Egb may june

Endurance

Volume 12 Issue 3 May/June 2013

Preparing for Summer National Championship Preview Fibre &Forage Horse and Rider Profiles

OFFICIAL MEMBERS PUBLICATION FOR ENDURANCE GB

Contents 8 Views from the Chair News Event Reports Para’ Endurance Update Bliss Blog Riding Abroad Profile SERC Fibre & Forage

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13 5 6 8 11 12 13 16 18 21

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Summer Supplements Pasture Management TORQ Social Media Coaching Management Group News Results Product Updates

34 22 26 27 30 31 33 34 38 42

Front cover: Crews view of the riders on route of the South Downs Ride. Photo courtesy of Carol Legg.

Editor’s Comment Well, we are certainly in the midst of changing times for horse sport in general and endurance in particular…

Windsor - A fantastic event with marvelous results for many British riders, balanced against an amazing show of professionalism from Tricia Hirst, who completed the race in 4th place, only to be spun at final vetting…but Tricia then went on to give an interview to camera without betraying how much that cost emotionally.

Congratulations are due to Dace Sainsbury and French Lieutenant for their 3rd place in such first class company. Dace was competing on Carol Legg’s horse, so there was much celebration of this achievement. We will have a full report and pictures in the next issue.

However, no doubt readers will have followed the day closely on Facebook and Twitter, as it was reported there step by step. Certainly this is the way forward for those unable to attend an event to keep up with what is happening. Indeed we have an article about the benefits of social media in this issue.

Set against this success, we have the unwelcome news of banned substances being used in the racing world, with the knock on effects that this news has had on endurance, and it’s perception in the world of sport.

Endurance May/June 2013

There is also the news that the Euston Park series of FEI rides will not take place this year. This leaves a large hole in the British FEI calendar, and no doubt the Board are working hard to find ways of helping international riders keep or gain qualifications for FEI rides.

However, so far, national rides are taking place, and riders are getting out and about, taking part in their usual sport. Lindum is on the horizon, as is the National Championship ride, as well as the Inter-regional championship…and the Home International. More information about most of these events can be found in this issue.

As I write this, Golden Horseshoe is about to take place, and there will be a full report and pictures from this major event in the next issue too.

I hope the season is going well for you, whatever part you play in endurance, and I look forward to seeing many of you at events over the coming months

Cindy 3

The National Championships, and the Inter Regional Championship A festival of fun and endurance riding at all levels, a weekend that should definitely not be missed.

The route will run through the glorious Kings Forest, with no gates, no road work, and excellent going on sand tracks and springy turf, this has to be one of the best rides which the country can offer.

With distances from 160km to 16km there is a class for everyone.

• Running along side the National • Championship is the Young Rider • National Champion, The Young Horse • National Champion, The Veteran Horse • National Champion and the Inter • Regional Team Championship.

Widenham Farm, abuts the forest and offers a superb venue with plenty of room for camping and corralling. There will be secure stabling for 3* horses and additional stabling for those who require it. There are also showers on site. Jacks Snacks will be offering their high quality food from Friday lunchtime through to Sunday evening." Over the road " catering will be providing a Chilli supper and desert on Saturday evening but this must be pre booked (£10 a head). A bar will be open from Saturday lunch time through to the conclusion of the National Championship.

The Inter Regional Championship has teams representing:1. Wessex, 2. Iceni, Cromwell, Leicestershire and Rutland, 3. Offa's Dyke, Mid, South and West Wales, De Cymru, 4. South East, 5. South West, 6. Cheshire, Derbyshire and Lancashire, 7. Heart of England and Cotswolds and finally 8. Satellite Regions- a team made up from any EGB Group not listed. This event gives riders at all levels an insight into the world of competitive Endurance Riding with the support of other members and the

Chef d'Equipe. Specific prizes, rosettes and awards will be presented to winning combinations within these regions.

Sponsorship. Once again this is incredibly generous with sponsorship being spread throughout the classes and items donated for raffle. Our thanks must go to the Animal Health Trust, who once again are supporting the family class, Baileys, Culford Waste, Equifeast, FeedMark, The Hong Kong Endurance team, Horse Quencher, Morphesus, Science Supplements, Simple Systems, Stable Environment Ltd, Torq and Zilco.

A warm and heartfelt welcome awaits you all.

INTER REGION TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP PARTICIPATING TEAMS 1. Wessex 2.

Iceni, Cromwell, Leicestershire

& Rutland 3.

Offa’s Dyke, Mid, South & West

Wales, De Cymru 4.

South East 5.

South West 6.

Cheshire, Derbyshire and Lancashire.

7.

Heart of England & Cotswolds 8.

Satellite Regions

(Team made up from any EGB

Group not listed above) This event will give riders at all levels experience within a Team environment and give them an insight into the world of competitive Endurance Riding where they can benefit from the support and encouragement of the Chef D/Equipe and the more experienced team members. In the true spirit of the competition, it is an ideal opportunity for Novice combinations to compete in a supported environment.

The Inter-Region Championship also

provides an opportunity for Selectors and Chef to discover up and coming talent that can be encouraged to progress to Home International and eventually International Teams.

PRIZES

Each Team/Team Member Placed 1st-8th, will be rewarded with an IR Competition Rosette!

The IR Team Competition Shield will be awarded to the overall winning Team, and an individual Medal will be awarded for Team Members 1st to 3rd Place. The Chef d’Equipe of the 3 highest placed teams will also be awarded a Commemorative Medal.

Prizes to be awarded to High Point Young Rider and High Point Veteran Horse within the IR Competition, determined by the highest placing within their IR Class!

An individual Prize will be awarded to each Class Winner!

THE DATE OF THE INTER REGION TEAM COMPETITION IS ONE TO PUT IN YOUR DIARY! YOUR REGION NEEDS YOU!

Views from the Chair

KAREN COLLIER: CHAIRMAN

Dear members, Well, the weather gods seem to have done it again this year - played havoc with training plans and the early season rides – but remaining optimistic, Spring will have arrived with a flourish when you read this and we will have an uninterrupted lovely riding season ahead of us.

Credits Office administration Chris Scott Endurance GB Office, National Agriculture Centre, Stoneleigh Park 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

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Advertising Mainline Media Ltd The Barn, Oakley Hay Lodge Business Park, Great Folds Road, Great Oakley, Northamptonshire, NN18 9AS Tel: 01536 747333 Email: tricia.mcdougall @mainlinemedia.co.uk

‘What other event could you compete in alongside international athletes and still get a wonderful sense of achievement’? This is a quote from a well- known Westminster politician who, like our Vice Chairman John H, ran the London marathon again this year. He obviously hasn’t heard of Endurance riding! This happens at so many of our events – our international and award winning riders taking part in the same ride as others who are perhaps just starting their endurance career, giving inspiration to take that next step – and as I well know, once started, this sport can become addictive! I hope your endurance bug is still biting away… We all join EGB to take part in the great events that our wonderful ride organisers offer but could membership mean more than that to you? As a sport run by member volunteers for members to enjoy and who generously give up untold hours to make things happen, some organisers have expressed a disinclination to run another ride unless greater participation from members to help is forthcoming. A national ride takes on average one helper for every two riders – a sobering statistic. So if you have enjoyed taking part as a rider, why not become really involved as a member by offering to help at a ride this year – it’s time very well spent and enables our sport to continue and thrive. With the summer ahead comes our National Championships weekend which this year includes the Inter-Regional Championships. This event on 13-14th July has plenty to offer everyone from 16km pleasure to 160km CER – two days of fantastic riding in the Kings Forest, a most convivial atmosphere and the opportunity to celebrate the Senior and Young Rider National Champions for 2013 as well as the winning Region.

Wishing our Young Riders lots of luck for the World Championships in France on July 7th – what an amazing event to take part in. We will be cheering you on all the way round the course.

Hope everyone enjoys success, feels involved, and has fun this summer.

Cefn Y Mynach Barn, Kerry, Newtown, Powys SY16 4PL Tel: 01686 671016 Mobile: 07717 607992 EMAIL: karencollier@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2015

JOHN HUDSON: VICE CHAIRMAN

Springdale, Cove, Tiverton, Devon EX16 7RT Tel: 01398 332089 Mobile: 07779 797170 EMAIL: johnhudson@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2014

CHARLOTTE SAUNDERS: FINANCE DIRECTOR

29 Little John Drive, Rainworth, Mansfield, Notts NG21 0JL Tel: 01623 405938 Mobile: 07811 466223 EMAIL: charlottesaunders@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2015

JENI GILBERT: COMPANY SECRETARY

Saville House, Saville Road, Skelmanthorpe, West Yorkshire HD8 9EG Tel: 01484 863506 Mobile: 07845 975612 EMAIL: jenigilbert@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2015

SUE BROUGHTON Woodlands, 33 Kirkby Road, Ravenshead, Notts. NG15 9HD Tel: 01623 408137 Fax: 01623 408138 Mobile: 07870 171641 EMAIL: suebroughton@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES: At the AGM in 2013

ANDREW CHISHOLM Higher Watervale Farm, Lydford, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 4AL Tel: 01822 820505 Mobile: 077670 868404 EMAIL: andrewchisholm@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES: At the AGM in 2015

JO CLARIDGE Brightonwater Farm, Cardinham, Bodmin, Cornwall PL30 4DL Tel: 01208 821328 Mobile: 07917 161599 EMAIL: joclaridge@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES: At the AGM in 2014

PETER CLARIDGE Brightonwater Farm, Cardinham, Bodmin, Cornwall PL30 4DL Tel: 01208 821328 Mobile: 07917 161599 EMAIL: peterclaridge@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES: At the AGM in 2015

ANN DARK Devizes, Wiltshire Tel: 01380 818223 EMAIL: anndark@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2013 KEVIN HAWES Nightingale Farm, Parrock Lane, Hartfield, E. Sussex, TN7 4AT Tel: 01342 825827 Mobile: 07704 535 424 EMAIL: kevinhawes@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2015

JULIE MARTIN 19, Paris Road, Scholes, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire HD9 1UA Tel: 01484 681423 Mobile: 07857 445001 EMAIL: juliemartin@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2014

Karen Collier

EGB Key Dates for 2013 Magazine Copy Dates July/August issue. Final copy to Editor 20th June. Please contact the Editor if you have any queries about dates/ submissions etc AGM (Kegworth) 23rd November Members’ Proposals 27th September Nominations for Board

Contact Details

27th September Groups Meeting 26th October Ride Fixtures Meeting 27th October

EMMA MILLER Tel: 01749 812210 Mobile: 07779 255801 EMAIL: emmamiller@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2015

JOHN ROBERTSON Tel: 01293 517 495 Mobile: 07801 686959 Email: johnrobertson@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2015

FIONA VIDELA Wheelhouse Cottage, Main St, Normanton, Notts, NG13 0EP Tel: 01949 843 349 Mobile: 07841 143032 EMAIL: fionavidela@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2015

CHRIS FARROW: SERC REPRESENTATIVE

Board Meetings 18th May, 6th July, 21st September, 23rd and 24th November

Old Barn, Easton, Wigton, Cumbria, CA7 5DL Tel: 01228 576826 EMAIL: christinefarrow@endurancegb.co.uk

Please do not call between 9pm and 9am

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.

Endurance May/June 2013

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NEWS...NEWS...NEWS...NEWS...NEWS...NEWS. Rescued Equines Settle into New Homes As experts call for awareness over neglect and abandonment

New Sponsor for

Nicky Sherry

Nicky Sherry and her horse, Silver Zourra have recently obtained sponsorship from Cornwall based Equus Health. Both Nicky and Equus Health are based in the county and it is encouraging to see a local company recognising local talent.

Four ponies and a horse have settled into a new life at Nottingham Trent University’s Brackenhurst campus – after staff responded to an urgent plea to rehome unwanted equines. The new arrivals have prompted experts at the university to try to raise awareness of the abandonment and neglect of equines, which they say is worsening and happening on a ‘frightening’ scale.

Charities are struggling to cope with the number of horses needing urgent care, with almost 3,000 already in charity centres and an estimated 6,000 at risk this year alone.

The animals, which have come from rescue charity HorseWorld, are the latest in a line of horses, ponies and donkeys rescued by the university’s School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences.

They are not suitable for ridden work – which made them particularly difficult to rehome – but they are being used in practical sessions to teach equine students how to train and handle animals from different backgrounds.

The university is a member of the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) and equine welfare is a key topic within all of its equine-related courses. Equine staff are now working to raise awareness of the problem amongst their students and the wider public and are talking to NEWC and horse sanctuaries to see how they can help tackle the problem.

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Dr Carol Hall, the research co-ordinator in the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, said: “The time to act is now as there are untold numbers of forgotten, neglected and abandoned equines out there.

The UK considers itself to be a country of animal lovers, but cases of neglect and abandonment of equines still occurs on a frightening scale. There is a general lack of awareness of the size of this problem and it is only likely to get worse given the current economic crisis.

MARATHON ATHLETES! CONGRATULATIONS to Board member John Hudson who finished the London Marathon in a time of 5 hours 12 mins 39 seconds. It’s incredible to learn that this was John’s 10th London Marathon.

Well done also to Endurance GB member Nikki Routledge who completed in a time of 5 hours 27 mins 38 seconds. Also taking part was Nicky Owen, the mother of Harry Ingram, our Young Rider Chairman. Nicky completed in a time of 4 hours 51 mins 28 seconds.

Zourra is a 12year old Arab mare by the well known Endurance stallion Khairo and is following in her dad’s footsteps. 2011 proved to be very successful with Zourra finishing 4th in the Senior Championship and 2nd in the Senior Grand Prix Trophy.

Nicky trains Zourra and her other horses on Bodmin Moor which can be almost ideal training conditions. The results that she has obtained over the years are helped by these almost ideal training grounds. In 2011 the duo qualified for the European Championships by completing the 160k FEI 3* at Haywood Oaks, recently bettering the result by winning the FEI 3* 160k at Haywood Oaks a couple of weeks ago.

Equus Health is based locally to Nicky and is run by Margaret Cox who also lives locally. The company has existed for around 20 years and was started up in the area with the products distributed throughout the South West. They supply herbal feed supplements – some of their own preparation, and homeopathic natural remedies. The products used to make the preparations are of Human Grade.

Margaret is working closely with Nicky and Zourra to help keep Zourra in tip top condition.

In particular it has been found that the GastroKalm has played an important role in aiding Zourra’s digestive system. This along with the companies own herbal mix of Winter Glow and Brewers Yeast have made a huge difference to Zourra’s well being.

For further information on the products produced by Equus Health please visit www.equushealth.org.uk

Official members publication for Endurance GB

...NEWS...NEWS...NEWS...NEWS...NEWS...NEWS Rebecca Kinnarney appointed as new MLO I was a retail manager for 16 years and, as such, was involved in a great deal of mediation and negotiation – between members of staff, between staff and managers, between union and managers, to name but a few situations. The key to a successful outcome was fundamentally the ability to listen to both sides of the argument without prejudice. A great deal of patience and understanding was required, together with an approachable and friendly nature.

I am delighted and honoured to be appointed the Members Liaison Officer for Endurance GB. I applied for the position as I believe that the way to move the society forward is through mutual cooperation and understanding; such cooperation and understanding, however, sometimes need a helping hand or ear!

While the grievances or disciplinary actions were often centred around matters of (constantly changing!) employment law, it was important to bear in mind that what one is really dealing with is human psychology.

One person’s trivia is another person’s major problem. Bringing these two sides together in a discreet, professional manner is vital if everyone is to feel valued. All of the skills which I brought to these negotiations and which were augmented through experience, I feel will be invaluable in the MLO role.

I have been an active member of EGB since 2008, when I first began my endurance career. I was immediately hooked and have gone on to take my horse, Seren Capella, up from Pleasure Rides, through Novice, Open and Advanced on to FEI2* qualification. I will this year be starting my 2nd horse, Seren Rigel, on the same path with his first Novice ride in March. Through the course of this time, I have travelled to many different rides, met a huge variety of people and loved every minute of it.

I feel I have experienced a great deal of what EGB has to offer at lots of levels and will, therefore, be in a position to understand members’ viewpoints. At the start of 2011, I became a member of the committee of the Cromwell Group and very much enjoy the planning, strategy and laughs involved.

EGB is a great society and its greatness comes from its members. The more that we can all do to help with the smooth running of the society, the better, in my opinion.

A new lollipop for the British Horse Feeds Red Dragon Yes – a new Lollipop for the British Horse Feeds Red Dragon! We learnt from some locals in Builth Wells that the bridge over the river at Erwood connecting the main Red Dragon route to the vet gate and the “lollipop” is to be closed. For a year! So the hunt was on for a new vet gate and 20km loop to replace the lollipop.

We are now pleased to say we have found a vet gate at a farm in Painscastle—crews please note it is next door to a pub! We have a large barn for the trot-up and two fields for crewing and even a separate entrance for crews and horses (good for paranoid organisers).

So the 62km and 82km riders will now leave the main route at CP3A and ride down half of a lovely track east over Llanbedr Hill to Painscastle for vet gate 1. After vetting those in the 62km classes will return to CP3A before continuing on the tried and tested route, whilst those doing 82km will ride south

Endurance May/June 2013

Photo: courtesy of David Saunders Photography

to the Begwyns, owned and managed by the National Trust. It is an area of low hills just littered with grassy tracks and with breathtaking views of the Black Mountains and eastern part of the Brecon Beacons. The route then leaves the Begwyns and follows a series of quiet lanes and byways passing many small farms along the way. We are hoping to include a short section of woodland but this has not been confirmed yet. Then it’s back to Painscastle for vet gate 2 and home via CP3A. We think the new loop provides something completely different from the much loved mountains of Red Dragon and so you get the best of both worlds. We hope it will encourage many of you to come and ride the 62km and 82km classes and let us know what you think of the new “lollipop”.

And don’t forget we have a new class this

year, The Dragon’s Flame, over the improved 62km course. The Dragon’s Flame will be a 2 day 124km GER, 62km on Saturday and 62km on Sunday.

For national trophy points purposes the two days will not be linked, so points will be awarded separately for each day. Each combination wishing to enter must qualify during the current season by completing a minimum of two GER’s of at least 48km (distances as advertised in the Handbook) at a speed of at least 12kph in the current season.

