faded coat colour and hoof wall cracks good indicators that something is lacking.

vary according to age, health, workload and whether they are breeding or lactating.

A paddock ornament may get by with just a salt lick but if you don’t want problems to arise when the horse is expected to do something, then supplements are a must.

3. Supplements in prepared feeds aren’t always enough and aren’t balanced to the roughage your horse gets, which should be 80% of the diet. Unless you feed the exact specified amount on the bag the mineral/ vitamin intake for this portion of the diet is reduced.

4. Free choice minerals or licks cannot always be relied upon to provide everything the horse needs. Minerals are generally unpalatable except for salt, which horses 2. The mineral/vitamin needs of a horse will seek out themselves and should be available at all times. Licks may not give adequate DISCOUNT intake especially END2014 in hot climates or Leading Brand Supplements, Wormers & Care Products…Fast Delivery! when the horse

26

sweats. L icks have molasses added to get horses to lick/eat them but they still won’t take in enough on their own especially when the horse is low in the pecking order and by the time they get a turn at the lick, the rest of the herd may decide to move on, so they feel the need to go with them.

5. Health problems may benefit from specific supplements for example horses suffering from stringhalt respond well to magnesium as do those with laminitis or behavioural issues caused by the toxins in some grasses. ‘tying up’ could indicate a need for Vitamin E and Selenium.

With the ability to search for information so easily on the internet these days, there’s really no excuse for not looking into what your horse might require for optimal health. There is also a wealth of knowledge and advice available from independent Equine Nutritionists, specialists at each of the feed companies, and of course, you can always discuss such issues with your vet

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Equine Care Products

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Lifeforce Formula also improves the quality of a mares’ milk, which in turn promotes healthy growth in young foals and supports the reproductive system of both mares and stallions which increases the likelihood of a successful conception.

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Breeders awards

Guests arrived at the Competition Stallionssponsored drinks reception before moving on to a sumptuous four-course dinner, followed by the hugely entertaining after dinner speaker, Team GB para dressage rider, Ricky Balshaw. The evening then moved on to the much-anticipated Awards ceremony, compered by Mike Tucker.

Young, professional and amateur breeders were well represented throughout the Awards Ceremony in the Baileys Horse Feeds/British Breeding/BEF Futurity Certificates of Merit.

Winners included British young breeders team member Kirsty Millard for her sports pony foal KMD Rialto and Karen Niklasson second time winner for her 3 year-old colt Kannanball.

Baileys Horse Feeds/British Breeding/BEF Certificates of Merit - Sponsored by Baileys Horse Feeds Presented by Jane Buchan, Marketing Manager Show jumping Foal – Millfield Pandora s: Pot Blue d. Pretty Woman. Breeder: Sue Jagger

Dressage Foal – Simbambili s: Supertramp d: Cayenne D. Breeder: Alison Walton Endurance Foal – Shahkeira s: R Ali Bey d: Shahlua. Breeder: Jo Claridge Sports Pony Foal – KMD Rialto s: Rembrandt DDH d: Stambrook Musicality. Breeder: Kirsty Millard Showjumping Yearling – Diamond Jubilee s: Je T’Ame Flamenco d: Liska D’Aurore.

Breeder: Sandra Grose Eventing Yearling – Limited Edition XV s: Take it 2 The Limit d: Star Lady. Breeders: Mr and Mrs Steve Talbot Endurance Yearling – LA Ruben s: Ruadi d: Phyllidia. Breeder: Val Lancashire Sports Pony Yearling – Sans Doute s: Jimmerdor de Florys d: Hilkens My Love Breeder: Anne Collins Showjumping 2 Year Old – Casanova Can’t Wait s: Casanova Du Domaine Z d: Utah.

Breeder: Jonathan Roy Parrott Eventing 2 Year Old – Vorvashill Vertigo s: Grafenstolz d: Last Flame Breeder: Kari Christopher Endurance 2 Year Old – LA Ruzaadi s: Ruadi d: Rozaani Breeder: Val Lancashire Sports Pony 2 Year Old – Woodlander Wales s: Woodlander Wavavoom d: Drysiog Helen.

Breeder: Lynne Crowden Eventing 3 Year Old – Trewardale s: Grafenstolz d: Trecarne. Breeder: Preci-Spark Event Horses Showjumping 3 Year Old – Kannanball s: Kannan d: Brise de Maupertius Breeder: Karen Niklasson Endurance 3 Year Old – DD Zafirah Bint Shuwaimar s: Shuwaiman Al Bahrain d: Open All Hours. Breeder: Carri Ann Dark Sports Pony 3 Year Old – R S Socrates s: Sarkozy d: Shannon Valley Valencia. Breeder: Jo Wright

A Sterling Year for British Bred Equines Celebrated at the British Breeders Awards Dinner and Ceremony

The British Equestrian Federation European Award to the Highest Placed British Bred Horse in Team GBR at the FEI European Championships went to Billy Congo, owned and bred by The Billy Stud and ridden by William Funnell.

This packed and entertaining evening also recognises the achievements of former racehorses in the UK. South Essex Insurance Brokers and Retraining of Racehorses once again sponsored the valuable Elite Performance Awards at the dinner for the best former racehorses now competing in showing, dressage, eventing, showjumping and endurance.

The 2013 Horse & Hound Outstanding Mare Award went to Dornrosechen. This mare, by Dimaggio is not only the dam of former 5 and 6 year-old World Champion Young Dressage horse, Woodlander Farouche, she also competes at Grand Prix level dressage. Bred

by Karen Hoerner, the mare is now owned by Lynne Crowden of Woodlander Stud and Mr and Mrs Ferdi Eilberg.

The culmination of the evening is the South Essex Insurance Brokers Meritoire, this annual award is presented as recognition for a lifetime’s contribution to the breeding industry and the worthy recipient was Professor Graham Suggett, a unifying, motivating and inspiring winner. He is a man without peer in his area of expertise for foresight, commitment and leadership. On receiving his award, Professor Suggett said, “I am really thrilled to have been recognised in this manner by my beloved peers and thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I could not have achieved any of my visions and dreams without the total support of so many people whom I now count as dear friends and I regard my complete immersion within the equine breeding world since 2002 as one of the most enjoyable and rewarding times in my career”.

picture courtesy of Trevor Meeks

On Saturday 11th January breeders of the top British-bred horses from around the country converged in London at the Grange City Hotel, for the annual British Breeders Awards Dinner and Ceremony, organised by the British Horse Foundation. There has been much to celebrate for British Breeding in 2013 and this glittering occasion affords the breeders of these potential world-class horses the special recognition they deserve.

Val Lancashire receiving the Futurity cerificate of Merit for LA Ruben from Jane Buchan

Pentire Chilli Edge - Picture by Eclipse 28

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Ride report

Successful Presidents Cup for Sainsbury

Report from Gilly Wheeler A large start list of 146 set out to conquer the 160km desert course at Emirates International Endurance Village at Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi. Amongst the 26 nations was one of the UK’ s leading international riders, Dace Sainsbury.

She rode her 14-year-old mare, Ballota, who was now recovered from the injury she suffered having been kicked during the opening leg of the JYR World Championship in July last year.

A jubilant Sainsbury was delighted as she finished 44th in 8hr 56m 05s. She may have been just over three hours behind

the winner, JYR World Champion, Khalifa Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri, but her average speed of 17.908 kmph was very good.