The minimum of two 48km GER’s can be completed at any of the three levels.

However, NOVICE combinations must upgrade to OPEN level before competing in the Dragon’s Flame class.

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Event Reports

Forest of Dean Bluebell Ride

on a dead-end, through the sleepy village of Ellwood. Two of the longest forestry tracks have been removed or broken up. Added is plenty of beautiful deciduous woodland, some more technical sections through woods and hills, and even a crossing of the heritage “Dean Forest Railway”.

Sunday 21st April 2013

Photos courtesy of West End Photography

By Chris Wray, Ride Organiser

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However the weather had usefully dried up during April and showers a week ahead of the ride had softened the harder tracks, so the route rode extremely well. I was delighted and impressed that we only had 2 horses fail the vet in addition to the one retired, out of the 98 who started. The grades were excellent, which probably reflected the weather – cool and overcast – 39% (53% of the 34km classes) of the starters achieved Grade 1, and a further 26% achieved Grade 2 – very well ridden, and congratulations to everyone.

We were very worried whether we would have sufficient helpers a couple of weeks ahead of the event, but responses to our appeals on the EGB Forum and via Group email gave us sufficient and a couple who could remain on standby – we (and I am sure all the riders) are very grateful to all the helpers – with the sport relying on volunteers, it is important that all of us do our share of volunteering.

After a delay to September in 2012, the ride was held in it’s usual April slot this year – but sadly the late spring meant the ride failed to meet up to it’s billing. Plenty of bluebell leaves, but flowering was some way off!

I had originally taken on the Bluebell Ride a few years ago since I knew I would not like to ride the route which in those days had quite a lot of road and the balance was hard and rather boring forestry tracks. So I set to work to change the balance of the route towards woodland tracks and other more technical sections. Every year in the last 3 years there have been changes, and this year’s route completed my vision of how I wanted the route to be – I am grateful to the Forestry for approving all the new tracks. There is now just a single road section – of only half a mile

I am delighted with over a dozen positive comments on the EGB Forum and a further dozen on Facebook, in addition to all the verbal comments on the day. I do feel disappointed though for the single poor lady who’s horse refused to cross the railway. I am starting to think now that I would like to enter myself – though I will probably have to be satisfied with riding just the Saturday Group PR for which Andrea Champ is the Ride Organiser.

We now have plenty of room at the venue, so will be able to take more entries for next year – let’s hope the weather is just as suitable – and even better an earlier spring so the ride can match it’s name!

Sharon Parr out on course

Liz Sutton enjoying the day

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Event Reports

CRANWICH

Sheila Parrott Memorial Ride an average speed of 10.9mph (17.11kph).

Brigid reported that Ollie gave her a fantastic ride over a well marked course with very good going. Always aware of potential injury over hard going, Brigid was really able to let him down and for the last 26k loop he really took off with plenty of fuel left in the tank.

134 km winners Silver Oliver and Brigid Fairman

The weekend of 27 and 28 April saw a good field of competitors from around the country taking part in Competitive Endurance Rides of 134k (84 miles) over 2 days, one day 101k and 81k. Performance Formula and Graded distance rides also took place over various distances.

There was a considerable personal and Iceni success for local rider Brigid Fairman riding her 14 year old Silver Oliver. They won the two day 84 mile (134k) competition with

This was a splendid win for Brigid and arabian Silver Oliver as he has had many second placings. She felt he would improve as he got older and this win is special indeed with a combined age of 75!

They were hotly pursued by Isobella Fricker with Polly 1 a Connemara x who came second. Sharon Parr and Kenitra Du Somail were third.

The Sheila Parrot Memorial Trophy (competitive ride of 81K) took place on the Sunday. Again Iceni members were highly placed. Lorna Kidson riding Jack Dawson was second with an average speed

Tech Hunt At the start of the year I found out about a short film being produced called Tech Hunt.

The makers of the film were asking for extras for their main battle scene which was to be carried out on horse back.

The story behind Tech Hunt is set 70 years into the future after an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) storm wipes out all electrical technology. The most ruthless Tech Hunters from across a post-apocalyptic world fight over the last of scientific knowledge.

After emailing one of the producers to ask what was required of horse and rider, I decided I would like to join the cast. After emailing friends in the Yorkshire endurance groups I was put in touch with Dave and Christine Hull who agreed to lend me their horse, Hassam, for the filming days. Christine also would ride her other horse Mabel.

Abbi Tennant has been widening her scope!

Endurance May/June 2013

There would be two filming days over the 18th and 19th March. The main battle scene took place on the day 1 with over 30 horses.

We had to be on set for 6am for check in,

of 18.76kph and Anna Kidd partnering Phebus Cabirat was third with a speed of 15.58. Anna was very pleased with their performance being their first race ride together. Phebus who is French bred vetted within 4 minutes each time and ‘ really knew his job’. A combination to watch.

Rachel Atkinson from Lancashire won that class with a speed of 18.84kph.

A special mention must be made of Sue Speed who travelled up from Cornwall with her horse Silver Tariba. Sue who is 71 years old, took three tumbles from her horse but resolutely carried on to come fourth in the 81K CER class with 8 starters.

All competitors were most complimentary about the perfectly marked route and the brilliant going. Marty Cook assisted by Elizabeth Whyte and a team of volunteers and vets, deserves every accolade as organiser and last year, through her two organised rides she raised over £1000 for the St Nicholas Hospice.

Full results can be found on the EnduranceGB website.

make-up and wardrobe. Our costumes were based on roughed up old clothing such as leather or wax jackets. Christine and I had brought old jackets along with us so we were just given accessories to help our costumes blend in (I had to wear part of a gas mask during the scenes).

Christine and I spent the day waiting around for re-set of cameras, galloping round with guns and pretending to fire at the other gangs and laying chase to one of the lead actors. We did not leave set till 6.30pm.

Day 2 was for the main stunts done by Atkinson Action Horses and The Company of Horsemen. The Les Amis D’Onno stunt team were also in attendance from Scotland.

It was amazing to be able to see these stunts done close at hand.

I cannot thank David and Christine enough for letting me ride Hassam. Hassam did everything asked of him and did not put a hoof wrong, even when the stunt teams were doing there stunts on their horses alongside us. Now it is just a case of waiting till the film is released across the internet later on this year.

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Photo courtesy of Carri Ann Dark

Event Reports

Taken during the 80km 1* at Kings Forest.

A Baptism of fire

by Rosemary Attfield Katie and Elayla had planned that Kings Forest would be their first FEI and CER ride.

It was the first time Elayla would be eligible as she turned seven officially on the 1st January.

They had completed successfully two GER 80km competitions in 2012 in preparations for the 2013 season. It had been a long journey from buying an unruly three year old, breaking, schooling and preparing her for a competition career.

We listened carefully to the weather forecasts and checked the web on Friday night and decided that as no snow was expected and it should be dry on the Sunday we would go. Katie lunged Layla at 8.30am for twenty five minutes while I loaded the trailer. We left at 10am on Saturday morning in heavy rain turning to wet snow. The roads were clear though and by the time we reached the Dartford tunnel it was dry with no sign of snow. We arrived after a good journey at Kings around 1.15pm it had just started to rain!

We settled Elayla in her stable. She happily tucked into her lunch and haynet while we set up the vet gate and had lunch. It now started

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to snow and it was exceedingly cold with an east wind blowing from Siberia! We vetted quickly and returned Elayla to her stable and settled down in the Equitrek still wearing all our outside clothes. (We have no heater in the trailer and it was very cold.) At around 6pm Katie gave Layla supper and I cooked ours. By now there was a covering of snow of about half an inch but the officials assured us it was good under foot in the forest. By 7.30,pm we snuggled down fully clothed into our sleeping bags and went to sleep.

Around 5am I woke and opened the trailer door to find the car completely covered with around four inches of snow and the whole world looking very white with an even colder wind blowing. Katie fed Layla and we found all our buckets in the vet gate frozen solid.

We had breakfast and went to the briefing.

It had been decided to change the starting times, starting each distance all together and only using the blue and yellow routes.

By 8.am we tacked up Layla leaving a rug and waterproof on over her saddle and Katie mounted and started warming up. It had now started to snow quite hard again but was supposed to stop very shortly! 8.25.am I removed all Layla’s rugs and put them in the car. The starter called all three CER 80km classes and started them.

Photo courtesy of Su Middleton

At the first crew place (around 15km) a bunch of about six came through followed shortly after by a smaller group, which Katie and Layla were in. Layla had a quick slurp of sugar beet water and a slosh and went on her way. At the next crew place, and the last on this loop they were in the same order and again Layla drank but no sloshes were used. The next time we saw them they were coming into the first vet gate. It was snowing quite hard and the wind was icy. Katie and Layla came in with the second bunch about three minutes behind the leaders. We quickly removed the tack and I took her pulse for ten seconds. Well under 64 so presented her. We were one of the first and her pulse was 44/42 but she was asked to trot up again. Katie looked sick but I felt it was just the ice balling in her hind feet and the vets getting used to the conditions. We removed the ball of ice

and trotted again and passed the three card trick!! First loop successfully completed in two hours - 16kph. We put three rugs on Layla and Katie held a feed for her while I changed her numnah and girth sleeve. Twenty minutes were soon up and Katyie was one of the first four to leave.

Once again I met her at the first crew place.

She was with the front runners Nikki Malcom, Carrie-Anne Dark and Lesley-Ann Parker.

Layla again drank and Katie had a kit-kat and off they went again. They were still in the same order at the next crew point and Katie told me they had been sharing taking the front. Layla was behaving like a pro and giving Katie a wonderfully easy ride other than the snow falling off the trees hitting them in the face and the odd ice ball being thrown up from the other horses and hitting them. They were enjoying themselves and appeared somewhat warmer than the crews!

Arriving at the second vet gate we again got the tack off and presented immediately. This time she was first of the bunch and her pulse was 52/46 we removed the ice from her feet before trotting up and all was fine. It was absolutely freezing and Layla again had three rugs on. Without gloves my hands froze. The thirty minutes was soon up and once again they were on their way.

This time riding the yellow route with only one crew place. Katie and Layla arrived with the other three and drank most of the bucket of sugar beet water. One of the crew asked if Layla had been weaned on sugar beet water!!

At the finish Katie sensibly held back in the last field to allow the other three in the senior FEI CER class to fight out their positions and she followed at a distance having secured first place in the Young Rider class, providing she passed the vet!. We again removed the tack and I could tell her pulse was well under the required 64 so we presented. The first of the four finishers to vet. Layla’s pulse 46/42 and A’s for everything they had passed their first FEI and CER event at 16.55kph. What stars they both are.

We owe Di Luke, Karen Collier, vets, stewards and all the helpers a huge thank you for continuing this ride in such adverse conditions. They must all have been frozen.

How grateful we are also for such a fantastic little mare and we hope it is the start of a very successful FEI career for Layla and Katie. We need to thank Katie’s parents who finance her and stay at home and do all the other horses at Hornshill.

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Para’ Endurance Update

Photo: courtesy of David Saunders Photography

Introducing Para Endurance

Photo from Bakewell Ride 2011.

At the end of last year Endurance GB launched its latest initiative: Para Endurance.

It is hoped that this will encourage the participation of disabled riders of all abilities to take part in endurance rides!

As a disabled rider, this is something very close to my heart and I feel that it is an excellent way to encourage disabled riders, where possible, to get out and about and enjoy the countryside.

Endurance GB has joined forces with the RDA to offer rides starting at 1 to 10km at RDA centres and distances above this through EGB at National and local rides.

Below is a summary of the Para Endurance rules, a full list of which is available in the 2013 Riders Handbook (pages 109-113).

Para endurance riders will be required to be assessed through an assessor (Julie Martin juliemartin140@tiscali.co.uk ) to give a grade. An ID card will give details of the rider’s disability and any compensating aids required. Compensating aids including extra whips, adapted reins and saddles, the full and comprehensive list is available on the EGB website. Escort riders can also be used to accompany the Para endurance rider. Escort riders can either enter Hors Concours, paying half the entry fee but not being eligible for any trophy points gained from that class. Both horse and rider must be qualified to enter the class.

of responsibility can be arranged.

I am a member of the Para Endurance committee and we are working to produce a list of Para-friendly rides will be compiled to allow riders to make informed choices of rides to enter. Currently Equilibrium Lindum Spirit, July 24th to 28th has full disabled facilities, including toilets and is offering RDA classes in association with the local RDA group! The College Ride at Keysoe, 15th and 16th September also has disabled facilities.

Using myself as an example, I have Rapidly Evolving Remitting Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis. The result of this is that I have significant weakness to my left leg, left hand/ arm and slowly increasing weakness to my right side. I also suffer with serious muscle pain, which riding helps with.

I started doing Endurance in 2007; two years after I was first diagnosed with MS and have competed at distances of 40km. As my disability has increased I have had adaptations added to my saddle. Les Spark of Free ‘n’ Easy saddles has been extremely helpful in designing and making blocks to attach to the flaps of my saddle, so that my legs stay in place.

I also have to use stirrups with cages, as I can’t always feel where my left foot is. I currently don’t use any special reins, but am starting to look into using loops or ladder reins as I regularly drop my reins. I also have a grab strap in case my balance wobbles. I have to mount from a high mounting block and need help with dismounting. I have an amazing Dales mare, Rose who looks after me and compensates for my lack of balance.

I can’t really walk far anymore, so Rose is now my legs!

I also have a large off road mobility scooter that I often use at multiday rides, especially Lindum.

For 2013 a group of likeminded Paraendurance riders are hoping to take a team to Lindum and compete in the Team Spirit!

If anyone has any questions about Para Endurance or want to talk to a fellow disabled rider, I am happy to answer them, I can be contacted via e-mail c.c.calvert@shef.ac.uk Proof that disabled riders can do pretty much anything!

By Rebecca Northover

An escort rider may also enter a similar class to the Para endurance rider in the normal way and agree to take responsibility for the rider they escort. However if the escort rider is forced to withdraw for any reason, the Para rider must also do so, unless a transfer

Endurance May/June 2013

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Bliss

The Bliss Blog

Wow, I have done so much since I last wrote to you all before Christmas.

In the name of education I have been out and about having all sorts of training sessions. Firstly I have been taken out a few times to ride with fellow endurance pony MHS Amir El Sudan (Miri to his friends) and his human Sam. They live just a few miles away and this was so that I could practice going for trailer rides and hacking with a new horse in a strange place.

I have also been taken to the gallops, apparently not so that I can become a racehorse, simply so that I can practice my cantering. After a winter mostly confined to riding in the gigantic shed it is certainly easier to canter in straight lines rather than circles, and finally I am getting a chance to show my human just what I can do.

As if that was not enough to have to tell you, I have also been to my first proper rides.

Firstly it was just to a training ride, but it was a pretty good representation of a proper ride as it was a really long way from home and there were lots of other ponies there. I must say I rather enjoyed my first trip to an Iceni ride (hopefully there will be many more) and was quite happy to trot along with my two friends. My human was a bit mean to me though, and when we got close to the end of the ride, and my friends were allowed to walk I had to trot off on my own, apparently that is what endurance ponies might have to do so it was important to practice. I did do it but I would have rather stayed and chilled out with them.

After my training ride, it was time to get out to some proper endurance rides and realise my true potential! Firstly I went to the

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Primrose ride. To make this as stress free as possible my human collected Miri and Sam on the way so I had a buddy to travel with.

Once at the venue, I was met by Sallie, my other human, as she was there to be my crew, all the best endurance ponies have to have crew. First up I had to see the vet, even though I told my human that there was no need as there was nothing wrong with me, apparently all endurance ponies have to see the vet before a ride. When it was our turn we went in to the indoor school where I had to stand still for what felt like ages whilst my heart rate was taken. That done, and I only fidgeted once or twice, I did my trot up which we have been practising at home and was declared fit and sound to do the ride – well I did say I was fine already!

I was doing the 33km Novice ride but as Miri is more grown up than me and not a novice pony we apparently had to make sure that we didn’t go too slowly so that he made Open speed. One thing that my human had failed to practice before the ride was drowning me with water, although she said it is called sloshing… so there I was trotting along, doing my best at being brave and being in front and we come across Sallie. She offered me a drink but I didn’t really want it and then gave my human a bottle of water, a drink for her too I thought. How wrong was I! She did mutter something about being brave, I wasn’t really listening to be honest, and then proceeded to slowly empty her drink on me. What was that about, I hadn’t done anything wrong!

Apparently it was to cool me down and much as I didn’t really enjoy the experience it did feel better to have some of the sweat washed off so I wasn’t itchy anymore. On we went, trotting along and occasionally meeting Sallie so that my human could repeat the pony drowning process, which by the end of the day I had become rather accustomed to. A quick repeat of the earlier session, standing for my heart rate and then doing my trot up and I was once again declared fit and well. I got lots of pats and some carrots, apparently I had a very good heart rate and had earned a grade one on my first ride.

My second ride was at the Forest of Dean and this time I had to travel alone, although my human had arranged for me to go around the ride with Almost All and Malcolm Greenaway. It was a long journey from Buckinghamshire to Gloucestershire but I had a huge haylage net to keep me occupied.

We arrived at the venue with a little bit of time

to spare so once my human had checked in with the secretary she took me for a walk to stretch my legs and eat some grass. After that it was off to repeat the vetting process.

Declared fit to go I was tacked up and set off on my ride with my new friend. The ride was much hillier than I am used to at home and was very busy with members of the public. I was quite scared by the mountain bikers haring down the hillsides but Blobby (that’s what Almost All lets his friends call him) wasn’t taking any notice of them so I had to try really hard to be brave and not look like a baby. There were lots of other new obstacles too, streams and railway lines to cross and sometimes I had to be the brave pony because whilst I was scared of the bikes, Blobby doesn’t like water. There were also lots of walkers and some of them had dogs too, one particular dog tried to eat my legs so I had to jump out of its way and unfortunately deposited my human in the floor in the process. Luckily I wasn’t in trouble as she said it wasn’t my fault. Without too many further incidents I finished my ride and we were back at the venue. This time my heart rate was a little higher as I was watching the other horses going through the start/finish but I was ok and did my trot up just fine to earn myself a grade three.

My third outing was to Cranwich, back to Iceni country. I went with Miri again this time as well as having my other human come along to crew me again. I was warned that this time I was going to do a longer ride and after doing the hilly 34km class at Forest of Dean I should be just fine to do 42km here as it was flat. By now I am getting good at seeing the vet and stood perfectly to have my heart rate taken. I was keen to get going and did get told off for being a bit fidgety back at the trailer when my human was trying to tack me up but gear was finally got on and off we went. I really enjoyed my ride at Cranwich and was able to just keep on trotting and even practice some of my cantering on an actual ride. Before I knew it we were nearly back at the venue so had a little time to walk in and make sure that we finished at a speed to suit both myself as a novice and Miri as an open horse. At my final vetting I was really good and stood super still for the vet but was a little distracted for my trot up and it took a few goes before I remembered what I had to do.

Sometimes being a baby is hard and it just takes a bit of time to remember everything that is required.

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Riding Abroad

Adventure at the Bottom of the World Sally Toye recounts more of her travelling experiences…

A long time ago I read the John McCarthy/ Brian Keenan book about their Chilean and Patagonia adventure, which was the trip to South America they made after four years incarceration in a Lebanese jail. They went on to have more time together, travelling in real time rather than in their imagination; this tweaked an interest in me…..Then by coincidence, in December last year, my niece asked if I fancied a long weekend hiking in Chile. Why not? I was at a loose end and needed a break to step off the grid for a bit and it sounded really good.

Meanwhile, I phoned the company In the Saddle, as I had been on holiday with them before and I knew of a great ride they had that involved fit strong horses and long days in the saddle, and this was in Patagonia.

Sounded just what I needed…….

So, after a weekend hiking in mid Chile, I caught a LAN flight down to the south of this long thin country, any further and I would be in the South Ocean and Antarctica. The feel of the south was very much a way- post for adventurers, with different faces that looked carved out from the wind and harsh weather.

The nearby town was a port, which prior to the building of the Panama Canal had picked up lots of the traffic but is now much quieter while still an active port. The airport

Endurance May/June 2013

car park was full of 4x4 and I assumed for good reasons.

Once here I then caught a local bus to a town about 3 hours to the north, this was another port and like many other journeys I had made in Chile it cost 5000 pesos (about $10). It stopped at some outposts on the way, which was an insight into another lifestyle and harsher way of life, the land looked very barren and the vistas bleak and open to the elements. A bus at 100kph is a great way to see both a country and the greatest mountain range in the world, the Andes. First they were just on the horizon but as they got closer they grew in size and the scale of the mountains literally took my breathe away. It was like the best of Europe plus the size of the Grand Canyon then just add some and then add some more size and scale as well....I saw awesome huge valley sides which rose up vertically hundreds of feet in a scale; I was unused to such amazing sights.

I arrived at the bus station and was soon met and transferred to meet my fellow riders who had finished riding for the day, and we were on our way to a sheep station on an estancia that had been established since the 1920’s. It was a small group and very eclectic, we had

three people who knew each other from their work in United Nations, embassy consulate work and Relief work globally and two ladies from the World Horse Welfare (the renamed ILPH), who sat next to each other at work and had saved hard to be here. Conversations were fun and it was a great group to hang out with, there was a great sense of humour and endless sherbet lemons.

We transferred to the estancia, now a beautiful guest house/hotel; the restaurant overlooked a splendid vista of the southern Andes and the land rolling towards the Argentinian border. I was told the Chileans have a sort of love/hate relationship with each other, rather like us and the French, but it felt rather stronger than that! The evening skies were full of more mountain wave cloud than I had ever seen in my life, lit by the late setting sun due to this being the southern hemisphere midsummer and an almost nonsetting sun at this time of year…

Then at last it was time to meet my horse.

Escorting us we had two Baqueanos who tacked up and looked after the horses.

Baqueano in Chilean means horseman and they were very much in charge and at home on the horse. Earlier while we had watched sheep being rounded up, we saw a young

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Riding Abroad

boy on a horse helping his family work around the sheep and he looked totally at home even at his young age.

Our main guide was Heidi who is English and has been in the country some years.

She decided to let me ride her 7 year old that had done a previous season but is not yet very experienced. Just as I was about to get on this horse for the first time Heidi confided to me how nervous she was letting me ride her horse. I wasn’t quite sure how to take this so I actually walked away from both of them just for a moment so I could compose myself.

Once I got myself together I just got on with the riding in hand but really it wasn’t what I needed to hear getting on a strange horse a long way from home!

I had a careful days riding, and my 15 hand nicely put together Criollo horse was fine.

He was a little green and the type of riding was very western, with neck reining and a western type saddle. We had saddle bags that contained lunch, waterproofs and water, these bags were full of my layers as due to an unexpected heat wave it was really hot and the sun was just vicious in intensity there is not much ozone layer to protect you!

Factor 50 was a starting level of the day and even then I managed to burn a couple of slices of neck!

The first day we rode for just four hours and we were in our next estancia quite soon.

It was very isolated and surrounded by gardens of lupins in full bloom. I had energy left over so I went for a run and saw birds of prey hunting and the most beautiful vistas of mountains before we settled down for a full on open air BBQ of fresh lamb and very yummy too.

The next day we had a similar days riding through big valleys and here we picked up a mounted Torres de Paine guide who was to see us over a river crossing. Even though it was summer here the weather was everything I have ever seen, and usually in one day too! Patagonia though, has something special and that is the wind.

People had talked about the wind, and really I thought they were exaggerating, they were not. Wind at ground level is a constant feature here but once it has accelerated up the mountain sides it gets much faster and picks up sand, which means you need to cover yourself to avoid being exfoliated! In the evenings we would all have glowing cheeks

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regardless how many face layers we had……

Then we came to the river. It looked big but quite passable and with a gaucho either side it felt ok. My horse entered the water and faced downstream and then I started my battle to get him facing upstream, and to move across, not downstream, there were a couple of tricky moments when I felt him being pushed by the glacial water and I had to work very hard to get him to move where I wanted him to go, which was across and not get swept away. Not nice.

Next up we climbed up some steep passes and on one of these we stopped at a somewhat precarious bit for no apparent reason. I decided to dismount as I had already found I had a distinct lack of steering and the drop was pretty sheer one side.

Eventually we got going again and then towards the end of the day my horse just stopped and would not go forward, I dismounted and found he had huge girth sores that were pretty raw, no wonder I had had problems. We had a spare horse and after some changing around we continued to our next estancia, this in view of the Torres de Paine, which are the sheer mountains we had come to see. This estancia also had a rather tempting looking hot tub sadly not working…… Yet another excellent dinner, and to bed in daylight again…..

The next day was going to be our long day in the saddle and indeed it was; 9.30am until 7.30pm with very slow going except for the last bit, which by then was a bit of a hooolly. On the first part of the route we saw a guanaco (a sort of small lama) stuck in some fencing, our guide went over to release it and I gave him a bit of a hand and off it went to join its friends. We climbed over a mountain range with amazing views all day and the ever present wind; I actually saw a horse and rider pushed sideways at one stage in the gale. And then into the famous park itself, Heidi said she had not ridden this part of the ride herself and we had a new guide for the day that had great English, which really helped my diminutive Spanish. My new horse was now slightly off in trot but there seemed little choice as to what I should do, Heidi was not unduly worried and he seemed ok in walk. I wasn’t very impressed as this was not how I had envisioned this holiday.

Eventually I got off and walked leading my horse the last couple of miles as he was tired, Heidi did say they had only been

doing a couple of hours work a day and I wondered how fit they were. Once at the park hotel we all felt a bit shabby standing at reception in long leg chaps and a riding coat and this wild wind burned red check look and riding hat hair…… The shower was very welcome and restorative and the hotel buffet was raided a number of times as we ate them out of puddings!

The next day after a huge breakfast we looked at our horses who by now had added a cough to their list of problems (others had girth problems too) things were not looking good for a day’s riding. Arrangements were quickly made to lease new horses as this was the day we were riding to the glacier… It was a fast day with lots of chance to canter and soon we were at the glacier, an amazing thing and a beautiful blue colour. We rode back fairly fast too, with incredible views of the mountains, before finishing for the day and back into a van to Cerro Castile their small hotel with yet again amazing views from the beautiful restaurant.

Chile is an incredible country and very diverse in terms of terrain and people. It has a gentle people who seem to have been unaffected by the world, as the barrier of the Andes to the east has isolated this country. This holiday did not turn out the way I thought, the horses did not appear to be up for the job they were being asked to do, and there were other discrepancies in the description of the holiday regarding what happened in terms of tack and length and pace of rides. I can appreciate it must be a tough job to do to keep on top of your holidays and who runs them but sadly on this occasion I was disappointed, and felt the holiday was very expensive for what it was. I have used this company before and on that occasion it was a great holiday which is why I have been repeat business.

From my experience of riding around the globe it can be a problem to find fit healthy horses to ride, it can come with the territory.

The last day’s horses were excellent; that yard was run by an endurance rider who had competed in a 120k race the previous weekend and done really well!! I did have an amazing break and I think my skin is still recovering from the Chilean exfoliation!!!

Patagonia is certainly an adventure………

Our guide said that the Patagonians consider themselves Patagonian first and Chilean second and I can see why……

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Profile

SPUD’S STORY

by Kerry Dawson My name is Spud. Actually I get called Spider when I am norty and Ffortune on special occasions, but mostly I am Spud.

My ancestors are Egyptian and American and Polish and Crabbet. My dad is a British National Champion arab, my mum is a reserve World Champion arab, and several of my full brothers and sisters have also been champion arabs. When I was younger I was also a British National Champion arab but I didn’t really care for that life much as the stupid humans kept twirling me round in circles and I became very stressed. Nine years ago I ended up with some nice humans who realised that I needed a life where I wouldn’t be deliberately psyched up and that’s when I met my new human minion.

My minion introduced me to endurance and I like it a lot. It means I get to canter, and I get to eat: my two favourite activities. I am very particular about the types of rides that I like, and because I am very special my minion tries to humour my likes and dislikes. Sometimes I get accused of being a bit of a diva. I like rides that go along the beach, and I like rides that go through woods, and I like rides that go over the moors. Sometimes my minion gets it wrong and tries to make me do rides in the rain. Don’t worry though, I make my displeasure known. It is only right and proper that I should get what I want.

My minion has always said to me that one

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day we would win a shiny trophy for our long rides, and we would get to advanced.

Over the last nine years we kept nearly winning shiny trophies, but because my minion is soft, if she finds that some other human’s horse isn’t very well, or if the human has got scared, she lets them ride me because I will look after them and cheer them up. Also, if my minion sees that another human is new and doesn’t know what they’re doing, she tells them to ride with me and her so that we can show them what fun this endurance lark is.

We did do one long ride in Lincolnshire which I liked a lot, which was fifty of your human kilometres. There was lots of cantering along long grassy bits and there were some windmills to look at. It wasn’t enough to get us to advanced and we didn’t get a shiny trophy but my minion said she was very proud of me.

Two years ago, the vets found something wrong with my heart. They say I’m fine to keep going but we probably won’t get to advanced now. Not long afterwards my minion lost her old boy who she had been a minion to for years before she knew me, and she became very sad. Personally I thought he was a grumpy old sod but she had a soft spot for him. I tried my best to cheer her up but she kept being sad. She started saying

that she didn’t want to go on rides with me because she didn’t want to hurt my heart and she didn’t want to lose me too. I tried to tell her that I wasn’t going anywhere and that I was fine, and indeed me and the other minion went out for a few rides and had a good time, but it wasn’t the same as going out with my own minion.

A few years ago my minion won a prize voucher in a raffle for a Heart of England event, but she said it was too far for us to go to as I am a Yorkshire horse. But this year the nice humans from the Heart of England Group ran a dismounted coaching session with someone called Pam James and I told my minion that she should go and try and sort her head out. Quite frankly she had been driving me mad and I wanted to go for some rides with her again.

When she came back from the coaching session she was smiling. She said that she didn’t care about shiny trophies and that I was very special. Well of course I am. She also said that we had achieved an awful lot in terms of helping humans and other ponies realise that endurance is fun, and that although we may not ever get to advanced or win any shiny trophies, she did have some ideas about new things that we could do this year and that we would try and go to places that we had never been before and aim to have lots of fun. Yes! About time! As long as it doesn’t rain. I don’t like rain as I am a desert arab.

So thank you Heart of England Group for finally making my minion realise what I have been trying to tell her for years: that I am pretty darned special, that life is for living, that we have achieved amazing things in helping others to realise that endurance is fun, and that everybody loves me.

Ps A couple of weeks after the coaching session, my minion went to our local group prizegiving and it turns out that we did win a shiny trophy in 2012 for all the pleasure rides that we had done. She was very surprised.

But it’s no less than I deserve. Maybe she’ll stop wittering on about shiny trophies now.

Pps If you see me on the trail, please stop and admire me a bit and tell me I’m wonderful. I like being admired. You can’t miss me as my minion makes me wear pink and she often has a camera on her head. My minion says you can see the camera filming by looking up ‘Spudcam’ on Youtube.

Official members publication for Endurance GB

N EW

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for friendly feeding advice contact the Dengie feedline on 0845 345 5115

Scottish Endurance Riding Club

to extend them and make best use of the stunning Borders countryside.

Sponsored by Simple System Feeds, the classes include the flagship two-day 160k, 120k ER, 80k ER and all the usual lower distances. The popular three-day Kelso Challenge, trialled last year, is back and this year will be a Pleasure/Pleasure/30k format.

From the Midlands - say, Nottingham - Kelso is much the same distance as the Golden Horseshoe. Access is easy from the A68, A1 or the A7 from the M6 at Carlisle. We can't guarantee the weather, but we can guarantee a warm welcome and a very enjoyable weekend (30 and 31 August, 1 September).

A typical section of route (snow not guaranteed!)

The end of August might seem the best part of the season away but for the SERC Championships committee the organisation is in full swing. The route-finding party has been very busy researching routes south of Kelso, taking riders in the longer-distance

classes beside the River Tweed and into the lower reaches of the beautiful Cheviot Hills (and making a foray into England in a manner reminiscent of the Border Reivers of days gone by). Routes north of Kelso are based on last year's, but it is hoped

Further information on the website www.scottishendurance.com and click on Scottish Championships.

Photo: courtesy of Francesca Nunn

Blissed out in Broughton

60k classes, 50k, 30k and 19k Pleasure, plus a 10k Taster. The route goes southwest of Broughton over farmland and up rolling hills for a breath-taking view of the Clyde valley. Minimal roadwork and some great canter opportunities.

Saturday night focuses on the legendary Broughton Supper in the village hall, a short walk from the venue field – choices of main course (including vegetarian) and pudding including, by popular demand, profiteroles!

Sunday: second day of the two-day classes, 30k and 18k Pleasure. This time the route goes north-east of Broughton, into the hills above Stobo. This is real ‘get away from it all’ territory and a chance to see Border country at its best.

Two magnificent trophies are awaiting the winners of the two-day classes, and Broughton is also part of the Quest series of two-day 80k rides. This year we’re also hosting the inter-Branch Capercaillie and the young rider Black Grouse Challenges, so the place will be buzzing!

Heather Jones and Zante enjoying a sunny Broughton

Lothians Branch are delighted to offer riders north and south of the Border the famous Broughton Weekend (5-7 July), sadly cancelled last year due to the water-logged ground.

along the grassy railway line from Broughton to Biggar and back. A great ride for young and novice horses, for anyone new to the endurance game, and for everyone who fancies a leg-stretcher to open the weekend.

On offer on Friday evening, an 18k Pleasure:

Saturday: first day of the two-day 80k and

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Several weeks before the SERC Championships, Broughton is a superb training opportunity no matter what level you are at.

Further information on the website www.scottishendurance.com, click on ‘Branches’ then ‘Lothians’.

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Scottish Endurance Riding Club

Photos: courtesy of Nigel Hutchison

Sun, sand, sea and smiles at Tentsmuir enjoyed marking the routes for their hotly anticipated ride the next day (pleasure 20km and 24km, 31km, 40km, 51km and 62km), reports Jacqui MacMillan. As the weather forecast predicted, however, the following day dawned in a barrage of wind and rain.

Unperturbed by the elements and displaying true endurance enthusiasm, some 43 competitive riders set off for Tentsmuir Forest, near St. Andrews, in Fife.

There were several opportunities to canter along flat, generous stretches of grassy tracks, protected from the worst of the elements by the surrounding trees. Almost lulled into a feeling of false security the riders then left the refuge of the forest to venture onto Tentsmuir Sands along the shore-line of the North Sea. The free facial exfoliation was not totally appreciated by all, but after a blast on the beach more grassy tracks beckoned, offering a brief glimpse of Tayport Heath, situated on the firth of the River Tay.

Susan Menelaws (rear) and Alison Wilson gaining Susan’s first STQ

The sun shone and the air was warm. A happy band of SERC Tayside members

As the first batch of 60k riders returned to the venue field for the vet gate, most of the 40 pleasure riders had just set off. By now the weather was improving and continued to clear, allowing final vetting for most riders to take place as the sun shone, accompanied by smiles from the Tayside team of helpers.

For many this was a nice fast ride to start

their competitive endurance season. Several riders successfully graded; 7 gaining Silver Thistle Qualifiers and 9 achieving Bronze Thistle Qualifiers. Fastest speed of the day was achieved by Constance Newbould and Zarkhruv.

The comments following the ride were overwhelmingly positive, one rider saying ‘I always enjoy this ride as every time the route is slightly (or majorly) different from the last time!’ Those who had ridden here for the first time noted their surprise at the wonderful tracks and said they would be sure to return again and again.

The next ride in Tentsmuir Forest is planned for Sunday 29 September, 2013. We are grateful to the Forestry Commission, Scotland, for their continuing permission.

Team Paterson crewing in the sun

Come and enjoy the Grampian rides this summer Grampian’s popular Forest of Deer ride takes place on 23 June’writes Angi Long’. The venue is the historic Aden Country Park at Mintlaw, and some of the route encompasses more of the local history as it takes in part of an old race track on Pitfour Estate where the estate horses used to practise for the races. The track is overlooked by the old equine observatory. This ride has a good mix of forestry tracks, road work and lengths of the old Formatine & Buchan railway (if you like riding through history – this is the ride for you). We have superb lawns for the trot ups and the parking is incredibly spacious with toilet facilities just a short walk across the car park. There are also facilities for camping overnight and corralling. This is a reasonably

Endurance May/June 2013

flat ride and so can be ridden quite fast.