Dace who has been training in the UAE for the last few months, commented “Lottie was better than I ever expected. She lost some motivation over the final loop, but her recoveries have been great. I hope we will be selected for WEG.” Much criticism on welfare concerns has been leveled at the Middle East, but on a positive note, it was evident that the OC of The Presidents Cup, led by Adnan Sultan Saif Al Noaimi were intent on upholding the commitment of HH Sh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ride patron, to observe and abide with the rules and regulations of the FEI. On site to overview the ride was both FEI Endurance Director, Ian Williams, and Paul Greenwood, a member of the Equestrian Community Integrity Unit. As can be seen on the FEI web site, six yellow cards were issued. Four of these for the use of fluids and two for unauthorized outside assistance. In addition there were 36 surveillance cameras in the vet gate over both the general area and over the crewing

bays, footage to be viewed by the FEI. Also every horse’s chip was scanned at each vetting and before each horse left on the next leg.

Dace and Ballota competing in the Presidents Cup

Endurance

March/April 2014 29

Future of endurance

A technical approach to endurance success Some thoughts from Dr. David Marlin

Championship. I’ve also been fortunate to have had a opportunities to study endurance form a scientific point of view, undertaking studies of real rides in the UK, the Gulf and Malaysia.

It is nearly 14 years since I was last involved formerly with EGB. Through my supplement company I of course know many endurance riders and I have worked with some riders as private clients. I first became involved with endurance when Rod Fisher approached me back in 1995 when I was working at the Animal Health Trust in Newmarket on the Atlanta Olympic Games issues of transport, jet-lag and heat and humidity. Rod was sure that a lot of the work that was being done towards the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996 could be used to benefit endurance. Over the next 5 years we regularly ran training days, often at the AHT, where we would have a variety of speakers talking about relevant topics affecting the training and competing of the endurance horse. The management team comprised Ian Williams, John Robertson, Rod Fisher, Sarah Coombs, Kelvin Lymer, Karen Robertson and myself. Selection of horses was objective. At the time we used technology and methods not being used by other teams. This culminated in a Silver medal at the 2000 World Championships in Compiegne; the last medal won by a British endurance team at a major championship.

Unfortunately, following Compiegne, political upheaval as a result of the merger of Endurance Horse and Pony Society and British Endurance Riding Association (through which international competition was managed) to form Endurance GB lead to a break-up of the management team. But, whilst history helps us understand the past, it doesn’t have to have a negative impact on the present or the future. In 1995, eventing, racing and polo were the disciplines that I was interested in scientifically and which I also enjoyed watching or participating in.

But this changed through my experience with endurance. Endurance rapidly became my number one sport. I loved the horses and the people and the challenge. There is still no equestrian event I would rather go to than an endurance ride, whether it’s at my local group (at Cromwell) or a 30

So how do I find myself involved again with British Endurance? Last Summer, as usual, I attended a few rides. I even dropped some hints to various people that I might be interested in getting involved again as I have some time on my hands (thanks to a competent MD in my business) although there were no takers! I resolved this year to get more involved with my local group (Cromwell). However, it was really a call from Sue Broughton and a subsequent chat with John Robertson and the hint of future involvement in some capacity again from Rod Fisher that persuaded me to speak at the International seminar in Derby on xx January?. The reason for this piece stems from the follow up by Cindy Russell. It was an interesting afternoon. I feel I made some good allies with half the room and let’s just say I’m glad the other half didn’t have access to rope and a tree!

It’s clear that British Endurance has been suffering at International level. Since 2000 there have been no senior team medals, with the best performance being 6th at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky in 2010. By my calculations, based on World and European Championships between 2009 and 2013 (inclusive), Team GB would be ranked 9th in the World and would be unranked in Europe. Out of 26 horse and rider starts (team and individual combined) in two World and three European Championships we have a 36% completion, and of the eliminations, 36% were for lameness and 19% were for metabolic.

Whilst our eliminations for lameness are not that different to rest of world (ROW) data as a whole, our rates of completion are lower (36% v ~45% ROW) and our metabolic eliminations are higher (19% v 11% ROW).

How then do we try to understand where we should be ranking in Europe and or World? Of course there are many factors, including cultural and financial factors. For example, culturally we have a reputation for perhaps having a higher level of concern for welfare. Endurance in the UK has also not received the financial input that countries such as France, Spain and Italy have had from their Governments and we do not have professional endurance stables in the same way that countries within France and

the UAE have. Nevertheless, whilst we can cite these factors we need to find ways to overcome them as these arguments will not win us medals.

Let me first say that I recognise it is not and should not all be about International.

Not everyone aspires to compete at International. Not everyone has the horse or money to compete at International.

Those who do not ride or aspire to ride at International play an essential role for those who do however. Without the nonInternational riders we probably would not have rides and we would not have the finances to run EGB. Non-international riders also play an important role in supporting and encouraging younger riders and riders new to the sport, who may eventually become involved in International.

It’s not about one or the other being more important. In my mind, every rider who is involved in endurance (not forgetting all the non-riding volunteers) is contributing to the success of Endurance in Britain, at whatever level. I can see no reason why both endurance racing and endurance riding cannot happily co-exist and support each other.

To try to gain some understanding of where we should rank, I used data from the FEI database to look at numbers of FEI registered horses and riders in 2013. The rationale for this approach is that teams (and individuals representing their country) are essentially formed from the best horses a country has. These horses are the elite.

This means that by definition there are very few elite horses. If we say for example that only 1 in 100 horses is elite, then if we are a country with 100 horse and rider pairs we will struggle to field a competitive team.

If however we have 300, we now have a team! Of course, if you have 3000, like the UAE, then even just based on probability you will have more elite horses. That is why countries with huge populations often dominate when it comes to athletics (e.g. historically USA, Russia). BUT, you can compete successfully by doing things technically better. For example, strategic breeding, objective talent identification, better training and competition strategy.

However. back to numbers. From the graph below it can be seen that the UAE has by far the highest number of horses, but the teams that have performed best in Europe in the past 5 years (France, Spain and Italy) have considerably more horses and riders than we do and in my view this is not a coincidence for the reasons outlined Official members publication for Endurance GB

Future of endurance used for championships. But it is clear that the horses these countries are selecting for teams have less lameness eliminations and faster 160km speeds. BUT, the good news again is that we are not too far behind.

An average speed for a team in Most of 16.7 kmh would have been enough to gain a Bronze medal! However, on the elite squad in 2013 there were only FOUR of the thirteen horses that had a career average speed over 16.7 kmh and only SIX who had ever been above that speed in a 160km race.

previously. So where should we be. Based simply on our current numbers, we should be ranking around 4th in Europe and 6th in the World. So for me, one thing we need to do is to increase number of UK FEI registered horses and riders. This is clearly not something that will happen overnight.

So it would appear that British endurance is not ranking where it should be based on simply looking at numbers in the UK that are FEI registered. The next stage is to try to understand why performance is lower than we might expect. We have already seen that we have a relatively lower rate of completions and a relatively higher rate of metabolic eliminations.

Metabolic eliminations can come about for a large variety of reasons, but at the end to the day this can only come down to buying horses with a higher genetic predisposition to metabolic problems, rider and crew management or “management” management (i.e. the support team at rides). We need to try identify why so many metabolic eliminations are occurring and put procedures in place to try to reduce them.