Forest of Deer will offer 50km, 40km, 30km, pleasure and taster distances.

Knock by Huntly, on 28 July, is a new ride to the Grampian calendar, offering 30km, pleasure and taster classes. This ride uses lengths of the old railway line, forestry tracks and some quiet roads. The venue not only has toilet facilities but showers too! Come along and try this ride and be one of the first to review it.

On 11 August we will be at Ninestanes, near Banchory, at a superb venue at Knockburn Loch on hard standing, so no problems for lorry parking. And again another venue

with proper toilet facilities – we do like our little luxuries in the Grampian Branch! The Ninestanes ride has a good mix of road works and forestry tracks including an excellent canter track. Again this is a popular ride with both Grampian and other Branch members and the past couple of years have seen many riders achieve their gradings at Ninestanes. Distances will be 60km, 50km, 40km, 30km, pleasure and taster.

A range of distances, superb venues and some cracking scenery. And, of course, plenty of sunshine. Hope to see you there.

Visit http://www.serc-grampian.org.uk/ for more ride details and entry information

19

Fibre & Forage

What’s Important About Fibre and Forage?

When it comes to feeding, one of the most important rules is that you need to allow your horse to graze as nature intended or invite a whole host of digestive and behavioural problems into the mix. Horses are designed to graze little and often for long periods (think 19 hours or so every day), eating a high fibre mix of grasses and herbs. This allows their stomach and vast intestinal system to tick along healthily; gives their ever-growing teeth a good work out and keeps them mentally and physically stimulated.

A high fibre (or forage) diet will make sure your horse stays mentally and physically active, keep his digestive system fighting fit and act as an internal central heating system.

The average horse will eat between two to three per cent of his bodyweight in forage each day, that’s at least 10kg a day for an average 500kg horse in the form of grass, hay, haylage or other fibre-packed feeds.

8 of the best fibre-providers: 1. Grass High in fibre, protein and calories, especially in summer, grass is also available in a dried and bagged form, designed to be fed like other short-chop hay replacers. Examples include ReadiGrass from Friendship Estates Ltd, and Graze On from Northern Crop Driers.

2. Hay Good quality hay will help replicate your horse’s natural grazing pattern when fed ad-lib, especially while he’s stabled or when grazing is poor. All horses will benefit from their hay being soaked for 30 minutes to reduce its dust levels, but soak for longer – a minimum of 12 hours – if your horse is a good-doer, as this reduces its calorie content by around a quarter.

3. Haylage Cut and baled within 24 hours, haylage is nutrient-rich and high in digestible fibre, calories and protein. It has a higher moisture content than hay due to the way it’s baled, so you need to feed more to give enough fibre (15kg of haylage is equivalent to 10kg of hay).

Endurance May/June 2013

4. Straw Oat or barley straw is a low-calorie forage, ideal for mixing with hay or haylage so your horse’s ration lasts longer if he’s a gooddoer. However, some vets believe straw can be linked to impact colic, so only feed it if your horse’s teeth are strong and he has access to plenty of water.

5. Alfalfa High in fibre, calories and protein, research shows alfalfa can help maintain a healthy gut by acting as a ‘buffer’ to regulate acid levels in the stomach. It has the same calories as a mix or cube and can be given as a hay replacer if your horse has poor teeth.

6. Chaff Chaff (basically chopped straw) adds lowcalorie bulk to feed and increases chewing time.

7. High fibre nuts Low in energy and balanced with vitamins and minerals, these can be fed soaked as a hay replacer to older horses who have trouble chewing.

8. Sugar beet A source of easily digestible fibre, sugar beet is nice and sloppy, making it ideal for horses with poor teeth, and can be used as a partial hay replacer due to its high fibre content.

It’s also a good value feed – one 20kg sack produces several times its own weight when soaked. Plus, research has shown that feeding sugar beet helps to improve the digestibility of other fibres fed with it. It must be soaked and times for this vary, so follow the manufacturer’s directions (it can be up to 24 hours).

Look for ‘hybrid’ products that combine one or more fibre sources, such as Fibre-Beet from British Horse Feeds – a blend of sugar beet and alfalfa, with added biotin for healthy hooves (visit www.britishhorsefeeds.com).

Or Mollichaff Condition, a new high fibre blend of alfalfa, dried grass, oat straw, fibre pellets, barley, soya flakes, soya oil and mint as well as Yea-sacc and a prebiotic, plus vitamins, minerals and trace elements see www.horsehage.co.uk

21

Summer Supplements/Flies

Electrolytes Feeding to Reduce Heat Stress

By Eric Haydt While we humans enjoy all the benefits of summer, horses tend to have a tougher time enduring the heat. While air-conditioning the stable is not an option, we can do some things nutritionally that can help reduce heat stress.

The number one nutrient that we can provide is free access to clean, fresh water. Avoid water getting stale, dirty, or overly warm. As the horse sweats, it draws replacement water from the reservoir of water found in the large intestine.

This reservoir is necessary for proper fermentation and movement of feedstuffs through the digestive system. If this water is not replaced, fermentation will be adversely effected increasing the potential for colic.

A rough way to determine if your horse is drinking enough is to pinch a fold of skin on

the shoulder and note how quickly it snaps back into position. If a horse is severely dehydrated, the skin remains “tented” and does not return to normal.

Another key to summer feeding is to make sure that there is access to a source of salt. The two electrolytes that most often need to be replaced from sweating are sodium and chloride, which is plain white salt. This access can be as simple as a salt block, or on a higher plane of nutrition.

Other electrolyte supplementation may be necessary if the amount of exercise lasts for longer periods or when work intensity increases, causing excessive sweating.

Electrolytes control certain cellular functions such as muscle contraction, maintenance of blood pH, fluid balance, and transmission of nerve impulses. As with salt, a good electrolyte supplement should contain about 45 to 55 percent chloride and 20 to 25 percent sodium, plus 15 to 20 percent potassium and one percent each of calcium and magnesium.

Excessive or constant use of electrolytes is not beneficial because the horse will

just excrete the excess minerals. The best method is to supplement 24 to 48 hours prior to extensive activity, during the activity, and 24 to 48 hours after the activity.

Check the weight of your horses. Horses who are overweight have a harder time expending excess body heat during the summer. Especially overweight horses that are working for a living. You may need to reduce exposure to pasture and consider a feed that is “lite”.

Furthermore, feeding diets utilizing organic minerals help horses with stress and improve heat resistance. Non-organic mineral sources, like oxides and sulphates, do not provide that same response.

Finally do not overlook good quality fibre in the diet. Contrary to popular opinion, fibre actually produces more internal body heat than grain. However, the incremental heat produced is negligible. Extensive research does show, however, that horses will drink water within 30 minutes of eating fibre.

Therefore, high fibre, complete feeds will help prevent dehydration during those hot summer months.

LexVet

Some horse owners choose to use one supplement for winter and another for summer. In some cases it is due to owners feeding balancers over winter to provide additional protein over the colder months when some horses are susceptible to weight loss, for others it is because their horses rest in winter and are only in work in summer. The primary difference between supplements and balancers is that balancers include protein, this additional protein is useful in lactating broodmares and growing horses. Excess protein has been linked to reduced performance and it is recommended to provide protein separate from the vitamin, mineral and energy components of the diet, this means the diet can be tailored to each individual horses requirements.

Horse owners are often overwhelmed with the choice of supplements on the market and without in depth knowledge it is difficult for owners to make informed choices about what is best for their horse. The starting point for all horse owners should be what minerals and vitamins horses require, from there you can make informed enquiries with various manufacturers to find what suits your horse best. Horses require a range of minerals including calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, sulphur, chloride, cobalt, copper, molybdenum, zinc, manganese, iron, fluoride, iodine, selenium, chromium. Horses also require a range of vitamins including A, E, D, K, C and B Complex.

Commercially available supplements rarely contain all of these minerals and vitamins and each company will balance their products differently. Over supplementation and imbalances can occur when feeding more than one supplement or balancer, therefore it is important to only feed one supplement at a time unless the manufacturer states that it can be fed in conjunction with other supplements. Reputable supplement manufacturers will have suitable qualified persons on staff to answer product questions and should be able to explain to you why some vitamins and minerals are included but not others. It is not only a valuable learning experience but should give you the confidence to know you have made the right choice. LexveT supplements were developed as all-in-one supplements including macro and trace minerals, vitamins, electrolytes and salt.

Catherine Graham Nutritionist LexveT International www.lexvetsupplements.com 22

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Summer Supplements/Flies

Stand out from the crowd LexveT International

premium equine supplements yield genuine results that you really can see. LexveT products were formulated as an all in one supplement suitable for all horses & ponies.

Our supplements will really help you stand out from the crowd as they help to promote optimal coat, condition and hooves, as well as being good for your horses’ general wellbeing.

With LexveT supplements in your feed room, you will be able to stride out with confidence at your next show.

 Macro & Trace Minerals  Vitamins  Salts & Electrolytes

  

Economical Balanced Easy to use

 0800 334 5856  sales@lexvetsupplements.com  www.lexvetsupplements.com

Summer Supplements/Flies

Combat the effects of the Sun Advanced Electrolyte Replacement Solution for Horses and Ponies

Rehy d & Re ration cove ry

Containing Glutamine for quick recovery and improved immune function

It is recommended that a Veterinary Surgeon’s advice is sought before use.

Manufactured and distributed in NI by: Norbrook Laboratories Ltd, Station Works, Newry, Co. Down, BT35 6JP. Distributed in GB by: Norbrook Laboratories (GB) Ltd, 1 Saxon Way East, Oakley Hay Industrial Estate, Corby, NN18 9EX. 1996-EQ-v1-UK-26/04/13

www.norbrook.com

Glutalyte Equine The rigors of competition and training can rapidly deplete body fluids. Loss of body water and essential electrolytes can occur during periods of heavy sweating induced by vigorous exercise. Glutalyte Equine will help stabilise water and electrolyte imbalance in horse and ponies by feeding as directed and ensuring fresh water is available at all times. Rapid replacement of these essential electrolytes is vital in the maintenance of the horses’ health and fitness.

Glutalyte Equine when reconstituted contains a mixture of electrolytes essential to body function, water, energy and the unique inclusion of the essential amino acid, glutamine. When fed as directed for this purpose, Glutalyte Equine provides horses and ponies with these essential nutrients during periods of convalescence or general conditions where nutritional restoration is required.

Ask your vet or local stockist for details.

Or for more information on Glutalyte Equine visit www.norbrook.com

Keeping a Cool head to go the distance Most wouldn’t consider using a calming product on an Endurance horse out of worry that performance may be compromised, however, EquiFeast have found something that not only improves concentration and performance, it also has a calming effect without sedation – if anything, it enhances performance!

With some of the best Endurance riders in the country now happily using EquiFeast’s Cool, Calm & Collected, they are not only improving results but improving theirs and their horse’s enjoyment of the ride.

Focus and judgement are crucial for 24

keeping a good pace and who better than the UK’s leading female endurance rider, Tricia Hirst, to give a firsthand account of just how good Cool, Calm & Collected is. All of Tricia’s horses are now supplemented with EquiFeast’s Chelated Calcium brain food Cool, Calm & Collected and her results speak for themself.

After finishing the UK’s best placed rider at last year’s World Endurance Championships, Tricia said to EquiFeast: “Well what can I say but thank you!

Madjin gave me the most amazing ride, he was strong and forward going but with a sane head. He has not always been like that and has been known to lose the plot. I had a congratulations post from someone who was watching but didn’t know I was using EquiFeast’s

products. She said how Cool, Calm & Collected Madjin looked all day. I think that says it all!”

Tricia’s son, Philip, has also seen the benefit of using Cool, Calm & collected on his horses. Just after winning at Haywood Oaks in April, Philip had this to say about his horse: “I was so pleased with him as his head was on the job! Even though we had his stable mate at the same venue in a different race, his mind was so focused on what he was doing!”

Contact EquiFeast today to make sure you start your horse on the right supplement: Tel: 01453 836974 Email: advice@equiFeast.com Loader packs start from £48.70* (this pack will last a 550kg horse approx. 5 weeks) For more information, visit:

www.equifeast.com Official members publication for Endurance GB

Summer Supplements/Flies

EQUILIBRIUM

®

• Curve shaped ears

FIELD RELIEF FLY MASKS

The difference is in the detail…

• Breathable mesh, blocks out up to 80% of UV rays

• Soft padding prevents rubbing

• Adjustable and detachable nose piece • Adjustable fastenings

…for details on the full Field Relief range and to find a stockist near you, visit:

www.EquilibriumProducts.com THIS NEW PRODUCT DELIGHTS

“Now that I have cleaned all the mud from my horse, tack and clothes after the 50-mile ride on Sunday, I can tell you that we completed and passed all the vetting. Although it was humid, the horse had no electrolytes or other additives, only Aloeride. It really was a tough ride, so I’m thrilled”.

• • • • • •

Nutrient loading at 1 sachet/day simply sprinkled over feed helps the natural biotransformation of lactic acid and offsets exercise‐induced electrolyte loss by its natural, wide spectrum of inorganic minerals and lowers any hindrance by tissue sprains or strains and gives excellent recovery rate and its broad spectrum of nutrients gives other benefits too

Aloeride the aloe for horses you value ®

www.aloeride.co.uk 01858 464550

GOING THE EXTRA MILE! Endurance horses require very different nutritional needs from other disciplines. Not only will they require a slow release energy feed, but dehydration is a big concern, this only affecting performance, but serious detriment to health.

Aloeride is a pure organic aloe vera supplement for horses, which has been used with huge success by endurance riders. The broad spectrum of inorganic minerals naturally occurring in aloe vera is one reason why, at every veterinary check point, horses on Aloeride pass with flying colours.

Riders report that recovery is seldom an issue since starting Aloeride.

Aloeride is an easy to administer alternative to feeding fresh aloe vera and is available in one-a-day sachets. Aloeride is taste-free, has a long shelf life, requires no refrigeration and with 30 sachets (1 month’s worth) containing 12 litres of aloe vera juice – you can be reassured that your horse or pony is getting the best each and every day. Aloeride aloe vera has also been tested by an accredited Newmarket laboratory and does not contain any synthetic compounds.

RRP: £55.20 (1 x month supply)

www.aloeride.co.uk 01858 464550

Press information only: Ashley@mirrormepr.co.uk 01932 229 414

Pasture Management

by Anne Brown

Gadebrook Arabian Stud uses the help of volunteer WWOOFers on the WorldWide Opportunities on Organic Farms programme to help clean the paddocks twice a day, summer and winter. Here, WWOOFer Ian Jain from Germany cheerfully lends a hand.

Imagine for a moment a perfect world, where you lean on a well-hung gate and watch your horse grazing in a pristine, well-fenced paddock, without a weed or a dropping or a mud patch in sight.

OK, back to the reality of too little time, money and space – and too much rain! - to keep fields in their best condition. Pasture management can be a real challenge, especially if it is outside your control or if other people’s horses share it.

Nevertheless, some solutions are within your grasp. Poo-pick daily, or arrange a rota that others stick to and do your fair share.

It gives you a chance to check for worm in the droppings, and to keep an eagle eye out for ragwort. Loo patches go rank, and horses won’t eat the grass that grows there, however green it looks to us, so cut this regularly so the rain can do the rest.

Check fences and hedges daily to make sure there are no breaks or gaps, or incursion by poisonous plants. Almost all evergreens such as laurel, yew, box, broom and ivy are very toxic to horses.

26

Deciduous plants like may and hawthorn make excellent hedges as they provide a good barrier and shelter for the horses and a home for nesting birds.

Barbed wire and horses don’t mix, so remove every single strand before you introduce your horse. If you can. electrify fencing to stop horses chewing wood, even if you only have a car battery as a power source; it is very effective.

Pull up all noxious weeds, and at this time of year, dig out ragwort with a Ragfork and burn it. Talk to your local farmer about dressing to get rid of moss, dandelion and other non-helpful plants that take up vital grass-growing space.

In our small island, it is difficult not to overgraze, but if you can, rest each field at some point, fencing off part if necessary, to allow it to refresh.

Once your fields starts to get dirty, harrow it, add seed, roll it to firm it down ground, then top it if needed. The BHS recommends keeping grass to a maximum 5” (about

12cms). Re-seed no later than September.

If you have the money and resources, you should re-seed, harrow, roll and fertilise wherever necessary. Fill in any rabbit holes (although in my paddocks, it’s a losing battle!). To avoid muddy gateways, place the water trough away from gateway. Unless it fills automatically from the mains, check it daily (twice daily in summer), and clean it regularly. Prepare for winter with a couple of clean canisters to fill in case the trough ices over. You lose a certain amount of grazing around each gateway as it gets poached, so small paddocks can result in greater proportional lost of land. If possible, have gateways at the upper part of the paddock.

Different soils need different dressings and additives for the right nutritional balance, so check with seed manufacturers for their advice on the best for clay, sand, chalk, loam or thin soil on rocky terrain. Whether you want to create a new paddock, grow some hay or re-vitalise your existing grass, they will advise on the right seed mixture.

Hannah Allen, student at the Royal Agricultural College, has done a special study - see: http://www.sacert.org/news/ newsandfeatures/articleid/2165/organicgrassland-event-a-great-success.

There are more notes on “Grassland & Clover Management” at: http://www.sacert. org/news/newsandfeatures/articleid/1420/ grassland-clover-management and the BHS also has a free leaflet on grass management.

Of course, the work is easier with mechanical help. Stefan Gemski from farm equipment manufacturers, Logic, suggests that if you invest in only one piece of equipment, the most important is a muck collector. They produce one at £3,840 (+ VAT), which carries about six wheelbarrows’ worth, with bristles which brush low to the grass.

You would need to tow it with a quad bike, 4 x 4 or another suitable vehicle, which increases the cost. However, a muck collector would struggle in wet conditions or when droppings are soft. You could check on eBay or other auction sites for ballast rollers, harrows, and spreaders for fertiliser or grass seed, as there is a healthy second hand market in such equipment.

To para-phrase Mark Twain: “Look after your land – God isn’t creating any more”.