The next big question, for me at least, is “are we doing something different to the teams that are competing more successfully”? Some countries may have large numbers of horses and be able to adopt a “survival of the fittest” approach.

Essentially this would involve training large numbers of horses very hard and then competing the ones that can cope with the training and which stay sound. This is the approach used by National Hunt trainer Martin Pipe. High rate of injury in training but horses that made it to the racetrack usually won. In Britain it is unlikely that we have sufficient numbers of horses for this to work and at the same time I don’t believe there are many riders who would want to adopt such an approach from a welfare perspective.

However, there is the potential that other countries are doing something different to Endurance

what we “typically” do in the UK. To illustrate this I looked at the performance in FEI races of horses in the teams that finished 1st (France), 2nd (Spain) and 3rd (Italy) in Most 2013 compared with the performance in FEI races of the 13 horses that were on the Elite Squad in 2013. Three out of 13 horses were mares and the other 10 were geldings. Combined, the French, Spanish and Italian teams had 5 geldings, 3 mares and 1 stallion. If this had been 9 mares, then perhaps there would be something we could say, but we cannot really draw any conclusions from this. However, when it comes to age of horses competing, the average age of the French, Spanish and Italian teams was 9.0, 10.3 and 13.0 years, respectively, compared with British Elite Squad which was 13.8 years. So it’s clear than especially for France and Spain, they are competing younger horses. One of the striking differences is in the average completion rate. For the British Elite Squad in all FEI 160km races it is 58% compared with 100%, 86% and 82% for the French, Spanish and Italian team horses in Most.

FEI 160km race career average speeds are also higher for France (19.8 kmh), Spain (18.1 kmh) and Italy (16.6 kmh) compared with our elite squad (16.4 kmh). The good news is that we are not far behind Italy! But, whilst on average the British elite squad had 1.5 lameness eliminations per horse at FEI 160km, the French team horses had none, the Italians 0.3 and the Spanish 1.0. This clearly fits with the lower completion rates.

A range of other differences are apparent, including, more career races, more shorter races and more frequent completion.

It is possible that the career path of British horses is different to those of the teams that have recently and are currently performing well in Europe. For example, the way the sport is structured in Britain may encourage a long slow career path but this may not work well for riders trying to qualify horses to compete at International.

It may be that other countries have more rides of a similar type to those that are

For me, the two immediate issues to address are lameness and speed. We seem to have a high rate of lameness elimination which we need to try and understand as from a high rate of lameness if we ask for faster speeds then there is a good chance we will simply increase the number of lameness eliminations. Education is a key issue. For example, there is clear evidence now that horses competed more frequently than 100 days are at a greater risk of elimination for lameness. That’s 2-3 races a SEASON! Short term, all I really believe we can achieve before WEG is education and some improvement in technical support (training, nutrition, season planning, crewing, management supportetc). The education component has started with the Development Squad as “Guinea Pigs” using Facebook to post information and stimulate discussion. This will continue at the team event at Liscombe this month (February). Looking further into the future to the 2015 European Championships in Ebeltoft (Denmark) in addition to education and technical support, I would like to set a target of 50% increase in horses and riders qualified to compete. I would also like to see more rides at which British riders can compete at championship speeds. By 2015 we should also be looking to horses that are 8-9 currently which hopefully have had the right development in 2014, although this may still be a little early.

Finally, if young riders have the maturity, the horse and the talent then they can and should be used to boost the numbers of the elite squad. I believe the real benefits should start to be seen by the WC in 2016 when there should be the potential to benefit from the increased numbers of riders and horses in the sport in general, which in turn should lead to more horses and riders putting themselves forward to compete at International level. (This requires marketing - glad that’s not my job!). But the key factor in 2016 is that we should really for the first time be able to have horses that have done fewer races, but at longer distances and faster speeds with less lameness! And then it will get interesting!

March/April 2014 31

Future of endurance

18/02/2

Classic Endurance v Endurance Racing – A View

By Martin Moore

comment from the Chairman of FEI’s explain Brian Sheahan’s comment, but, Administeringalso, NF/Region FEIinRanked Endurance Committee, Brian Sheahan, I believeofallTop the500 riders these rankings Endurance Riders that “most participants in the sport want to Open considers they are in(2013) a “race” every Africa Middle they start a “traditional” or “classic” see traditional endurance predominate”, at Rest oftime East France surely their primary least for the foreseeable future. To explore endurance competition; this I took a look at the FEI database for Asia/Australasia objective is to win.

2013 rankings of Open Endurance Riders Rest of and Open Endurance Combinations. I tookAmericas Thus, I admit to being confused by the UAE the top 500 in each category, and allocated suggested distinction between “racing” and them by their administering NF or Region. “classic endurance” formats. In searching Spain The results are shown in the two pie-charts. the ESPG documents and proposals I feel Rest of Europe no better informed, and am left wondering USA What is immediately clear is that European why we need this debate. I had thought that Uruguay Italy and American (North, Central and South) the primary concern of the majority of us in riders dominate both rankings in their the sport were on issues of horse welfare 18/02/2014 numbers, and riders from only 7 NFs – injury and doping. I see nothing in a account for over 50% of the rankings in both proposal to split endurance that will ensure categories. These majority positions may such abuses are in, and remain in, the past.

At the FEI Endurance Conference, 9th February, Andrew Finding, ESPG Chair, presented a summary of the Endurance Strategic Planning Group recommendations following consultation with NFs. Within these recommendations are important questions on the future direction of International endurance competition, perhaps the most important of which is whether or not to modify FEI Endurance Rule 800.1 to accommodate a “racing” format rather than the “classic endurance” format it confines itself to now.

I was interested whether such a proposal might be acceptable in the light of a

Administering NF/Region of Top 500 FEI Ranked Open Endurance Riders (2013) Rest of Middle East

Administering NF/Region of Top 500 FEI Ranked Open Endurance Combinations (2013)

Africa

Rest of Middle East France

Rest of Africa France

Asia/Australasia

Asia/Australasia Rest of Americas

Rest of Americas

USA

UAE

Italy Spain Rest of Europe

Rest of Europe

RSA

USA Italy

Spain

Uruguay

Uruguay

Predicting Championship Ride Speeds

Nevertheless, it is worth considering the body of data now available, and analysing those data using statistical techniques.

I have done this for all completions in European and World Championships (Seniors) from 2006 to 2013. These data are fitted to a predictive curve, shown on the chart. The curve is a plot of percentage combinations completing at a speed greater than that shown on the horizontal 32

%age Combinations Completing at Speeds Greater Than

A lot has been writtenNF/Region about rideof speeds.

Administering Top 500 FEI Ranked 100 In the 2011 Open editionEndurance of his book, Endurance, (2013) Combinations of Africa Rest of Middle Leonard Liesens noted thatRest speeds East increased dramatically France Asia/Australasia for FEI rides in the UAE between 1998 and 2009, but only slightly in Europe.

Rest of This situation may have Americas changed a little in Europe over the last 4 USA years, with speeds increasing. Coming to any firm conclusions is difficult because Italy speeds are so dependent on the terrain, 10 Rest of Europeconditions, and by the RSA going and weather degree of completion. These uncertainties Spain UAE Uruguayspeeds make the task of predicting ride difficult.

UAE

By Martin Moore

Analysis predicts that 50% of Championship completions will be at speeds >16kph, 20% at >19kph, but only 8% >21kph.

1 12

1

14

16

18

20

22

24

Completion Speed - kph

axis. The percentage completions vertical axis is “logarithmic”, from 1% in units of 1 to 10%, then in 10s to 100%.

Food for thought.

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Group News

Southwest Group

by Jane Holden

Hopefully, by the time you read this the rain will have stopped and all our rides will be going ahead!

Bodmin Moor has been like a wet foam rubber sponge for most of the winter, as were most of the fields in the West Country. I don’t think I have ever seen so many ponies standing in so much mud.

Most of our members are still doing roadwork so training is well behind.

I shall be crewing Sue Speed again this year and we are making lots of exciting plans. If all goes well, we will be popping up all over the place!

It is great news that the Inter Regional competition is back at Barbury Castle again. Abbie Chisholm will be organising our team this year, so all those who would like to be part of a really fun weekend, get in touch with her. That particularly applies to Novice riders – we will need you!

In February we had the Hallworthy Ride, a new pleasure ride run

by Jan Kane. This was our ‘Pink Ride’, in memory of committee member Frances Webster, who sadly died of lung cancer last summer. All profits from the ride went to Cancer Research UK. Frances was a familiar sight at South West rides on her Dales pony, Jesta and we all miss her.

Fortunately there is a livestock market at Hallworthy which provided hard standing for parking and the route covered 16k of forestry and contingent lanes, so atwas by the weather.

Newquaytracks Riding Club the unaffected Camelford Ride Photo courtesy of Pete Webster

The Wadebridge Ride, on 23rd March, is our first Competitive Ride of the season. This is being organised once again by the indefatigable Stevie Martin – what would we do without her?

Following on from this is the Blue Chip St Meubred’s Ride (date changed to Sunday 27th March), organised by Jo and Peter Claridge and then we are really into the competition season.

Fran and Jesta on Dartmoor, courtesy of Kim Goostrey

North and East Yorkshire Group North and East Yorkshire Group Trophy Winners High Point Advanced 1. CRYSTAL TOPAZ – R Pearson High Point Open 1. TO THE LAST MAN – C Myers High Point Novice 1. AMBERS DIAMOND CLUSTER – S Mcloughlin Desert Gold Award Awarded to the horse with the highest points for rides of 42k & under. Novice level horses not eligible.

1. TO THE LAST MAN – C Myers Pogol’s Wood Trophy For horses & ponies under 15hh. Awarded for the highest distance completed in pleasure rides.

1. ANDREW PRINCE OF BRECON – I Green Jenny Trophy For horses over 15hh. Awarded for the highest distance completed in pleasure rides.

1. MARLEY – A Goldsbrough

Endurance

High Jinks Trophy For veteran horses of 15 to 19 yrs in all types of rides.

1. HARVEY – L Owens

Follifoot Trophy For veteran horses over 19 yrs in all types of rides 1. WAYSIDE FALCON – H Ward Caro Trophy Awarded to the unregistered horse with the highest distance in competitive rides.

1. CRYSTAL TOPAZ – R Pearson Saxon Trophy Awarded to the registered horse with the highest distance in competitive rides.

1. AMBERS DIAMOND CLUSTER – S Mcloughlin Strider Trophy For native types ponies of 14.3hh and under, competing in all types of rides.

1. ANDREW – I Green BATA Award Veteran rider over 50 years 1. HARVEY – L Owens

Duke Trophy Awarded to coloured horses with the highest distance in all types of rides 1. ANDREW PRINCE OF BRECON – I Green Homebred Trophy For the homebred horse with the highest distance in all types of rides.

1. GOULTON CATRIONA – J Barker Young Rider Award For riders between 14-21 years. Awarded to the highest distance in all types of rides.

1. DOONFELLIN KHAMSIN / CHIKARA – N Brown Benjamin Cup For riders between 8 and 13 years.

Awarded to the highest distance in all types of rides.

1. COUNTRY DOLLY MIXTURE – T Barker Barefoot Award Awarded to the barefoot horse with the highest distance in all types of rides.

1. TED – C Mcadam

Autumn Pride Trophy For veteran riders over 60 years 1. DALEWIN BEAUTY – E Worthy

March/April 2014 33

Group News

High Point ER JUST GILES – T Thomson High Distance ER JUST GILES – T Thomson Just A Trophy Awarded to a horse (only) in its first season of competition COUNTRY DOLLY MIXTURE – T Barker

We will miss you Mike!

Mike O’Dowd became involved in endurance 28 years ago, firstly for a couple of years with the West Yorkshire Group and then when the North and East Yorkshire Group formed 22 years ago, he joined and shortly after that he came onto the committee. He has been our Chairman for a time and our treasurer forever! Also for most of that time he was the only man on the committee, trying to keep us ladies under control!

Pony Club Award 1. COUNTRY DOLLY MIXTURE – T Barker

Mike and his beloved Desert Gold, affectionately known as “Monty” (the old brute) were regulars on the endurance circuit from 1986 to 1999, successfully completing 100 rides and clocking up 4755 competitive kilometres. They competed in the Arab Marathon four times, winning it once and coming a respectable 2nd, 3rd and 7th on the other occasions. After Monty’s retirement Mike and his wife Chris, have been a great asset to ride organisers, vet writing, vet gate stewarding and manning the CB radios at checkpoints.

2. HOLLYCROFT NEMSIS – T Thomson

Thank you Mike, we will miss you!

Year After Year Award - 16 years Awarded for successful consecutive years of competition - vetting required ALCHISE – J Young Associate Member High Distance 1. CRYSTAL MAZE - C Noble

Award winners

Mike receiving his canvas of Monty from Chair Bridget Brown

Mike and Monty

Photo courtesy of West End Photography

Going Solo Trophy Awarded to the horse & rider combination both in their first season of competition CASPER – W Scott

EGB ICENI GROUP AWARDS DINNER 8/2/14 By Amanda Roche-Kelly The occasion brought the membership together for the annual celebration of achievement. The evening began with the Branch Annual General Meeting which included a statement delivered by the Chairman, Ellie Head on the importance of maintaining ‘a clean sport’.

In the light of recent adverse press on the treatment of endurance competition horses, the Iceni Group requires that the horse welfare is paramount and disassociates itself with any practice that compromises that welfare for the sake of winning.

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A new scheme for the training and awarding of competence levels to all aspects of the stewards role was unveiled

by Brigid Fairman. Checkpoints, Vet gates, timekeeping, technical stewarding, vet writing and stewarding all included.

Members can work through the roles at rides with training on the job.

It gives riders the inside knowledge of how to compete effectively while putting something back into their sport, gaining points and awards as they achieve. There was much interest and a healthy initial take

up on the scheme.

An auction of valuable items, activities and vouchers generously donated by Tattersalls, Eastern Light Photography, Event to Event, Gibsons of Newmarket Horse Agility, Horse Quencher, Lynn Perry Pilates for Riders to name but a few, raised over £500 for the Equine Grass Sickness Fund.

Bidding was competitive amongst members, who were most generous in their support for research into this devastating and increasingly reported disease.