Copyright Anne Brown 2012

Official members publication for Endurance GB

TORQ

Don’t feel DEPLETED & DEFEATED Part 2 Nutritionally “REIGN your REIN” & ENJOY this SEASON Firstly establish the duration of your ride & the expected weather conditions. If the weather is going to be freezing cold (similar to the conditions of last year’s Haywood Oaks Major Ride) there is little point in aiming to obtain all your fuelling through drinking gallons of Energy drink, as one will simply have to be regularly in & out of the saddle to go to the loo, as perspiration rates are minimal. Not very handy with an excitable & determined horse! So look to obtain your fuelling through 2 x TORQ Units (60g of carbohydrates per hour) through consuming the energy bars or gels.

However on the other extreme end of the scale, last year’s incredible Ridgeway Barbury Castle Ride was uncharacteristically swelteringly hot (to put it politely). Here hydration & obtaining energy through the energy drinks was paramount to maintain balance, energy, focus & indeed being able to complete the ride safely!! Under these hot circumstances it is ideal to look at utilising 2 x TORQ Units of Energy drink & extra water.

In many respects, when the weather reaches such extremes, it may be an idea to try to similarly introduce vetting (metaphorically) for the riders along with their horses???

The TORQ energy drinks also contain 5 electrolyte salts to maintain hydration better than merely water. If you know the weather is going to be pleasant or hot (which does occasionally happen from time to time…. honestly) on the day of your Competitive Ride it is wise to be prepared. There is quite literally little point in turning up to the start line of your ride dehydrated! You will know whether you are dehydrated though (excuse the toilet speak) the colour of your urine on the morning of your ride. Some riders are nervous about consuming too much drink the day before a ride in case they then spend the night making several trips to the loo. However if you sip several electrolyted energy drinks the day before your ride, you will not only be effectively fuelling your carbohydrate stores (which is also

Endurance May/June 2013

particularly important for the riders that suffer from pre-competition nerves as they often can not eat on the morning of their ride), but you will also be efficiently hydrating yourself.

The electrolyte salts also ensure that the water is absorbed & retained thus making the irritating trips to the loo unnecessary.

Ensuring correct hydration (usually at a 6% optimum strength) 2 scoops of TORQ Energy for a 500ml bottle & 3 scoops for the larger 750ml bottle will also aid your concentration & performance. It is a highly researched fact that dehydration can affect your performance, as for every 1% of your body weight you loose through perspiration (or glowing for us female readers) one’s performance drops off by a staggering 5% each time. So think ahead - The better hydrated you are, the better your balance, concentration, motivation, recovery & enjoyment. Our Mountain biking team regularly participate in 12 & 24 Hour races, where fuelling on correct quantities of energy & very little other “real food”, maintains their constant energy output. However timing is vital. Be prepared & have something before the ride such as a TORQ bar (the TORQ Pineapple & Ginger bars are great for stabilizing a nervous tummy). Then ensure that every 30 – 40 minutes you have another unit filtering into your system. Do not be tempted to go several hours into a Long Distance Ride & then feel you should have something to eat/drink then. To maintain an efficient & productive energy system, as riders we need to be organised & drip feed for success.

hours, try doing the ride with just water & then the same ride using a 6% mixed energy drink. I guarantee you will be efficiently able to maintain your energy levels through utilising an energy drink as part of (or entirely in hot weather) your fuelling system. To conclude, during a ride of 2.5 – 3 hours you will need to look at consuming between 4 – 6 TORQ units & in the heat lean towards the hydration of the energy drinks & in cooler weather the gels & bars.

Above all make every ride count, have no nutritional regrets & if you always do what you have always done, how do you possibly expect to improve??

Enjoy

If, however after reading this brief account on correct fuelling & hydration you are still in some doubt as to whether indeed an energy drink will make any difference to your performance & indeed recovery; it may be advisable (whilst remaining sensible) to utilise different hydrating strategies & compare notes on your identical (all be it possible with such fluctuating British weather) training rides. In other words, If you have a regular training ride that would normally take 2.5 – 3

27

If you keep doing the same thing you will keep getting the same results…

Photo of GB Endurance Rider Tricia Hirst, Riding Sparkle

The problem of horses struggling to focus and perform at their best has been with us for years.

And over the years a number of strategies have been developed. Yet the problem persists. It is tempting to simply say “horses are like that” but actually that is not correct.

Horses should be sensible, focussed and able to tell that a flag, car or other horse is not a threat.

Photo: courtesy of Julie Badrick

In a nutritional sense the three most important strategies have been the switch from high starch diets to high fibre diets, the use of magnesium and the use of tryptophan.

Despite this the problem still persists and far too many competitions are lost by horses that can’t control their brains rather than won by horses that can. There appears to be some scientific evidence that high fibre diets cause

Mary Henley-Smith from Moorcroft Racehorse Welfare Centre

28

less behavioural problems than high starch diets but the effect is probably quite marginal.

Feed companies are adding more and more magnesium to their feeds either as an additive or by using high magnesium raw materials.

This appears to be more an act of hope than science as one very scientifically based feed firm describes a product on its website as “Contains magnesium known for its calming properties” – which seems like a hope more than a fact.

The Science Is Clear But the science is clear – so long as you look at the biochemistry not the nutrition.

Magnesium blocks the calcium receptors in nerve cells thus preventing them from being switched on properly. There is no other word for this than sedation. In fact human anaesthetists use magnesium sulphate to support their calcium channel blocking drugs which is probably why injectable magnesium sulphate is now on the FEI banned substances list.

EquiFeast’s parent company (Calinnova Ltd) has carried out numerous blood tests on horses and demonstrated that the addition of chelated calcium to the diet changes the balance of calcium in the blood (boosting the organically complexed calcium level) and helps horses to regulate their blood magnesium levels. As you can see from the chart to your right, the provision of chelated calcium generally raised or maintained magnesium levels in horses that were low and dropped those levels in horses that

Photo: courtesy of photographer David Saunders

XXX

were high. For horses whose behaviour improved substantially, the levels settled to somewhere in the range just above the midpoint of the “normal” magnesium levels to well below the “midpoint”.

In previous trials the firm has also shown that horses on very high magnesium diets (most modern competition horses fit this description) can struggle to get their blood magnesium into the “optimum zone” even with chelated calcium supplementation. And their behaviour may improve a bit with chelated calcium but is not consistent until the magnesium level of the diet is dropped. On many modern feeds this can be really difficult to achieve.

Of the five horses that ended loading above the midpoint of the “normal” range, three showed inconsistent behaviour that improved when the magnesium content of their diet was reduced subsequent to these blood trials.

16/18 Horses Transformed!

Moorcroft Racehorse Welfare Centre re-school and rehabilitate former racehorses that have been gifted to them so that they can have a real chance at a second career. ”18 horses were put on Cool, Calm & Collected and after 3 - 4 weeks 16 of them showed an amazing difference in their calmness, relaxation and the ability to take instructions. I was amazed as I was very sceptical at first. I would recommend EquiFeast’s Calm, Cool & Collected to any horse owner”. Mary Henley-Smith - Moorcroft Racehorse Welfare Centre.

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Advertisement Supplement

Changes in blood magnesium before and after supplementing with chelated calcium +1= top of “normal range”. -1= “bottom of normal range Best behaviour appears to occur when horse blood magnesium is between minus 0.5 and zero

for improved behaviour but have found their horses going even better when the magnesium was dropped from the supplement and/or reducing the core diet.

•

It is no surprise to read that Mary still has her horses on EquiFeast patented chelated calcium supplement because of its long term benefits.

GB World Endurance Rider, Tricia Hirst needed EquiFeast’s help with her top mount Madjin des Pins last year in the run up to the World Endurance Championships.

Endurance is a marathon for horses and VCAL enabled Tricia’s Madjin to fit into his “zone” perfectly. Tricia says:

“Well what can I say but thank you EquiFeast! Madjin gave me the most amazing ride, he was strong and forward going but with a sane head. He has not always been like that and has been known to lose the plot”.

Chelated calcium is important for far more than just regulating magnesium.

Chelated calcium is a nutrient in its own right and is crucial for the proper functioning of nerve cells and the brain. Adding traditional calcium supplements seems to have no effect on brain function at all and yet chelated calcium is revolutionising this area.

So who has found benefits in using this unique patented technology?

The more recent recruits in the list below have only ever used magnesium free chelated calcium supplements or switched to them very soon after loading the supplement. They are marked with an asterisk. All the others were already converts to chelated calcium supplements

Endurance May/June 2013

Tricia Hirst (Leading UK Rider at Endurance World Championships 2012) • Laura B* (Olympic Gold & Bronze medallist) • Lucinda Green* (Eventing legend) • Abbie Newbery (H&H’s TOP pick of young showjumper) • Zoe Adams (Another of Britain’ best upand-coming young show jumpers) • Michel Assouline* (UK Para Olympic dressage coach) • Nicola McGivern* (UK dressage Olympian) • John Twomey* (Australian 4 star event rider) • Joe Meyer (New Zealand Olympic event rider) • Cindy Rawson (USA 4 star event rider) • Rachel Buckle (Badminton Grassroots qualifier) • Harry Meade (UK 4 star event rider) Just to name a few!

Magnesium free chelated calcium supplements are not right for all horses.

Those getting diets with less than the recommended levels of concentrates, pony nuts or feed balancers may need controlled levels of magnesium to get the best behaviour and focus from their horses.

These are nearly always hacking horses or those competing at the lower levels. At EquiFeast we now have a comprehensive database and loads of experience, so are really well placed to help riders find the right magnesium/chelated calcium package for their horse.

In Summary: At EquiFeast we are proud of the fact that we are investing tens of thousands of pounds each year trying to better understand exactly how our technology works and how to optimise its use. This enables us to provide a far higher level of customer support than those firms that rely on a single ingredient in their products. The most clear cut result of our Research & Development is that one of the biggest and most common causes of brain impairment in modern competition horses appears to be insufficient levels of cheated calcium in the diet. Second is a magnesium overload. This may be bad news for those that sell and promote magnesium based calmers. But we believe it to be

the case based on our research which is probably the most extensive in the industry.

That does not make magnesium all bad.

Where horses are fed under supplemented diets (as many recreational and some competition horses are) magnesium is needed in their supplementation if behaviour and performance is to be optimised.

Which is why just over 50% of our clients buy chelated calcium supplements WITH Magnesium.

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Finding the right balance of nutrients for your horse or pony can be difficult but the team at EquiFeast provide you with free nutritional advice and can make recommendations based on your horse’s feed and supplements plan.

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Social Media What can it do for Endurance?

Facebook and Twitter provide Endurance

if you wish. Our Twitter page can also

information by sharing to their friends and

You’ve all heard the buzz words ‘Social Media’. According to Wikipedia, “Social media refers to the means of interactions among people in which they create, share, and exchange information and ideas in virtual communities and networks.”

GB with modern, interactive and visually pleasing ‘meeting places’ where information can be disseminated quickly both to EGB members and other users of these mediums. Since we embarked on a proactive campaign to provide more communication via Facebook and Twitter, interest in our pages has increased phenomenally. The number of followers of both pages is fast overtaking the number of members we have in EGB demonstrating that we have attracted interest from outside our membership.

Benefits to Members With Facebook it is possible to include many items on the Endurance GB page such as news, competitions, forthcoming events, ride information, photos, videos, reminders, links to articles, links to related pages, etc.

Visitors can interact by liking, sharing, asking questions, commenting, inviting friends to their favourite rides and even befriending other followers. Everyone can contribute and be a part of it. Providing you get your settings right, you don’t even have to visit the page. You can receive notifications for all items posted.

Ride organisers can also make use of the Facebook page to give up to date news of their rides, ask for helpers or appeal for more entries near the closing date. The Event pages can be enriched with videos, route descriptions, ride reports, photos, location map and anything that could help to attract participants. These Events can also be shared by Endurance GB and anyone else to their own friends list.

Twitter works in a similar way to the newsfeed part of Facebook. It is a continuous scrolling list of items from those pages being followed. Endurance GB can then choose which items from the Equestrian world to retweet to our followers.

These items can be scanned by followers at a glance and investigated for more details

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create news items of course. Short, punchy statements work well.

Probably the most enjoyable event so far in 2013 was the coverage of HH President of UAE Endurance Cup from Abu Dhabi in February. Through using a combination of texts and photos from Endurance GB members at the event and the online results which were available, we were able to update both Facebook and Twitter on a regular basis with a variety of news, photos and statistics, following Dace Sainsbury through all the ups and downs of the day.

We hope to do more of this in the future.

Ways to attract New Members Facebook and Twitter can be powerful tools to attract new members. Did you know that Facebook has nearly 33 million UK registered users and Twitter has 34 million? That’s roughly half the population!

Many users log on every day, spending up to an hour a day reading their newsfeed and connecting with friends. Potentially, Endurance GB can reach half the horse owning population of the UK. Currently, the potential reach of Facebook alone (friends of followers) is around 500,000.

Endurance GB is working hard to increase the following on both pages by following other equestrian themed pages and recognising opportunities as they arise. Our followers voted Endurance to the top spot of a poll on the Baileys Horse Feed page and as a result Beth Langley very capably fielded questions one evening back in February.

The non-private atmosphere of Social Media means that anyone can drop in to ask questions, get advice and see all the Events that are happening. The support and contributions from members help enormously. This generates a friendly, welcoming atmosphere that is sadly lacking in many other Equestrian disciplines. It is also important that we all distribute

groups.

How Groups can be Involved All Groups should have Facebook and Twitter pages. Our South East and West Riding Groups both have active, popular pages. A ‘Page’ as opposed to a ‘Group’ on Facebook works much better for attracting new members and interacting with other pages. ‘Groups’ appear to non-members to be exclusive and can do little to attract new members. They are great for a cosy chatting atmosphere but not so good at reaching a wider audience and welcoming outsiders.

Other Groups/Pages cannot easily access the information in a Group nor can they share their own information with you. A ‘Page’ is more versatile and presents a userfriendly ‘shop front’. You can link Facebook to Twitter so that you only have to post items once and they appear in both places.

If any EGB Group needs any help with setting up a Page, send a private message to the EGB page of either Facebook or Twitter and we’ll help you all we can.

Ways to attract Sponsors A side issue to the communities being built on Facebook and Twitter is the ability to interact with existing and potential sponsors.

Most companies include sponsorship as part of their marketing budget so are always on the lookout for active, good quality organisations. Our increased presence has already resulted in several offers of items including rosettes, a Facebook competition to win a prize and product discounts for our team members.

Our website Forum is still very much in demand for those that prefer a purely Endurance GB environment and we have been endeavouring to share items of interest from Facebook and Twitter with the Forum.

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Coaching

All photos supplied by Hilary Weaver

EGB SE Group Adult Coaching Camp

Lunging demonstrations

Since February 2012 I have been suffering increasingly from poor motivation and reducing confidence following my beautiful Arab’s, (Indie), shock diagnosis which meant he could no longer be ridden. In March 2012 I purchased a 3 year old Welsh Cob to bring on with the aim of doing a few short distance Pleasure Rides this year. In January I had to make the devastating decision to have Indie put to sleep. A few days after this, while feeling particularly low, I saw that EGB SE were advertising an Adult Endurance Coaching Camp being run by Rosemary Attfield, a UKCC Level 3 Endurance Coach.

A phone call to Rosemary, and Jasper and I were booked in. I had a new focus!

It had been 18 months since I had been away with my horse and it took some organisation to get everything (and more) that I might need for a weekend away. At last in the afternoon of Friday 1st March we arrived at Hornshill Farm, unloaded, unpacked and settled Jasper into a large stable next to Tilly and some very loud Donkeys. He was not bothered by anything and tucked into feed and hay.

Rosemary had opened up her house to the group as everyone had elected to sleep indoors rather than camp out in the extreme cold! Mandy Yarnold had organised all the food and provided a delicious supper. The evening was spent discussing our goals with

Endurance May/June 2013

Rosemary and chatting with new friends.

The next day Rosemary fed all the horses for us at 5.30am while we spent a little longer in bed. The day started with a lecture on crewing and preparing for vet gates by Rosemary followed by a demonstration using the John Whitaker lunging aid. Katie Bedwin then had us all warming up by doing some core strength exercises.

Working in the school

We were divided into two groups and my group had a lesson with Rosemary. Now, I do have lessons a couple of times a month for a half hour so thought I would be fine.

An hour later I thought I would never be able to keep going! Rosemary really put us through our paces and I could really feel the difference. After a super lunch of soup, sandwiches, crisps and fruit we were taken on a 10k hack with Katie focusing on rhythm and speed.

On our return we just had time to settle the horses and grab a cup of tea and biscuits before a very interesting talk by Fiona Hamilton, a qualified human and animal physiotherapist. Another lovely supper of Beef casserole followed by apricot crumble completed the day.

Physio demonstrations

Sunday began with a talk by Farrier, Jack Holden Spriggs, on horse’s feet and shoeing. He gave us a lot of insight into shoeing for Endurance Horses and the use of pads. This was followed by a mounted session led by Katie to determine each horses speed at walk, trot and canter. I was impressed to learn that Jaspers speeds were timed at walk 3.5kmph, trot 9.5kmph and canter 14kmph. We then had another shorter lesson by Rosemary (sighs of relief all round). After lunch we did a 15km ride as an Endurance ride with vet gate. We had previously been given a map and talk round and shown how to work out speed.

We each set up our equipment in the vet gate ready for our return. Rosemary paired us with a similar horse and rider and gave each a speed to ride to. I was paired with Emma Moffat and Shanty, a handsome Hafflinger, and given 9kmph as our speed. This was the furthest I had ridden with Jasper so I was very pleased that we got back in a time of 9.3kmph. It was interesting to note that this was almost exactly the same as our timed trot speed. I was very pleased to see that his starting heart rate was 36 and we presented at 8 mins with 60hr.

This really was the most amazing weekend and has given Jasper and I the confidence to move on. Jasper has learnt he can stay away, work hard, get lots of yummy food to eat and stay chilled. I have made lots of new friends and many thanks must go to Rosemary Attfield for allowing us to take over her home and to Mandy Yarnold for keeping food and hot drinks in constant supply.

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Just Chaps celebrates international expansion It all started when a couple of sheets of neoprene were cut and stitched into Full Chaps to protect Endurance riders from the cold and wet of Exmoor. Since then, Just Chaps has continued to extend its range every year and now offers the widest range available in every sense – differing fabrics for different disciplines, a very wide range of sizes and a fantastic choice of colours and design – which are now ordered by riders from all over the world.