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Group News

After the dinner and the raffle the achievement awards ceremony began.

Riders across all levels and ages were represented. Special Iceni Group awards were given to ‘The Stars of the Future’ (pictured) Karen Carr, Debbie Fyans, Jordan Head, Natalie Chandler, Jessica Head, Holly Pym, Mary Pym, Janice Morton. Nicola Gilbert received The International Award.

A poignant Rememberance Award went to Heiz (Debbie Fyans) Glansevin Ghia (Jordan Head) Castenier Rahmoon (Lynne Howlett) Doliver (Heather Weston).

The Magnificent Silver Oliver, owned and ridden by Brigid Fairman scooped The Highpoint Advanced Horse, The Highpoint

The Rogers family, winners of the Family Trophy

ICENI TROPHY RESULTS (2013 SEASON) HIGHPOINT ADVANCED HORSE (Valentine Salver) 1st SILVER OLIVER – BRIGID FAIRMAN HIGHPOINT OPEN HORSE (Christa Trophy) 1st CS KHAMSIN – LIZ ELLESLEY HIGHPOINT NOVICE HORSE (Quincy Trophy) 1st ABERLWYD SATRA – KAREN DAY

Arab Horse (Angel Face Trophy), The Highpoint ER Horse (King of Reds Trophy) and Brigid herself won the Highpoint Senior Rider Shield (Iceni Shield).

A Special Members Award went to Val Withers in the form of Fiona’s Trophy for showing true grit and determination.

Many other successes were celebrated during the ceremony and a full list does appear on the EGB Iceni Group Website. www.egbiceni.co.uk where you can also find dates for pleasure and competitive rides taking place in 2014.

Photographs courtesy Event to Event and Martin Welch.

Karen Day receives her trophy

HIGHPOINT ARAB HORSE (Angel Face Trophy) 1st SILVER OLIVER – BRIGID FAIRMAN HIGHPOINT UNREGISTERED HORSE (Molly Memorial Trophy) 1st LADDIE – LINDA DOD VETERAN HORSE OVER 21 (Twilight YearsTrophy) kms only to count 1st GLANSEVIN GHIA – JORDAN HEAD

HIGHPOINT SENIOR RIDER (Iceni Shield) 1st BRIGID FAIRMAN

HIGHPOINT VETERAN HORSE (Regal Lad Trophy) 1st AVERIO – JILL WILSON

HIGHPOINT E R HORSE (King of Reds Trophy) SILVER OLIVER – BRIGID FAIRMAN

HIGHPOINT TB HORSE (Independent Nutrition Trophy) 1st CORALKOV – JULIET JACOB

HIGHPOINT HOMEBRED HORSE 1ST ROYAL INNFUSION – DIANE ARCHER HIGHPOINT REGISTERED NATIVE HORSE (Mill Fields Trophy) 1ST MEIROS VICTORIA CAPELLA – RICHARD LOWE HIGHPOINT PART BRED HORSE (Chelwood Trophy) 1st LAITY RED ALERT – ROSIE MARSH

Endurance

KEN STRATTON MEMORIAL TROPHY ) TB Horse kms only to count 1st BASSEY – LINDA BURROWS AM HIGHPOINT FEMALE RIDER (Iceni Trophy) 1st ANGIE RAVEN – SILVER COGNAC AM HIGHPOINT YOUNG RIDER (Candy Trophy) 1st BROOKE ROBERTS

Val Withers receives the Fiona Trophy

Stars of the future

AM HIGHPOINT JUNIOR RIDER (MouseTrophy) 1st JESSICA HEAD – PALMFIELDS FLOWER GIRL HIGHPOINT GOLDEN HORSESHOE HORSE (Ian Anderson Memorial Trophy) 1st DOLIVER – HEATHER WESTON RUBIN TROPHY (3 best scores of 80km) CS KHAMSIN – LIZ ELLESLEY STARS OF THE FUTURE AWARDS: Karen Carr, Debbie Fyans, Jordan Head, Natalie Chandler, Jessica Head, Holly Pym, Mary Pym, Janice Morton INTERNATIONAL AWARD NICOLA GILBERT UNSUNG HERO AWARDS MARTY COOK, PEGGY SOFLEY, HANNAH HEAD SENIOR STEWARDING AWARD MO & KEITH HARVEY JUNIOR STEWARDING AWARD HOLLIE PYM FAMILY TROPHY DAVE ROGERS & FAMILY CREWING AWARD BERNARD WELCHER ICENI SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD LINDA DOD FIONA’S TROPHY (Special Members Award) VALERIE WITHERS

March/April 2014 35

Profile

Lauren Mills and her top endurance horse Oakleaze Farm Czarko, a 15.2hh, sixteenyear-old grey Arab train from their home in Dorset.

Lauren Mills (19) has quickly made her mark in endurance, representing Great Britain at the Young Rider World Endurance Championships in 2013. Here we find out what it’s like to work full time and keep a horse in training for top level competition.

Lauren works full time for the NHS and began competing in endurance riding six years ago. Her introduction to the sport was with a New Forest Pony, after taking inspiration from her Nanny who enjoys Competitive Graded Rides. Lauren has owned Czarko for three years and they were ranked joint 4th in the Young Riders Combination World Endurance Rankings last year, after quickly proving to be a determined and talented pair.

After watching Lauren compete at Red Dragon several times, British Horse Feeds invited Lauren to join the Speedi-Beet Team in 2013. Shortly after, Lauren and Czarko were selected to represent Great Britain in the Young Rider World Endurance Championships in France.

Said Will I’Anson of British Horse Feeds: “It is great to have Lauren on the SpeediBeet Team. Lauren and Czarko were the only successful Team GB combination to complete the ride in France; they did a fantastic job and we are very proud of them.

“Speedi-Beet provides Czarko with the slow release energy and stamina required for long distance riding, as well as rapid rehydration.”

TRAINING AT HOME Czarko is a fantastic horse, I feel so lucky to have him! He easily maintains his basic fitness, even over the winter when he enjoys some down time. Over winter, we enjoy hunting if the ground is good; otherwise it is not worth risking it. When it is very muddy and wet, I tend to just hack him out once a week to keep him ticking over.

Racing to the Top 36

It doesn’t take me long to get him fit enough for a 50km ride, we will start off with lunging and one hour rides out in the forest. For an 80km ride though, we take it up a notch so I gradually build up to three/four hour rides to increase his stamina. As his fitness levels improve we will increase the time spent in trot and canter and he will normally be worked five times a week when he is competition fit. We don’t have a regimented training regime but a rough guide would be; one day on a more relaxed hack, mostly walking and trotting, he will go on a couple of longer rides and then he will also be lunged twice a week. The work doesn’t need to be challenging every day; it is just a case of keeping him moving. He always has two days off and depending on the ground conditions, we don’t always do fast work.

I don’t put too much pressure on myself during training as everyday life inevitably has time constraints and although we train in all weather, I have to be mindful of the going. I am lucky that Czarko has never had any major setbacks due to injury; he Official members publication for Endurance GB

Profile

is a very tough little horse! In 2012 we did however nearly miss out on the National Championships at Kings Forest as he developed a foot abscess the week before we were due to go, but thanks to my farrier he made a very quick recovery and we just about managed to get him back on track a few days before we left. He raced well and coped amazingly considering he had been on box rest with his foot poulticed and we went on to take the ‘National Champions’ title. He use to have bad feet and was always losing shoes, so a lot of time was spent getting him re-shod at vet gates. With the right diet and management I am pleased to say his feet have improved enormously now and we don’t have any problems – he is just shod with regular shoes and doesn’t need pads.

Czarko is only ever really pushed when we are competing, during training he doesn’t need to be, I save him for competitions.

Sometimes I train with my Nan but we go at a slightly faster pace! My grandparents are fantastic and will sometimes drive to meet me halfway through a training ride to check Czarko’s heart rate and to crew for me.

It goes without saying that the welfare of my horse is always the top priority. It is the aim to meet the grade one speed and pulse on graded rides but if it’s a hot day we will slow down. With training and competing – it always depends on the individual circumstances. I am very competitive but Czarko dictates most things. We have a really good bond and I am quick to notice any changes in him. He is very wellbalanced from his past basic training so I don’t have to spend a lot of time schooling him; he carries himself well in a nice natural outline.

At the start of an endurance race Czarko’s heart rate will be in the low 30’s. If we are doing an 80km race, by the first vet gate it will be in the 50’s and then when it is checked approximately 30 minutes after the finish, his heart rate will be in the high 40’s. It is important to know what is normal for your horse and to be familiar with all of his vital signs (e.g. temperature, pulse, respiration). That way, if anything is wrong it will quickly become apparent.

Czarko has year round turnout with plenty of grass. In winter he has Speedi-Beet and chaff with a basic mix (for vitamins & minerals) and in the competition season he has Speedi-Beet, Baileys Outshine, Baileys No.6 All-Round Endurance Mix and electrolytes. I pay close attention to Czarko’s condition; he must be at his ideal weight (lean and not carrying excess fat) so he can perform to the best of his ability without putting unnecessary strain on his body.

REPRESENTING GREAT BRITAIN Czarko and I were Young Rider National Champions in 2012 and as a combination and were ranked joint 11th in the Young Endurance

Riders Combination World Endurance Rankings.

I attended the selections in Cambridgeshire on 16th June 2013 for the Young Rider World Endurance Championships and was chosen to represent Great Britain. I travelled out to Tarbes, France on the 23rd July 2013 which is where the championships were held on the 27th July 2013 at the Ibos Endurance Village.

Czarko and I crossed the start line at 06:30 along with over 80 other hopeful combinations from all over the world for what would be our 75 mile race to secure the ‘World Champion’ title. I was one in a team of four that were representing Great Britain and this being our first competition on foreign soil; my aim was to just complete the race. Due to the fact that the race is so long and challenging, it is common that horses and riders get eliminated due to many different reasons.

The race consisted of four loops in the forest at the foot of the Pyrenees and after each loop, the horses were checked by vets. In every endurance ride, their vitals such as pulse, dehydration and general well-being is checked to make sure the horse is coping with the race and if there is any doubt that the horse can continue due to health reasons, they are eliminated. This is for the horse’s best interest, to ensure they do not run the race on their adrenaline and to reduce the possibility of injuries.

My team and I had an unlucky start to the race as one of my teammate’s horses was kicked in the head by another horse just minutes into the start of the race. Luckily, we were altogether at this point so we all stopped to get the horse back to safety and to comfort the rider. Due to the nature of the injury, it took us some time to bandage the horses face to keep the dirt out and to assess whether it was safe for us to get the horse to a place of safety. Thankfully, we managed to get her back to our team vet who took the problem on and treated her appropriately (the horse is now making a brilliant recovery and is back to her quirky self).

Once this problem was in safe hands, my other two teammates and I had to then try and catch the other competitors up and attempt to get ourselves back into a decent position in the race. This proved to be quite difficult as the first problem we encountered was getting past the horse that we had just watched kick our team horse. We waited until we reached a very wide road and took the opportunity to pass quickly. After that, it was challenging to gain places within the race as the terrain was very technical with uneven ground and steep hills – something that was very challenging for all horses throughout the race.

As the race went on, I lost my other two teammates due to elimination. The first

was eliminated after the first loop because his horse was lame and the same problem occurred with my other teammate after the third loop. Many horses were eliminated throughout the race for various reasons and it became clear that the course and terrain were becoming very testing.

We were racing in temperatures of up to 32 degrees and towards the end of the race, we were starting to get very tired. I noticed after the third loop that Czarko had started to struggle so I decided to take the last loop very steady and just complete the race rather than be competitive. Being the only rider left representing Great Britain meant we were no longer in for a chance of winning a team medal and I was nowhere near the front runners for it to be worth me pushing on. So, I decided to complete the last loop at a speed that Czarko would be comfortable with in order for him to have the best chance of a quick recovery and no struggle. As it happened, this loop had some very steep climbs and falls which meant I was on foot for most of the loop to take my weight off of Czarko’s back to prevent any slipping or muscle strain. We were not the only ones feeling the heat at this point as we struggled along with various other riders, giving each other moral support in order to get to the end and not give up.

After a long 08:49 hours racing, Czarko and I finally crossed the finish line in 47th place. We were one combination out of just over 50% that completed. Overall it was a challenging race but the experience was priceless. To be chosen to represent our country and to arrive in the South of France along with the Great British team was an honour.

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

March/April 2014 37

Management

More about Safeguarding In this edition, I have included the BEF’s information leaflet ‘Information and Guidance for Children in Equestrianism’ as the guidance is of value to all young people, officials and others who are involved in our sport. It includes guidance to young people’s rights, but also about their responsibilities. The guidance ‘to all personnel’ is succinct but highly relevant, and should underpin all we do.

In the last edition I said that I would include some brief guidance to ride organisers. I know all organisers recognise their responsibility to carry out rigorous risk assessments, to promote health and safety and ensure that risks are minimised. But what is not so well recognised is the particular duty of care to children, young people and vulnerable adults.

At some rides, organisers hold a briefing meeting for their stewards before the day’s events begin, but in my experience this is not what usually happens. Some ride organisers appoint a welfare officer, but not all. At events run by British Eventing all stewards and officials attend a pre-ride briefing: to date this has not covered safeguarding, but because of the good work of the BEF, British Eventing, like Endurance GB are increasing the profile of safeguarding and this will be included in future briefings.

This is all common sense you may say! I agree, but for some reason common sense can go out of the window in terms of safeguarding. A situation in one sports club illustrates this: A wellrespected local man was a mainstay of the club and helped at all events involving young people. He was invaluable and took on ‘boring’ roles that no one else wanted as well as working with the young members. Stories about small inappropriate issues which began to arise were brushed aside, and nothing was reported to the club welfare officer. The situation escalated and the issues became more worrying. Many people were aware, but the thought was ‘that ‘Fred’ could never do anything inappropriate’ and even ‘if we accuse ‘Fred’ who will take on that job? We can’t afford to lose

him’. In this case no action was taken and the outcome caused great distress and legal acton. If all had been vigilant from the start then this person would not have been in a position to take advantage of young people.

On the other hand, when the small inappropriate issues started, if ‘Fred’ had genuinely been simply trying to help, then guidance would have helped him to avoid placing himself under suspicion.

Safeguarding is also about supporting well-meaning, innocent people to avoid accusation. In turn this helps young people to develop appropriate trust in others, and this is important in their personal development.