The owner of Just Chaps, Helen Salmon, explains:

“We now sell and ship chaps from our online store all over the world – but the last 12 months have also seen us selling to wholesale importers in the USA, Australia, Japan and most recently Germany” However, as Helen points out – the UK Endurance rider is still her most important customer base.

Endurance continues to be the best test of any riding chaps demanding riders and demanding conditions – if we can satisfy the Endurance rider then we are confident to supply anyone.

TO ADVERTISE IN THE

July/August 2013 ISSUE OF

ENDURANCE

Call Tricia on 01536 747333 or email tricia.mcdougall@mainlinemedia.co.uk.

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Official members publication for Endurance GB

Management Update

KEY DATES 2013

Home International and Celtic Challenge 2013

CORRECTION to information shown in the 2013 handbook page 90:

This year’s Home International is hosted

by England at the Barbury Castle Ride, a fantastic setting I am sure all those who have previously attended will agree and as Chef of last year’s Winning Home International Trophy I am elated that we are challenging this year on home turf!!

Receipt of Members proposals for the AGM In writing to the Company Secretary at Stoneleigh before 5pm on 27th September 2013

This piece, however, is not about the England Squad but about the Challenge itself.

Originally the Home International and Celtic Challenge were held at separate events so now the two challenges are perfectly (well almost) entwined … I hope this year to also take the Cornish Celtics under the Mainland Squad and go for the Best Overall Nations.

The Squads comprise of all levels from 2 day 160 km ER competitors through to a Novice/ Novice combination and including a Junior (under 16) rider – across both the Home International and Celtic Squads, 6 team riders. The idea and ethos of the competition is to : • • •

Encourage Riders at all levels To be non-elitist To encourage and develop Team Spirit

I have been Chef for the England Squad for 5

years and took over after the sad passing of Margaret Montgomerie (interestingly a Scot but a proud and determined leader of the England Team)and have been delighted to be part of an amazing Inter – Nations Family … may I say HIGHLY competitive but always willing to help each other. The battle for both the HI and CC is one of great pride at all levels and I delight every year in watching us all parade prior to the competition, often to the sound of Bagpipes, accompanying the varied anthems sung from the National Squads, following their horses - who also seem to somehow grow in stature.

To me the HI and CC epitomises everything I first loved about Endurance and the Endurance Family – the love of the outdoors (no matter the weather), the love and care for our horses and the spirit of working together and helping each other out …… it is and should also be the breeding ground for our future International Teams, somewhere to learn about working with Team Management, working together for a collective goal, sharing knowledge and skills.

So if YOU want to be a part of this GREAT annual and NATIONAL event, you want to wear your COUNTRY colours then contact your Nations Chef: Maggie Pattinson England, Sue Higgins Wales, David Cunningham Ireland and Nicola Betham Scotland – they will all have their own selection and planning for you to follow and will I know be delighted to hear from you.

But for ENGLAND AND ST GEORGE, this is Maggie Pattinson Proud Chef of the 2012 Home International Winning Squad – ENGLAND!!!

International Report Finally the sun is shining!

I saw the photos of riders doing 120km in the snow at Kings Forest and I have to say I am very impressed with the riders and organisers determination to make the day happen, well done to all and thank you !

All three squads were at Haywood Oaks and had some super results, all horses (and even riders !) are looking well and the management teams are very pleased. This ride was an opportunity for the Development Squad riders to have a ‘team’ ride within the UK so the squad vet, farrier and Chef were in attendance to help all their riders

Endurance May/June 2013

get through their 1,2 or 3* FEI rides, the feedback from all was incredibly positive and the good results speak for themselves so we will be aiming to continue with this next year, this squads next outing will be Kings Forest and then Leerdsum in August.

The Development Squad is steadily growing which is very good for the future of Endurance, if you are interested in the squad and we haven’t already contacted you please do get in touch, the management team are more than willing to share their expertise and help as much as they can.

Nominations for the Board of Directors In writing to the Company Secretary at Stoneleigh before 5pm on 27th September 2013 CORRECTION to Cirencester Schedule Saturday Class 14 GER 2day 130km Silver Achievement Award. This is a Graded Endurance Ride not a CER. PLEASE CAN YOU? When you collect bibs for other people please make sure the right person wears the right number………… If your horse is nervous with other horses, please put a red ribbon on its tail, also a green ribbon can be used for novices, blue for a stallion If you ride a stallion you should use the stallion discs at every ride If your master card has less than 3 spaces left, send it in to the Office for replacement - do not risk not being able to ride because the card is full!

If you still have a 2012 green master card please send it back to the office, even if you have not upgraded, it needs to be sent in.

If you need to withdraw from a ride after the Ride close Date please contact the ride Secretary as soon as you can……………

Please be aware that if a rider has green ribbon on their bib they are a registered Para rider.

At Haywood Oaks John Robertson and Sue Broughton organised an well attended FEI Stewards course where people learnt to be FEI Stewards, it also helps people familiarise themselves with the FEI rules as they are slightly different the EGB’s. If this is something you are interested in doing let us know so we can gauge the demand for another course in the near future.

The Elite Squad have a training day on the 8th June and the Young Riders will be selected for the World Championships at the Wimpole Ride so June is set to be an exciting month – good luck to all.

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Group News

Offa’s Dyke Group News

Silver Jubilee 25 Years Old!

Special silver rosettes will be available at our Fun Rides throughout the year as part of our celebrations and proved popular at our recent Govilon and Bluebell Fun Rides!

This April issue of our newsletter features a number of articles from our founder members about the formation and early years of the Group and how the sport and equipment has changed. It’s available to download free from our website www.offasdykeegb.co.uk Our group has had a busy Spring so far, with all our rides going ahead and fully supported by entries. March Hares and Bluebell rides in the Forest of Dean were full at the closing date and we were blessed with great weather for both. Due to Chris Wray’s hard work the routes were well enjoyed by riders.

The Govilon Fun ride was back on the calendar thanks to Nicola Davies and her family, but it looked like we’d lose it when the due date of Easter Sunday had thick snow on the venue and even more on the Blorenge mountain! Nicola took the decision to postpone the ride a week to fill the space created by the cancellation of Tresham ride.

This paid off and the snow had melted at the venue and lower ground. We still had snow on the top of the mountain, which looked spectacular!

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Piers Geddes was good enough to dash off his thoughts for our newsletter in his own wonderful style. An excerpt below: Suddenly – STOP PRESS – an uncancelled ride, and a horse in sound enough condition to try it. Every day in the week before its revised date – Tresham’s, after that got ditched – I watched the snow line creep up the Blorenge, upon whose bleak and tempting slopes the Govilon Ride was to be run. It would be so easy to cancel it... would the organiser’s nerve break? No, somehow it didn’t, and we hopeful ones were rewarded by a magnificently testing route which could only be taken slowly, absolutely ideal if weather and foot trouble had restricted one’s outings. Flynn, after an exciting start – his saddle slipped and he whirled round like a circus horse on rocket fuel – took over three hours to cover sixteen miles.

But what a ride! What do people want from

such things? Gates were open, bridleways trimmed, marking clear, and suddenly we’d climbed and climbed and were trotting along the tramroad, the views high above Abergavenny as good as ever, to reach the still waters of the Punchbowl. Long routers like ourselves now dropped down almost to the canal at whose level we’d started, to climb once more back up where the snow till lay and the light held a pearly whiteness.

Lovely, all this. Ahead lay the slopes of the Coity, like sugar-dusted chocolate cake.

Down below, fields offered a final canter and we were done. A great day. Thank you a hundred times, Nicola, for a brilliant ride.

As well as rides, we held our usual Novice Training afternoon for new members and interested non-members. Thanks to Debbie and Rachel Williams for their hospitality.

We’ve got two more training events coming up suitable for all levels.

Sunday 26 May ‘How to make endurance more efficient for you and your horse’ with level 3 Endurance coach Pam James.

Photo: courtesy of Carolyn Edwards

Offa’s Dyke Group is 25 years young this year and the above extracts from the Endurance Horse & Pony Society newsletter feature our founder’s initial proposal in 1986 and the follow-up in March 1987. It took several months to get affiliated to the EHPS, so this is formally our 25th year.

Day-member mum and daughter have a lovely day at Govilon

Saturday 8 June ‘Schooling and Massage training event’. 1 hour schooling for Endurance with Carole Broad FBHS, followed by 1 hour massage & stretching your own horse with Rachel Williams BSc(Hons) Dip ICAT PGDip CABC.

Our remaining rides for 2013: Sunday 28 July Cranham National Ride Sunday 16 June Blaenavon Fun Ride September Sunday 22 Ride

Black Mountains Fun

For more information about all of our rides and events please visit our website: www.offasdykeegb.co.uk

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Group News

North and East Yorkshire Endurance Group AGM Last year a lot of events had to be cancelled due to the very wet weather conditions that we had, this incredibly wet weather just didn't seem to want to leave us alone. The North and East Yorkshire group had to cancel many of our rides because the ground was just waterlogged. Our AGM even had to be postphoned however this time it wasn't due to the rain it was because of snow – honestly if it isn't one thing it is another!!

At our recent reorganised AGM, it was a

great turn out and the atmosphere was very relaxed. Not only were we celebrating the success of our group members, it was also the 21st anniversary of the North and East Yorkshire group and we all enjoyed a lovely piece of cake made by The Feathers in Helmsley (where the AGM was hosted).

Members did very well considering the disastrous year that we had with the amazon type weather and a lot of awards were awarded. We would like to have a special

mention of two of our members who did very well not only within the group but also nationally: Tara Barker and Angela Hields. We would also like to mention the success of Helen Ward and Wayside Falcon who won the Follifoot trophy and the Desert Gold award, this is a fantastic achievement for both horse and rider due to the fact that Wayside Falcon is 28 years old and has continued to pass the vet at competitive rides. Other group members also did very well, below are the results excluding the top ten and mileage rosettes:

High Point Advanced 1.Tracy Thompson – Just Giles 2.Robert Blane – Ricco Est Artisan 3.Rebecca Pearson – Crystal Topaz High point Open 1.Chris Myers – To The Last Man 2.Lesley Owens – Harvey 3.Janet Coupland – Breezemont Cherie High Point Novice 1.Tara Barker – Haverford Indiana 2.Tara Barker – Dagwood Saphire 3.Julie Barker – Ontario Desert Gold Award (awarded to the horse with the highest points for rides of 42km’s or under. Novice horses not eligible) 1.Helen Ward – Wayside Falcon 2.Chris Myers – To The Last Man 3.Lesley Owens – Harvey Pogol’s Wood (for horses and ponies under 15 hh. Highest distance completed in pleasure rides) 1.Angela Hields – Lucy Locket 2.Liz Worthy – Ace 3.Jayne Young – Alchise Jenny Trophy (for horses over 15 hh. Highest distance completed in pleasure rides) 1.Sue Frosher – Ben

High Jinks Trophy (veteran horses of 15 to 19 years in all types of rides)

2.Lesley Owens – Harvey

2.Lesley Owens – Harvey

3.Julie Dunn – Oban Dancer

Endurance May/June 2013

1.Tracy Thompson – Crystal Jobaar 2.Julie Barker – Ontario 3.Janet Coupland – Breezemont Cherie Follifoot Trophy (veteran horses over 19 years in all types of rides)

1.Helen Ward – Wayside Falcon 2.Jayne Young – Alchise 3.Sue Frosher – Ben Caro Trophy (unregistered horse with the highest distance in competitive rides) 1.Rebecca Pearson – Crystal Topaz 2.Julie Barker – Ontario 3.Lesley Owens – Harvey Saxon Trophy (registered horse with the highest distance in competitive rides) 1.Tracy Thompson – Just Giles 2.Robert Blane – Ricco Esta Artisan 3.Tara Barker – Dagwood Saphire Strider Trophy (native type ponies of 14.3 hh and under, competing in all types of rides) 1.Angela Hields – Lucy locket 2.Liz Worthy – Ace 3.Laura-Jane Macholc – Douglas of Combebank BATA (veteran rider over 50 years) 1.Angela Hields – Lucy Locket

3.Robert Blane – Ricco Esta Artisan

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Group News

Autumn Pride Trophy (veteran rider over 60 years) 1.Liz Worthy – Ace 2.Marion Lowe – Corker 3.Gill Viuten – Fay Duke Trophy (coloured horses with the highest distance in all types of rides) 1.Julie Dunn – Oban Dancer 2.Lucy Walker – Flynn 3.Vicky Uca – Hermit’s Wandering Ghost Homebred Trophy (homebred horse with the highest distance in all types of rides) 1.Julie Barker – Goulton Catriona 2.Gill Viuten – Fay Young Rider Award (riders 14-21 years. Awarded to the highest distance in all types of rides) 1.Caitlin Birkitt – Sunkissed Saffron 2.Nikki Brown – Doonfellin Khamsin 3.Nicola Bentley – Ridgelane Jimmy Benjamin Cup (riders 8-13years. Awarded to the highest distance in all types of rides) 1.Tara Barker – Haverford Indiana/Dagwood Saphire 2.Zaila barker – Brierdene Northwind 3.Holly Towson – Eildon Scotch Mist Barefoot Award (barefoot horse with the highest distance in all types of rides) 1.Laura-Jane Macholc – Douglas of Combebank 2.Nicola Bentley – Ridgelane Jimmy 3.Vicky Uca – Hermit’s Wandering Ghost

Going Solo Trophy (horse and rider combination both in their season of competition) 1.Liz Dawson – Corker & Marion Lowe – Jakes Joy High Point ER 1.Tracy Thompson – Just Giles 2.Robert Blane – Ricco Esta Artisan 3.Tracy Thompson – Crystal Jobaar High Distance ER 1.Tracy Thompson – Just Giles 2.Robert Blane – Ricco Esta Artisan 3.Tracy Thompson – Crystal Jobaar Just a Trophy (award to the horse in its first season of competition)

1.Tara Barker – Haverford Indiana Retirement Sandra Nevin – Hilton Gambler Year After Year Award – 15 years (awarded for successful consecutive years of competition – a vetting required) Jayne Young – Alchise Associate Member High Distance 1.Chris Noble – Crystal Maze 2.Mark Kelly – Dylan IV 3.Catherine Garbutt – Highpark Mac Pony Club Award 1.Tara Barker – Haverford Indiana/Dagwood Saphire 2.Zaila Barker – Haverfod Saphire/Brierdene Northwind 3.Caitlin Birkitt – Sunkissed Saffron 4.Holly Thompson – Eildon Scotch Mist

EGB ICENI GROUP

placed photographers on course to capture some excellent shots. The photo attached is one of Maddie Ward, Fiona’s niece riding her lovely pony Shortie. Thank goodness the weather was kind to everyone and lifted spirits for the day after the worst weather that we have all had to endure.

EGB International rider Richard Allen was riding Almaak – a horse that is being trained for the Chinese team. Almaak will be competing at Windsor Great Park in the FEI CEI 2* competiton (10th May) running for the first time at the Windsor Horse Show this year, under a Hong Kong rider.

So far the Iceni season has worked it’s charitable magic for Comic Relief and Croxton Church with the Red Nose Ride on 17th March and it also celebrated the life of the late Fiona Ward (EGB Para competitor) with the ‘Fiona Ride’ on April 6th. A proportion of the monies raised went to the RDA Magpie centre in Norfolk who urgently needed a new cart for driving.

near Swaffham in Norfolk and enjoyed spectacular views of the ruined Castle and Priory down at Castle Acre. Two fords provided added interest and a drink but not a problem for most riders.

The day dawned bright and sunny for the ride which took place at Southacre

The Caston Camera Club had been invited to attend the ride and had strategically

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Several veteran horses were out on the day including Alison Coote with her 24 year old Liberty Belle, still going strong.

Brigid Fairman and Joyce Hulse (Fiona’s mother) were the ride organisers and the only last minute wobble was the discovery that the Civil War Re-enactment Society were active in the ride area. Thankfully they agreed to hang fire until after 1pm! All riders were most complimentary on their return.

Iceni pleasure rides are always popular and with riders adhering to the policy of politeness and consideration to all, present the positive face of long distance riding to members of the public that they may encounter on the course.

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Group News

De Cymru Celebrating Success

Pictured left to right at the Annual Meeting with their rosettes:- Kathy Allen, Jean Pritchard, Nicola Smith, Karen Davies, Gee Johns Powell, Lizzi Watts, June Davies, Jenny Myerscough, Charlie Fleming.

The Annual Meeting for the De Cymru Group had to be postponed to the end of February due to the inclement weather presenting

us with a heavy fall of snow the day before our first intended meeting. We celebrated our trophy and rosette winners who went

home with loads of awards. The season started with a very successful National Ride at Wentwood on 17th March followed by individual successes for some group members at the recent Haywood Oaks Ride.

We were thrilled to hear about Alex Tennant winning the EGB 120km CER riding Earlsdon and Charlie Fleming riding Zakhir to take 5th place in her very first 90km FEI 1* ride.

More successes were achieved in the dressage arena during the winter as Sue Box initiated a dressage competition series open to EGB members taking part in the Sinai Dressage Winter Series competitions at Usk Collegerun by Helen Dawson. The Trophy Award was based on any EGB member’s best results from three of the intro competitions in walk and trot. The Trophy was won by Saran Allott Davey with 2nd place going to Lizzi Watts, 3rd - Barbara Rees, 4th - Nicola Davies, 5th - Michelle Fox and 6th - Richard Coulton.

Celia Saunders

Endurance GB Northumberland & Tyneside Group Harwood Forest Pleasure/Training Ride 14th April 2013 It was third date lucky for the Harwood Ride this year. Didn’t think it would go ahead at all this year. A final check on the forest just the Monday before showed snow was still in there but thawing fast. The keen easterly wind dried the tracks where the sun could get to but the grassy tracks where the trees were dense were a little soggy but still very rideable.

We marked the route the day before the ride and the weather was glorious - mild and sunny with no wind. Spring had definitely sprung judging by the numerous frogs mating in the muddy puddles. Not wanting to squash any of them with the 4 x 4 my husband Ray inspected each puddle as we went along and removed any frogs oblivious of impending doom. He also removed handfuls of frogs spawn to deeper water as the puddles would of course eventually dry out before the tadpoles had a chance.