I digress! This example is not directly comparable to one ride, but within a group and over time, there could be a direct comparison. However the last paragraph still very much applies in all situations.

My advice to all those of you who are ride organisers, is to ensure that stewards are appropriately briefed as to the safeguarding good practice guidelines. The organiser should meet with stewards to let them know their roles, how to carry them out, to brief them with regard to welfare and health and safety issues, and to let them know your expected ‘code of conduct’ from all involved.

We don’t want to put people off, or to make them feel under suspicion. The BEF guidance, fully endorsed by EGB is that we expect all our competitors, helpers and spectators to be mindful of their manners and to treat others with due respect. If you witness, or are told about, any unacceptable behaviour towards people or horses, you should report this to the ride organiser. This is particularly the case with regard to the safeguarding of young people or vulnerable adults (eg para riders). In relation to them, it is our duty to report anything which is inappropriate or makes you feel uncomfortable. You should report this either to the Welfare Officer or to Heather Weston, who is EGB’s Lead Welfare Officer (01787 227329 or 07917 206166).

...and remember, you should not investigate any reports, just check you have the facts and inform the relevant people.

38

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Ride Preview

Golden Horseshoe

David Yeoman, riding up from Hawkcombe (on the route this year)

Exmoor is the place to be in May – for The Golden Horseshoe Ride. If you have never taken up the challenge of EGB’s most challenging ride, then this is the year to do it. If you and your horse can compete successfully on Exmoor, then you can compete anywhere. No other ride has so many hills, such varied going and such glorious views.

A Golden Horseshoe enthusiast, who will not be there this year, is David Yeoman.

He has competed for the last eight years on four different horses but this year is concentrating on qualifying for the WEG. “I am really regretting that I can’t go to Horseshoe,” he said. “It’s much my favourite ride, the scenery is fantastic and it’s not a race. I like the challenge of presenting my horse in the best possible condition with a low heart rate over both days, whilst riding 160k at a reasonable speed.”

From the 25k Pleasure Ride to the Golden Horseshoe Ride itself, there are classes this year for every level of horse and rider.

Endurance March/April 2014

Photos supplied by Barbara Wigley

Preview

Tracie Rose riding over Withypool Common - on the route this year

Following requests from competitors, the one-day Exmoor Eighty GER has been moved to Sunday, with the vetting immediately before the ride. All the Sunday classes are to be vetted on the day. The two-day classes will be vetted on Sunday afternoon, as in previous years.

one day. Horses and/or riders must be at Novice Level to take part and the speeds have been lowered to reflect this with the Gold Award set at 10.5 kph or over. Twenty-seven riders took part last year. They had the pick of the weather and there were eleven Gold Awards.

Since it was introduced, the two-day Exmoor Experience, 80k over two days for Open or Advanced horses and riders, has had more entries than any other class.

With this in mind, last year the Exmoor Extra GER was introduced, adding an extra day’s riding, to make 120k over three days.

Strangely, there were only two entrants and only Christine Smyth on Peejay finished.

This class can also be used by Riding Club teams who are hoping to qualify for the Riding Club Championship at Red Dragon.

This year, Barbara Wigley and the Organising Committee are hoping that more competitors will take up this challenge. There are not many rides that are able to put on 40k rides over three days, so now is your chance to clock up those mileage points.

This year’s route is two loops with the halfway vet gate at the venue as it was last year. It’s new but with lots of favourite bits, including the Punchbowl, Withypool Common, the coastal scenery above Porlock and Stowey Ridge.

Back for the second year is the Exmoor Novice GER, a ride of approximately 40k in

Sponsors donating special prizes at this year’s Golden Horseshoe are Aloeride for the Exmoor Experience, Treefree Saddles for the Exmoor Novice, and Halsdon Arabians for the Golden Horseshoe itself.

Include the Golden Horseshoe in your plans for this year. It’s friendly, fun and an endurance experience not to be missed.

39

Tevis training

TRAINING FOR THE TOUGHEST ENDURANCE RACE IN THE USA English rider Sarah Hare finds out what it takes to tackle the Tevis Cup Nestled away in the heart of the White Mountains, New Hampshire, lies Phase ll - Fast Track Show & Sport Horse Farm, owned by Patti Bailey and Jerel Harris.

This beautiful farm was once home to the legendary Remington Steele* ++ (Gaffizon ++ x Karajordje +++ ) who carries 57% Crabbet blood, a multiple National Top Ten show horse, World Arabian Horse Of The Year 2005 for the USA, Tevis Buckle winner and sire of numerous Tevis Buckle winners.

Patti, a highly regarded horsewoman, lived and rode her horses on the Tevis trail in California for many years, and is recognized internationally for breeding and producing ‘Tevis’ horses of extreme quality and athletic ability. Patti and Jerel have many years’ experience in guiding and teaching numerous riders from around the globe to compete in and finish the world’s toughest endurance ride, the Tevis Cup, also known as the Western States Trail Ride.

As much of this territory is accessible only on foot, on horseback or by helicopter, the Tevis requires a tough, sound, genuine and athletically correct horse with a ‘can do’ attitude, essential for conquering the narrow mountain trails, remote and rugged wilderness and extreme rise and falls in temperatures. It is not unusual to ride through snow fields in the higher elevations during the morning, endure triple digit heat in the canyons in the afternoon and swim the cold American River in the dead of night. Due to the remoteness, inaccessibility and challenging obstacles such as Cougar Rock and the Swinging Bridge, the Tevis Cup Ride differs substantially from other organized endurance riding events.

Adequate physical training and preparation for both horse and rider are of the utmost importance. The mountains, although Photography Lynne Glazer Imagery

This ride, held every July on the full of the ‘riders’ moon, covers 100 miles in 24 hours and begins just south of Truckee, California, (elevation 7,000 ft). The trail takes a route through Squaw Valley, the U.S. Olympic

training facility and site of the 1960 Winter Olympics, and ascends from the valley floor (elevation 6,200 ft) to Emigrant Pass near Watson’s Monument (elevation 8,700 ft).

Following the trail once used by gold and silver miners during the 1850s, riders travel west, covering a total elevation of 19,000 feet and descents of 22,970 feet, before reaching the century-old town of Auburn.

Sarah Hare on training ride

40

beautiful, are relentless in their challenge and unforgiving to the ill-prepared.

The horses of Phase ll - Fast Track are all Pure Bred Arabians of Crabbet descent, and are prepared for the Tevis from the day they are born. The location of Phase ll - Fast Track is perfect for conditioning horses for the Tevis. The heat and extreme humidity here are key factors. The humidity is often up to 98% and temperatures are consistently up in the high 80’sF and 90’s F (over 30 celsius) during the summer months. The freezing winter conditions can often see temperatures plummeting to 20F (minus 30 celsius) and below with snow regularly reaching depths of more than eight feet.The deepest snow fall here in recent years was 14ft. The horses live out as much as possible and are only brought into their stalls at night from November through to March when New Hampshire law states that horses must have adequate shelter from the harsh conditions. Living here is very much a question of survival during the winter months.