Consequently the marking took a bit longer than usually but it was no hardship when the weather was lovely and we did our good deed for the day in the process.

The weather on ride day was not so spring like – a fairly strong wind was blowing

Endurance May/June 2013

accompanied later by a couple of sharp showers but at least it kept the horses (and riders) cool.

demarked their section of the route. This was Ali’s first experience of a ride and she even managed to take photos as well!

31 riders took part and all came back delighted with the way their horses had gone.

My daughter in law Susan was secretary and my very capable 16yr old granddaughter Emily did the timekeeping. What a great team they made - all I had to do was meet and greet at the start then hand out rosettes (or chocolate bars) at the end – a really pleasant hassle free day for me!

A lot had been dubious about not being up to the 20km as early training had been almost non existent with the severe weather. We also had several young horses on their very first outing. I gave the option of stopping at 16km without loosing the mileage if riders felt their horses had done enough. This worked really well – a sort of mini ‘elevator’ ride.

I must take the opportunity to say a big thank you to my helpers:

Have had lots of lovely thanks you’s from those taking part. Seeing everyone having a good day made persevering with the ride, despite the setbacks, very rewarding.

Lesley Smith

My parking stewards who do an absolutely brilliant job of fitting everyone into limited space; Bernie Pugh, Colin Pearcy and Ray Smith (my fab husband who also does a million and one jobs every year for this ride).

Check point marshals Diane Holmes and Ali Conway who braved the elements to see each rider safely through and even

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RESULTS...RESULTS...RESULTS...RESULTS...RE

MONPAZIER (FR) (31/08/2012) F.E.I. 2 Star 130K Endurance 4th: Strawblade (Javier Cervera), 19.6kph Completion: Hell Fire (Carolyn Pacey), 14.1kph; Maissa Du Pech (Carol Smith Van Blerk), 14.1kph NEGREPELISSE (FR) (29/09/2012) F.E.I. 2 Star 130K Endurance Completion: Bluewood India (Anna Brown), 13.4kph ST AGNANT MADINE (29/09/2012) F.E.I. 3 Star 160k Endurance 3rd: Maraday Mystaron (Linda Cowperthwaite), 15.6kph LE PERTRE (FR) (13/10/2012) F.E.I. 1 Star 90K Endurance 4th: Combined Force (Javier Cervera), 17.4kph PAMIERS (FRA) (18/11/2012) C.E.I. 1* 90km Endurance Completion: Shanazar (Lyndsay Ward), 18.2kph EZEIZA BUENOS AIRES (ARG) (24/11/2012) C.E.I. 1* 80km Endurance 3rd: L M Ashirta (Nicola Gilbert), 21.1kph GOETHE CHALLENGE (USA) (15/12/2012) C.E.I. 2* 120k Endurance Ride 8th: Torpedo Masterpiece (Paresh Parmar), 14.1kph C.E.I. 1* 80k Endurance Ride 4th: Saagre Gold (Samantha Yates), 18kph 1 elimination FOREST OF DEAN MARCH HARES (03/03/2013) 67kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Aurontes (Judy Holloway), 12.5kph; Cherekee (Fiona Griffiths), 12.2kph; Heathdan Cziqita (Anne Walton), 12.9kph; Kamillah (J Phillips), 13.1kph; Pesniia (Georgina Hirst), 13kph Grade 2: Dear Kate (June Davies), 12.2kph; Drastik With A K (Linda Kidd), 13kph Grade 3: Oxnead Wheatear (Sally Farrall), 10.9kph Completion: Pachino Dynasty (Anthony Sargent), 12.4kph 1 elimination 50kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Ibn Al Helal (Anita Gordon), 13.7kph; Next In Line At Grangeway (Beti Gordon), 13.7kph; Sovereign IV (Carri-Ann Dark), 13.3kph

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Grade 2: Barik (Abigail Tennant), 12.5kph Completion: Peejay (Christine Smyth), 12.4kp 40kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Bedros (Linda Sherwood), 11.9kph; Doyenne (Kate Curry), 12.1kph Grade 2: L M Midday (Nikki Malcolm), 11.9kph; Warrens Hill Shemz (Michelle Macleod), 11.9kph Grade 3: C S Khan (Malcolm Greenaway), 11.2kph; Debrett (Melanie Davison), 11.2kph; Siiberia (Sue Loveridge), 12.3kph Grade 4: Argentina (Zoe Horton), 11.9kph; Connie (Kirsty Wiscombe), 11.5kph; Hs Azraf (Pam James), 11.2kph; Palaza (Gwendoline Pickering), 11.5kph Completion: Hs Emlin (Sally Hall), 11.2kph 1 elimination 40kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Maggie May (Gillian Balchin), 11.3kph; Prince Juvin (Laura Perry), 11.3kph; Saunders Pageboy (Kristina Jones), 11.1kph; Shuwaiman Al Kebir (Jayme Bone), 11.2kph; Terminators Dream (Lorna Kidson), 10.7kph Grade 2: Yawl Hill Kyla (Tilly Shoesmith), 11.5kph Grade 3: Ishtar Spirit (Antonia Gamage), 11.5kph; Regis (Selena Ford), 11.3kph Grade 4: Sharlih (Tina Griffiths), 11.1kph Completion: Warrens Hill Chiara (Jane Smith), 9.7kph 1 elimination 33kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Cyrion (Joanna Chisholm), 11.2kph; Hs Prophet (Carolyn Edwards), 11.2kph Grade 2: Fleur I (Alexandra Tennant), 10.8kph; Summersplace Sweet Juliet (Heather Caddick), 12.9kph; Vlacq Gilfae (Gail Andrews), 12.5kph Grade 4: Step Into Spring (Kerri Costello), 10.7kph 1 elimination 33kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Cadwaladr (Barbara Rees), 10.3kph; Frayaa (Lesley Dunn), 10.2kph; H S Jupiter (Katherine Letherby), 11.2kph; Hendrewen Pirate (Nicola Davies), 10.1kph; Omar (Fran Brown), 9.5kph; Samsara Kabir (Tony Griffin), 11.1kph; Sanchi (Claire Jenkins), 11.6kph; Solomons Ikey (Trish Griffin), 11.1kph; Stella II (Sally Lewis), 10.1kph; Trigger (Jane Walker), 10.3kph Grade 2: Bittaluck Zante (Samantha Walker), 10.3kph; Cs Ibn Fiesta (Debbie Williams), 10.6kph; Ebwgrannell Diplomat (Louise England), 11.6kph; Immortal Image (Jane Tull), 11.1kph; Lynwood Boxer (Emma Machin), 9.5kph; Rajul Al Rameem (Claire Nowicka-Price), 11.5kph

Grade 3: Inferno (Claire Rosser), 10.8kph Grade 4: Clowning Around (Elizabeth Nash), 9kph; Tavarhona (Delia Hargreaves), 11.5kph Completion: Bint Al Reeh Janoob (Greta Verkerk), 8.4kph; Penny Clawd (Belinda Stewart), 10.1kph; Seren Nia (Claire Cox), 9kph; Shaikha Bint Krayaan (Amanda May), 8.4kph 3 eliminations WOOTTON (03/03/2013) 40kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Bizout (Hannah Lydon), 11.3kph; Ghalib Zafir (Julie Martin), 13.8kph; Hassam (Christine-Anne Hull), 13.7kph; Henry (Heather Park), 12.9kph; Hissane Orashaan (Gill Brown), 13.4kph; Zim Nazka (Jacqueline Lloyd), 12.9kph Grade 2: Humbria April (Angela Smith), 11.9kph; Humbria Millie (Victoria Smith), 11.9kph; India I (Sandra Wilkinson), 14kph; Just Giles (Tracy Thompson), 15.4kph Grade 3: L T F Kalisha (Sue Headland), 12.6kph; Ricco Esta Artisan (Robert Blane), 15.4kph; Simeric Cassini (Bridie Lydon-Towle), 11.3kph 1 elimination 40kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Silva Quartz (Emma Martin), 13.8kph Grade 2: Ballydoolagh Alfie (Jeni Gilbert), 12.6kp 1 elimination 32kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Midget Gem (Karen Pammenter), 11.9kph Grade 4: R'barabas (Emily Mchugh), 11.7kph 2 eliminations 32kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Another Kestral (Paula Bocalandro), 12.4kph; Cloverleas Huzairan (Francesca Palmer-Hourd), 9.6kph; Digger II (Samantha Fearn), 12.1kph; Glackmore Boy (Tess Wheldon), 12.4kph; Taaqib (Allyson Sole), 10.7kph Grade 2: Chocolate Whirlwind (Michelle Clarke), 12.1kph; Daante (Ellie Moxon), 9.6kph; Lucy Locket (Angela Hields), 10.9kph Grade 4: Abyssinia Ibn Abishai (Kate Atkinson), 11.7kph; Skip (L Harrison), 12kph 1 elimination CANNOCK CHASE SPRING (09/03/2013) 64kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Earlsdon (Alexandra Tennant), 14.7kph; French Lieutenant (Dace Sainsbury), 15.2kph; Halim El Shaklan (Sally Mellor), 13.2kph; Jack Dawson (Lorna Kidson),

Official members publication for Endurance GB

ESULTS...RESULTS...RESULTS...RESULTS...RESUL

15.2kph; Kates Mate (Carri-Ann Dark), 13.8kph; Khartoum With A K (Nikki Malcolm), 14.4kph; Millennium Chorus (Annette Masterson), 14.5kph; Mostafanother R (Charlotte Chadwick), 12.8kph; Shoshana (Ann Harrison), 14.5kph; Velvet Echo (Lesley-Ann Parker), 13kph; Vlacq Diamond Sparkle (Tricia Hirst), 14.3kph Grade 2: Angelina Ginny (Katy Mellor), 13.2kph; Barik (Abigail Tennant), 13.5kph; Bey R'ahmoun (Lucy Parker), 13kph; Polaris (Georgina Hirst), 14.7kph Grade 3: Seren Capella (Rebecca Kinnarney), 13.8kph; Sigmunt (Tracey Walthall), 12.8kph; Warrens Hill Franchezka (Jackie Lockett), 16.9kph Grade 4: Aberllwyds Another Rose (Susan Higgins), 13.1kph; Aragorn (Ruth Chadwick), 12.8kph; Bashir Shamyr (Brett Corcoran), 17kph; Madjin Des Pins (Philip Hirst), 14.3kph; Panama Du Caussanel (Ylva Mowatt), 14.7kph 1 elimination 48kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 4: Zuleika (Bethan Davies), 14.7kph 45kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Zakhir (Charlotte Fleming), 15.6kph Grade 2: Maraday Mystaron (Linda Cowperthwaite), 14.3kph Grade 3: Aberllwyd Prince Elky (Claire Pilkington), 13.5kph; Caa Labib (Kenneth Mapp), 13.9kph Completion: Cs Ibn Fiesta (Debbie Williams), 13.3kph 45kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 2: Indygo (Mary Stubbs), 11.4kph 2 retired 32kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: April Fairy (Molly Corcoran), 12.7kph; Emily Jane (Susan Norcop), 13.6kph; Hannibal's Pride (Jane Stewart), 15.1kph Grade 2: Badran (Kate Atkinson), 12.1kph; Favian Southey Star (Gerina Corcoran), 12.6kph; Gayhanieh's Star (Lesley Cantrill), 12.5kph; Gladston Blaze (Anne Green), 12.6kph; Hs Iliad (Sue Bostelmann), 12.7kph; Ibn Kayeed (Nicholas Tweedie-Smith), 11.4kph; Kizhi (Melanie Davison), 13.3kph; Night Owl (Suzanne Chamberlain), 13.3kph; Radwaan (Lesley List), 15.2kph Grade 3: Apache (Katy Williams), 13.2kph; Ben Shah (Larissa Whiley), 15.1kph; Deemonstrator (Olwen Bryer), 11.6kph; Granby Sting (Maureen Langham), 12.4kph; Vlacq Gilfae (Gail Andrews), 12.7kph; Zhiwah (Pat Guerin), 12kph

Endurance May/June 2013

Grade 4: Bhautika (Rachel Rolfe), 12.6kph Completion: Abyssinia Ibn Abishai (Rachael Atkinson), 12.1kph; Cosmo (Helen Foster), 12.9kph; Katie (Herbie Owen), 11kph; Lovelyhill Stepping Out (Beverley Davies), 12.3kph; Moonshiner (Clare Hutchinson), 12.8kp 2 eliminations 32kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Consider Me (Angela Corner), 10.8kph; Good Time Charlie (Jo Bunyan), 13.5kph; Kenitra Du Somail (Sharon Parr), 11.9kph; Kingstown Cove (Ellie Bunyan), 13.5kph; Lord Dragon Fly (Michelle Clarke), 12.8kph; Magners Gold (Jane Wyatt), 12kph; Stagborough Eliza (Camilla Mascall), 11.5kph; Tiamo (Sarah Driscoll), 10.3kph; Unbelievable (Gaynor Laverick), 13.5kph; Warrens Hill Troy (Sophie Williams), 11.9kph; Whippletree Excalibur (Heather Warburton), 12.7kph Grade 2: Alazan (Alexandra Nix), 10.3kph; Castlecoote Westside (Annette Hornbuckle), 13.5kph; Diamond Flight (Shaun Walsh), 10.8kph; Lady Of Trefynwy (Richard Coulton), 10.8kph Grade 3: Amr Bin Goudah (Jayme Bone), 10.3kph Grade 4: Colonel (Philip Cooper), 12kph; Digger II (Samantha Fearn), 12.8kph; Dikorum (Pamela Cavendish), 10.2kph; Perryfields Color Of Majic (Wendy Tiffin), 12.5kph; Stainmore Black Opal (Vicki Malysz-Smith), 13.5kph; Tornado (John Black), 10.8kph Completion: Callista (Gillian Hasberry), 13.5kph; Sky Indigo (Donna Taylor), 8.2kph; Trigger (Jane Walker), 8.2kph; Wimberry Bronze Blade (Jean Spearing), 12kph; Zyta (Gaynor Rose), 10.4kph 3 eliminations and 1 retired MAJOR OAK (17/03/2013) 64kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Aberllwyd Femme Fatalle (Kathy Carr), 15kph; April Fairy (Molly Corcoran), 13.8kph; Doonfellin Khamsin (Nikki Brown), 14.4kph; Favian Southey Star (Gerina Corcoran), 13.5kph; Ghalib Zafir (Julie Martin), 14.8kph; Lightning Dark Falcon (Emma Martin), 14.8kph; Oreci De Tenelles (Jeanette Bennett), 12.1kph; Radja Al Mels (David Yeoman), 13kph; Sigmunt (Tracey Walthall), 13.4kph; Silvretta Grand Marnier (Sally Farrall), 12.1kph; Vavavoom (Carri-Ann Dark), 15.1kph; Vlacq Bronze Image (Tricia Hirst), 14.8kph Grade 2: Aristotle Bay (Brett Corcoran), 13.8kph; Haszar (Ylva Mowatt), 15.2kph; Just Giles (Tracy Thompson), 14.7kph; Prukamzan (Charlotte

Chadwick), 15.1kph; Sabi Waseem (Sue Headland), 12.8kph Grade 3: Basford Showman (Amber Sole), 12.2kph; Bhautika (Rachel Rolfe), 11.5kph; Crystal Topaz (Rebecca Pearson), 12.4kph; Gladston Blaze (Anne Green), 11.5kph; Murphy Himself (Bridget Brown), 14.4kph Grade 4: Ricco Esta Artisan (Robert Blane), 14.2kph; Zoe's Flight (Allyson Sole), 12.2kph Completion: Cosmo (Helen Foster), 11.5kph 1 elimination 48kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 3: Amber IV (Lynsey Bainbridge), 13.2kph; Neverly De Mescam (Lisa Powell), 14.5kph Grade 4: Chazan (Jacqueline Atkin), 14.5kph 32kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Night Owl (Suzanne Chamberlain), 14kph; Phine Skies Crusada (Liz Benwell), 11.1kph; Zhiwah (Pat Guerin), 11.8kph Grade 2: Aragorn (Ruth Chadwick), 13.4kph; Emmaley (Sue Mayer), 13.6kph; Flurrie (Jeni Gilbert), 12.8kph; Hs Iliad (Sue Bostelmann), 11.8kph; Oakthwaite Samara (Kate Atkinson), 13.1kph; Ras Lafan (Daisy Strang), 12.4kph Grade 3: Cs Clarion (Jane Welcher), 11.1kph; Eas Indiana Al Arabi (Laura Davies), 12.6kph; Ltf Narada (Nicola Bowley), 11kph; Tommy (Diane Hudson), 11.8kph; True Blue Of Torthorwald (Carole Sykes), 12.4kph; Vlacq Gilfae (Gail Andrews), 11.8kph Grade 4: Burfield Court Appearance (Helen Boston), 14.1kph; Squire (Gaynor Jones), 11.8kph; Vanash (Rachael Atkinson), 13.1kph Completion: Crystal Eyas (Susan Marriott), 10.6kph; L M A Hadayyah (Emily Ferguson), 10.7kph; Shermans Riva (Victoria Davies), 12.6kph 4 eliminations 32kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Another Kestral (Paula Bocalandro), 11.7kph; Beckmeetings Karim (Heidi Lewis), 10.8kph; Cami (Kelly Stone), 12.5kph; Glackmore Boy (Tess Wheldon), 11.7kph; Perryfields Color Of Majic (Wendy Tiffin), 11.6kph; Venus Eclipse (Tracy Whitchurch), 11.7kph Grade 2: Ben Shah (Rebecca Constabel), 12.6kph; Wooda (Sarah Thurnell), 12.6kph Grade 3: Ariel (Paula Scott), 12.6kph; Kristal (Jocelyn Broadhurst), 11.6kph Grade 4: Belle Etoile Bolero (Amie Grainger),

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RESULTS...RESULTS...RESULTS...RESULTS...RE

12.4kph; Blaze (Gemma Whyles), 12.5kph; Flynn (Lucy Walker), 10kph; Harvey V (Lesley Owens), 10.8kph; Lucy Locket (Angela Hields), 11.4kph Completion: Harvey (Julie Turner), 11kph; Verni (Rachel Knight), 13.4kph 1 elimination PRIMROSE (17/03/2013) 65kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Oakleaze Farm Czarko (Lauren Mills), 12.5kph; Summer Mistral (Caroline Cowley), 14kph Grade 2: Tom (Mandy Yarnold), 11.8kph 40kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Doyenne (Kate Curry), 12.6kph; G F A Mydass (Pauline Higgs), 11.3kph; Jongleur (Pippa Morris), 11.2kph; Pegase (Caroline Hawes), 11.9kph; Z T Richshakfy (David Hawes), 11.9kph Grade 2: Binley Prince Salim (Susan Hawes), 11.9kph; Cardinal Panache (Julia Harman), 12kph; Crown Prince Of Silver Blue (Leonie Davenport), 12kph; Muziki (Julia Watts), 13.3kph; Quarene (Fiona Sanderson), 12.1kph Grade 3: Dunstan's Dunnit Again (Christine Smyth), 12.6kph; Lucy O (Sue Olsen), 11.2kph 1 elimination 40kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Archers Arrow (Claire Nice), 10.4kph; Hs Parnasse (Gillian Mann), 11.3kph; Scrumpy2 (Anja Brandt), 13.3kph 33kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Bashir Dhakwan (Deena Goad), 13.5kph Grade 4: M H S Amir El Sudan (Samantha Hunt), 12.3kph Completion: Allahkazam (Jennifer Newman), 12.4kph; Emira Bint Letifa (Sally Toye), 12.2kph 33kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Jerry (Ollie Holman), 10.9kph; Sheer Bliss (Lorna Kidson), 12.3kph; Whitecliff's Flight Of Fancy (Corinne Bailey), 11.5kph Grade 2: Reena Screena Star (Coralie Holman), 10.9kph Grade 4: Hs Espion (Heather Weston), 11.9kph WENTWOOD FOREST IN SPRING (17/03/2013) 80kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 2: Connie (Kirsty Wiscombe), 11.5kph 64kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Ibn Al Helal (Anita Gordon), 13.4kph; L M Crazy Girl (Nikki Malcolm), 12.6kph; Next

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In Line At Grangeway (Beti Gordon), 13.4kph; Sealeah Myranda (Harry Adshead), 11.3kph Grade 2: L R Bold Greyson (Zoe Horton), 12.6kph; Oliver Twist IV (Samantha Owen), 11.5kph Grade 3: Just Kidding (Dace Sainsbury), 12.3kph; Peejay (Christine Smyth), 11.3kph 1 retired 40kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: C F S Diana Of Court (Abigail Chisholm), 11.2kph; Malabar Storm (Gillian Talbot), 12.5kph; Merlyn (Elizabeth Whiteley), 13kph; Palaza (Gwendoline Pickering), 11.2kph; Saturn (Laura Perry), 12.8kph Grade 2: Cyrion (Joanna Chisholm), 11.2kp Grade 3: Babouska (Chelsea Bristow), 12.8kph Grade 4: D'Hab (Kim Sinnott), 11.8kph Completion: Samrah (Tracy Haines), 12kph 40kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Fleur I (Claire Rosser), 11kph; Inferno (Alexandra Tennant), 11kph; Maggie May (Gillian Balchin), 12.8kph Grade 2: Hendrewen Pirate (Nicola Davies), 9.7kph; See You Sunday (Amber Barnicoat), 12.8kph; Warrens Hill Chiara (Jane Smith), 11.6kph Grade 3: Sharlih (Tina Griffiths), 12.3kph; Stella II (Sally Lewis), 9.7kph Grade 4: Yawl Hill Maverick (Antonia Gamage), 11.5kph Completion: Devil's Diva II (Daniella Hewitt), 10.5kph 32kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Granby Sting (Maureen Langham), 12.7kph; Zarzuela (Christine Wensley), 12kph Grade 4: Ryminni (Jane Baldry), 12kph Completion: Step Into Spring (Kerri Costello), 10.7kph 2 eliminations 32kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Cathael Dai Jones (Elizabeth Watts), 10.3kph; Duggan's Forge (Cheryl Hughes), 10.1kph; Rajul Al Rameem (Claire Nowicka-Price), 12.9kph Grade 2: Lily Langtree (Kate Gillam), 13.1kph; Mouse (Michelle Fox), 10.3kph Grade 3: Bint Al Reeh Janoob (Greta Verkerk), 8.7kph; Penny Clawd (Belinda Stewart), 9kph; Shaikha Bint Krayaan (Amanda May), 8.7kph Grade 4: Mehshiv (Lucy Byrom), 12kph

Completion: Bob (Jane Jeffs), 10.1kph; Lady (Abigail Summerfield), 9.7kph SCIENCE SUPPLEMENTS KINGS FOREST (24/03/2013) 120kms F.E.I. 2star Endurance Ride 1st: Vlacq Diamond Sparkle (Tricia Hirst), 16.9kph 1 elimination 120kms F.E.I. 2star Young Rider Endurance Ride 1st: French Lieutenant (Dace Sainsbury), 17.2kph 2nd: Oakleaze Farm Czarko (Lauren Mills), 16.8kph 3rd: Bashir Shamyr (Brett Corcoran), 16kph 80kms Competitive Endurance Ride 1st: Bey R'ahmoun (Lucy Parker), 15.9kph 2nd: Jack Dawson (Lorna Kidson), 15.4kph 80kms F.E.I. 1star Endurance Ride 1st: Khartoum With A K (Nikki Malcolm), 16.6kph 2nd: Kates Mate (Carri-Ann Dark), 16.6kph 3rd: Velvet Echo (Lesley-Ann Parker), 16.5kph 4th: Binley Prince Salim (Susan Hawes), 15.4kph 5th: More Confusion (Heather Whiteley), 13kph 6th: Chikara (Janice Cockley-Adams), 12.3kph 7th: Tes Ezraa (Fiona Price), 12.2kph 2 eliminations and 2 retired 80kms F.E.I. 1star Young Rider Endurance Ride 1st: Elayla (Katie Bedwin), 16.5kph 2nd: Z T Richshakfy (David Hawes), 15.4kph 1 retired 80kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 4: El Karismma (Alice Beet), 12.5kph 48kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 2: Neverly De Mescam (Lisa Powell), 13.3kph Grade 3: Chazan (Jacqueline Atkin), 13.3kph Grade 4: Callista (Gillian Hasberry), 12.8kph 40kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Kazeme El Mystral (Jo Crouch), 9.5kph Grade 3: Yawl Hill Kyla (Antonia Gamage), 9.5kph Completion: Agyl (Stefania Martinoli), 9.9kph 32kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Aveiro (Jill Wilson), 13.4kph 1 elimination 32kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Joyces Choice (Hannah Maskell), 11.9kph; Ryu (Sue Box), 11.8kph

Official members publication for Endurance GB

ESULTS...RESULTS...RESULTS...RESULTS...RESUL

Grade 2: Maesmynach Rebel (Bridget Hughes), 10.6kph; Quizz De Loperhet (Christine Ryan), 11kph Grade 3: Master Henry (Natalie Chandler), 9.5kph Completion: Zowington (Gb) (Elaine Milczarek), 11kph WADEBRIDGE RIDE (24/03/2013) 64kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Fantom (Annie Joppe), 12.3kph; Magic Powers (Valerie Bradshaw), 11.5kph; Silver Zourra (Nicola Sherry), 12.2kph Grade 3: Golden Gigolo (Deborah Edmond), 10.6kph Grade 4: T F A Ibn Al Gert (Beverley Jenkin), 11.6kph; Vlasta Weiner (Lynn Harvey), 11.7kph 2 eliminations and 2 retired 50kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: H S Envoy (Christine Cameron), 12.2kph Grade 2: Hs Ecuador (Matthew Cameron), 12.2kph Grade 3: Sadie (Felicity Stockwell), 12.6kph 50kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Rocheros Qasbah (Nicola Martin), 12kph 32kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Desert Kudoss (Ginny Gidley), 11.7kph; Destinys Child (Susan Speed), 12.8kph; Kelsters Transit Of Venus (Elizabeth Matthews), 12.4kph; Lustre (Caroline Lloyd), 14.2kph; Rumpus (Laura Quick), 11.1kph; Zayin Encantado (Jenny Pierson), 11.6kph Grade 2: Astral Mystique (Jan Prettejohn), 11.8kph; Eluard (Julia Wolfendale), 11.3kph; Mualim Shael (Maria Baverstock), 13.1kph Grade 3: Dubai Valentino (Sarah Bishop), 11.2kph; Misteltoe (Anne Marvin), 10.8kph; Vlacq Melika Kayal (Lorraine Flood), 10.9kph Grade 4: Sahir Kashmir (Trena Brock), 10.7kph; Salimrashid (Jill Thomas), 11.8kph Completion: Duchy Mimosa (Martin Voysey), 10.9kph; Evermore Artistic (Carina Kane), 11.4kph 2 eliminations 32kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Beewitched (Peta-Jane Field), 10.7kph; Brechfa Dansker (Kim Hicks), 10.6kph; Hurtstock Special Flame (Pauline Bird), 9.8kph; Kairie (Ryan Brock), 10.7kph; Killyanchor Magical Jewel (Jessie Lethbridge), 10.3kph; Nuralina (Debra Colling), 10.6kph; Oision's Wizard (Anderijn Peeters), 12.8kph;

Endurance May/June 2013

Rv Riverdance (Amanda Nicholson), 12.4kph; Seiont Gwrol (Gemma Stevens), 10.6kph; Tamarton Roxanne (Linda James), 11.7kph; Trevoulter Tovak (Daniel Perkin), 10.6kph; Ty Shute Meadow (Saffron Bishop), 11.2kph; Ysta (Emily Colling), 10.6kp Grade 2: Alfie I (Julie Elvy), 11.4kph; Derwen Bradon (Andy Howard), 11.4kph; Grania (Tina Handley), 11.7kph; Laddie (Rebecca Vinton), 12.4kph; Moortown Monsoon (Abbie Row), 12.8kph; River Gypsy (Victoria Ham), 12kph; Schmeichel (Sheila Penhaligon), 10.6kph; Treswarrow Prudence (Naomi Rawlings), 11.4kph; Trewaters Lotta Luck (Samantha Gilbert), 12.4kph Grade 3: Hs El Nafous (Deborah Duncan), 11.6kph; Silverlea Dancing Flame (Alison Stevens), 10.6kph Grade 4: Bobbys Girl (Vicky Taylor), 8.8kph 4 eliminations SOUTHDOWNS FESTIVAL (07/04/2013) 80kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Jack Dawson (Lorna Kidson), 16.7kph Grade 2: El Karismma (Alice Beet), 14kph; Gnocchi (Linda Kidd), 14kph; Hs Emlin (Sally Hall), 14kph 66kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Argentina (Zoe Horton), 15.1kph; Autumn Reflection (Sarah Ewart), 13.1kph; Doyenne (Kate Curry), 13.3kph; L M Midday (Nikki Malcolm), 15.1kph; Tom (Mandy Yarnold), 15.6kph; Warrens Hill Shemz (Michelle Macleod), 15.1kph; Zarzuela (Christine Wensley), 12.3kph Grade 3: Ryminni (Jane Baldry), 12.3kph Completion: Emira Bint Letifa (Sally Toye), 12.9kph 2 eliminations and 1 retired 42kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Bashir Dhakwan (Deena Goad), 14.3kph; Coedeneirin Solo (Lisa Franks), 14.5kph Grade 2: No Name (Sue Hughes), 14.9kph Grade 3: Yawl Hillbilly (Kirsty Wiscombe), 11kph Grade 4: Alwyn's Did You Ever (Douglas Campbell), 11.8kph 1 elimination 42kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Aussie (Lorraine Brown), 13.5kph; Joyces Choice (Hannah Maskell), 13.1kph; Scrumpy2 (Anja Brandt), 13.1kph; Simeric Solaman (Julia Harman), 12.6kph

Grade 2: Bey Sahli (Carri-Ann Dark), 11.8kph; Bonnie Sonata (Caroline Bennetts), 12.6kph; Open All Hours (Olwen Bryer), 11.8kph; Terminators Dream (Dace Sainsbury), 14.3kph; Yawl Hill Kyla (Simon Richardson), 11kph Completion: Merchymynydd (Helen Taylor), 14.8kph 33kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Crown Prince Of Silver Blue (Leonie Davenport), 13kph; Jerry (Ollie Holman), 14.4kph; Rochester Wong (Caroline Sutherland), 12.9kph Grade 2: Allahkazam (Jennifer Newman), 12.9kph Grade 4: Boolagh Betty (Hilary Carr), 13.5kph 2 eliminations 33kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Aanisa (Kristina Pettit), 10.1kph; Badgers Lola (Julie Card), 10.2kph; Carsons Legacy (Sherrie Cooper), 11.7kph; Cuba (Fay Talbot), 11.7kph; Derry's Dream (Paige Knee), 12.5kph; Dromasque (Suzanne Davenport), 13kph; Hunphrey (Lisa Davies), 11.7kph; Indian Najmah (Joanna Neyland), 12.6kph; Izzy (Anne Gartside), 12.6kph; Jamaaron (Joanna Upton), 12.6kph; Jd (Eiddwen Fletcher), 15kph; Kal Baishakhi (Rebecca Northover), 12.9kph; Lady Ace (Lynda Maples), 9.7kph; Miss Bounty (Clair Hood), 11.5kph; Oes Ibn Al Qasim (Carole Pearce), 13.2kph; Omer Simps (Jody Green), 11.7kph; Poppy (Faye Mitchell), 12.5kph; Red House Saladin (Andrea Newby), 10.3kph; Vanquisher (Lindsay Sparrow), 11kp Grade 2: Archie (Janet Edwards), 11.5kph; El Azraff Amirah (Judith Yarnold), 10.1kph; Hs Espion (Heather Weston), 11.7kph; Limbunya (Anita Ferris), 11.3kph; Moonshine Just The Business (Joanne Archer), 11.7kph; Reena Screena Star (Coralie Holman), 14.4kph; Reggie (Paula Newman), 10.4kph; Seren Rigel (Rebecca Kinnarney), 11.7kph; Truleigh Harvest Gold (Carol Rose), 10.4kph Grade 3: Fflare (Milly Malthouse), 11.6kph; Good Morgan (Jessica Sedgewick), 12.5kph; Ltf Kapra C (Paul Henman), 11.6kph; Rasikh (Louise Palmer), 13.8kph; Tylands Kumar (Isabel Lee-Elliott), Grade 4: Havana (Sarah Drabwell), 12.3kph Completion: Asta (Cordelia-Johnson-Gilbert), 11.7kph; Hs Parnasse (Gillian Mann), 11.5kph; Push The Button (Karen Carr), 11.7kph; Remmington Steel (Kelly Finch), 9.5kph 1 elimination

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Product Update

Saracen

other end of the spectrum performing fast, intense exercise but for short periods.

Endurance feeds are formulated to specifically support the nutrient requirements of these performance horses and Saracen ENDURO 100 is formulated to specifically meet the requirements of the endurance horse with the following features: •

Unlike other performance horses, endurance horses perform exercise that is of low intensity but of long duration. This type of exercise puts different demands on the body and its metabolism in comparison to, for example, the racehorse, which is at the

A variety of energy sources, with emphasis on “Super-fibres” and oils, provide slow-release energy for stamina. Micronised cereals are included for sprint finishes, uphill climbs and to replenish muscle glycogen stores.

•

Chelated minerals for enhanced absorption and retention of key minerals to maintain optimum metabolism and performance

•

Elevated levels of antioxidants including the ‘super’ vitamin, vitamin E. Vitamin E helps to protect cells from free radicals that are generated during metabolism

and ultimately can damage healthy cells. Vitamin E helps to prevent muscle soreness and can reduce recovery times between training and competition. It also plays a huge role in maintaining optimum immune function.

•

Yeast to enhance fibre digestion and maintain a stable environment in the hindgut for ‘friendly’ bacteria to flourish

•

ENDURO 100 should be used in conjunction with a suitable electrolyte programme to prevent dehydration pre, during and post endurance competition

Saracen Horse Feeds offer a personalised rationing programme via our online, free “Feed Advice” service.

This service enables owners to send in information on their horse, activity and current diet, and receive a technical diet plan including a full ration breakdown and evaluation on how the ration balances. Visit our website at

www.saracenhorsefeeds.com

Vitamins and Minerals – Did You Know? hooves take 6 to 9 months to grow from coronary band to floor, what you feed in the winter is what you are riding on in the summer.

Feeding a fully balanced diet all year round is therefore essential. Consider using a balancer, like Baileys Lo-Cal or Performance Balancer, when calorie requirements are low, to maintain nutrient intake.

The importance of vitamins and minerals in the competition horse’s diet cannot be over emphasised yet many horse owners forget their significance until their horse has a problem.

Hooves Problem feet are one of the greatest limiters of performance and healthy hoof growth is reliant on a range of nutrients, including essential amino acids, like methionine, minerals like, zinc, copper, sulphur and selenium, plus vitamins A and biotin. Just feeding biotin alone, is therefore unlikely to bring a satisfactory solution and, since

42

Performance All minerals have many functions within the body but zinc and manganese are also vital components of enzymes and play an important role in the utilisation and metabolism of carbohydrates and fats so, even though a diet may supply more than enough carbohydrates to fuel performance, if the micronutrients are in short supply, the energy sources cannot be utilized to the full.

recommended levels or feed a balancer.

Baileys use Bioplex® chelated minerals and Sel-Plex® organic selenium in their balancers and performance feeds to ensure that these essential nutrients are easily absorbed and utilised by the horse’s body.

For advice on feeding for optimum performance, contact Baileys Horse Feeds on 01371 850247 or visit

www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

Horses on less than the recommended amount of hard feed can feel “lacklustre” because they are missing out on essential vitamins and minerals. Either choose a lower energy feed which you can feed at

Official members publication for Endurance GB

No Bute ( Not phenylbutazone)

The Original

liquid Devils Claw feed supplement.

Proven success since 1996 Comfort for joints the natural way 1, 2.5, 5 & 20 Lt

No Bute Premium Contains Glucosamine, M.S.M. & Vitamin C

Available online 1 - 2 day delivery

www.animal-health.co.uk

38 - 40 Broton Estate, Halstead, Essex. CO9 1HB Tel: 01787 476400 Fax: 01787 475998