I have been extremely fortunate to have been coached by Patti and Jerel since 2005 and what I have learned over this period has been invaluable. Training for the Tevis requires not only an extremely physically fit but also mentally prepared horse and rider combination. For two years, the horses are trained using long, slow distance techniques in order to strengthen the tendons and ligaments and increase bone density. The horses are trained through the knee-deep bogs of the mountains, will step over, back or navigate around fallen trees, walking through very dense bush to do so and above all have to listen to the rider’s every command, moving only one leg at a time when instructed to do so, in order for the rider to assess the often dangerous footing and move safely along.

There are no set times for feeding the horses as they have to learn to eat when food is available during long rides. The exercising of the horses is done as much during the dark of night as it is in the light of day. In fact Jerel Harris, (breeding manager at Phase II - Fast Track), once said to me Official members publication for Endurance GB

Tevis training

that when he was taught by Patti on the Tevis trail many years ago, it was his belief that it was normal for horses to be ridden in the dark! Learning to trust your horse when riding at night without lights is a must as lights create shadows which can spook your horse and greatly disturb their night vision.

of mechanised vehicle noise. The horses need to be unflappable as sometimes it is necessary to rescue a horse from the Tevis trail by helicopter using a special equine sling. (See photos of ‘Willy’s Rescue’ under “home” on www.pattibailey.org).

Training to become confident whilst riding on narrow trails at night with the sound of howling coyotes echoing all around you definitely takes some getting used to!! Encountering a mountain lion on a narrow rocky path can have disastrous consequences if your horse is spooky, especially with drops of 2000ft on some parts of the Tevis trail. All of this training is therefore essential if you want to stand any chance of completing this tough and challenging endurance ride. Essentially, the horses are also trained with methods endorsed by the mounted police forces on their crowd control horses.

In addition to the wilderness riding, the stallions are used in a variety of activities such as parades in native costume.

Hydration is of paramount importance as in any endurance competition but as a good running water supply is not always at hand, the horses are trained to drink from the smallest of water pockets when asked to.

Conditioning of the horses is always done in the trot as weight is evenly distributed over diagonal pairs. A sound horse with good strong legs is vital for success at long distances but to canter a horse over such distances and rough terrain for long periods of time will put more pressure on the leading leg and inevitably leads to lameness further down the horse’s life. It is a tremendous credit to Patti and her team that at the age of 26, Remington Steele*++ did not possess one splint, windgall or scar on any of his legs at the end of his extremely successful show and endurance career.

This acclimatizes the horses to all manner

This year, in between a hectic breeding

schedule for the stallions, we attended the Katherine Brunjes Memorial Ride and the North East Challenge Ride, both held in Maine and each covering 50 miles.

The participants and organisers were all extremely helpful and willing to share their knowledge and experiences with me.

Riders wishing to compete in the Tevis Cup Ride have to garner a ride record of 300 completion miles before acceptance to enter this most challenging of all endurance rides!

I will forever be grateful to my dear friend, Anne Brown of Gadebrook Arabian Stud, for giving me the opportunity to come to America and train with Patti Bailey and Jerel Harris and pursue my dream of riding the Tevis.

Thank you Anne.

Ed: In England, Sarah started Anne’s Remington Steele son, Remynisce (2007), on his endurance career; he comes out in Novice in 2014.

First printed in the UK ‘Crabbet Journal’ Winter 2013 Edition

Sarah Hare

Endurance

March/April 2014 41

J. A. AL LE N NEW BOOK AN

NOUNCEME NT PRESS RELEAS E

Equ estr ian pub lish ers sinc e 192 6

3-M IN U T E HORSEM A N S H IP VANESSA BE

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G undwork • Gro Ridden exercise s • Real life sc scenarios • 60+ amazingly achievable lesso a and owner when ns to improve horse time is short • Based on soun d principles of horsemanship gimmicks.

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BOOK REVIEW 3-Minute Horsemanship

Groundwork, Ridden Exercises, Real Life Scenarios

By Vanessa Bee, author of The Horse Agility Handbook Price £17.99 Paperback ISBN 978-1-908809-21-6 Published by J.A.Allen www.halebooks.com When I first saw the title of this book, I did think “oh dear, another quick fix book”… but I was prompted to investigate further because of the author. Vanessa Bee has developed such an interesting and interactive programme of Horse Agility, that encourages riders to work with their horses, both on the ground and ridden, in a simple but highly effective way, that I thought this book must be worth reading.

The book claims to offer 60 short exercises to develop groundwork and ridden exercises, in the, often limited, time that is available to the average rider.

The first part of the book offers advice and information on how to use the book, which is very helpful, explaining that one

does not have to work through the exercises in order, nor perfect one before moving to another. Simply dip into the book and work on whatever feels good, or pick out exercises to work on relevant to a particular problem you are having.

The introduction moves on to discuss some universal aspects of horse and rider training, and also gives the rider some very positive groundlines to work from.

From here, the book is divided as the title describes, Groundwork, with 35 exercises to work on, ridden work, with 25 exercises, and then the third section, where real life scenarios are explored and strategies discussed and worked through. There are 15 scenarios here , from Tying Up a Horse, Loading, Crossing Unusual Surfaces, to my own bugbear, Jigging/jogging home.

The book is laid out thoughtfully, quite like a recipe book, with the text and information on the left hand page, and excellent photographs showing the movements required, on the right.

Each exercise is broken down into sections; Why do this?, How to do it, How

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do you know when you have done it? What you can do if it doesn’t happen, Other things to do with this exercise. Time for the exercise is given, equipment requirements and Helpful Hints.

I have shown this book to several other riders, especially those who are working with younger horses, and they have all given a positive reaction to the book, and commented that it would be easy to either take the book into the arena with them, to use as they worked, or copy the required page spread to have to hand.

All in all, a very simple but effective book of How to Get Things Done.

I would recommend you have a read!

Cindy Russell UKCC Level 3 Coach

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Do you, day after day, make a prom ise to train yours something, but elf and your when you arrive horse to be bette at the yard there Don’t worry, r at what really matte just doesn’t seem rs is the QUAL to be enough ITY of the train time?

It really IS possi ing you DO mana ble to carry out ge to fit in. good minutes a day. quality, progr essive training Educator and horse with a horse trainer Vanes she realised that in only 3 sa Bee’s ‘light if a training sessio bulb mom n had a realis ent’ was when in under three tic goal, every minutes. This horse achieved led her to creat digestible lesso the goal e techniques ns that produ appropriate for ce significan use in brief t gains in short This refreshing sessions. new book offers 35 ground exerc world’ exercises ises, 24 ridde that will get n exerc you out and abou ises, and 25 ‘real t with a safe, Surely you’ve sane, well-train got 3 minutes? ed horse.

VANESSA BEE is the founder of the Internation the bestselling al Horse Agilit book The Horse y Club and the Agility Handbook: Vanessa has been author of A Step-by-Step around horse Introduction to s most of her teens, then drivin the Sport. life, working in g competitively racing stables into her early a qualified teach throughout her twenties. With er, Vanessa has a degree in educa used her skills people of all abilit tion and to develop a series ies and exper of courses that iences to achie (www.thehorsea ve a positive teach gilityclub.com). relationship with She lives in Devo their horses n.

ISBN: 978-1-9088 09-21-6 • 176pp • paperback • colour throu ghout • £17.9 J A ALLEN • 45–4 9 • published 28 7 Clerkenwell tel: 0207 251 2661 Feb 2014 Green

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