EGB May/Jun 2018

Endurance OFFICIAL MEMBERS PUBLICATION FOR ENDURANCE GB

VOLUME 15 ISSUE â„–3

MAY/JUN 2018

WELFARE HYDRATION

& SUPPLEMENTS IN THIS ISSUE: LOOKING AT LONGEVITY WWW.ENDURANCEGB.CO.UK

SPOTLIGHT

YOUNG RIDERS SCHOLARSHIPS

PACING YOUR RIDE

CONTENTS

EDITOR’S COMMENT

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18

!

30

04

Views from the Chair

15

Ride Report: Jolly Moors

30

Rewarding Longevity

06

News

16

SERC at Haywood Oaks

32

Welfare: Pacing in Endurance

08

Bio-Security

18

Golden Days for Golden Horseshoe Part 2

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Groups

10

National Equine Forum Report

22

Farriery Education – India

39

Prize Draw

12

Bewerley Training Day

24

Nutrition – Electrolytes

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Results

13

Prize Draw

26

Young Riders – Scholarships

42

Classified Ads/Diary Dates

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Pony Club Endurance

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Getting the Most from Every Mile

S

o, does anyone know quite which season we are in??

One day horses are in winter attire, next they are naked in the fields with 24 hour turnout…quickly followed by a mad dash to fetch them in, as monsoon conditions prevail! The British and the weather!!

The unsettled conditions have caused grief for many ride organisers and competitors, as events have had to be cancelled or re-organised, making the season hard to plan. However, as I write this, we are approaching Golden Horseshoe weekend and the weather looks set fair!

Fingers crossed!

Over the past few weeks I have managed to get to several rides, and it is great to see so many members out enjoying the countryside and their horses. From one extreme to another, TSing at Primrose ride…where it was chilly, drizzly, but went ahead very successfully, with cheerful riders mainly achieving their goals, to Royal Windsor. A bright and breezy day, with a busy venue, although well organized and set out, and a great range of nations taking part in a unique event.

Crewing on this occasion was remarkably relaxed, and we had a good day. Congratulations to all who took part, especially those with successful outcomes.

It was lovely to see the Queen taking such an interest in the event. There will be a report and photos in the next issue.

Going forward, in this issue, there are reports, competitions, advice, and information to take forward to the benefit of yourself as a rider and your horse as an athlete.

Wishing you a great summer of competition and riding, see you on the trail.

Cindy

Cindy Russell Editor of Endurance

Endurance May/Jun 2018

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Endurance

VIEWS FROM THE CHAIR DEAR MEMBERS What a pleasure to write to you with better weather across most of the UK and the ride season upon us. I hope that you are enjoying the rides that we have held to date, and are looking forward to events taking place throughout the summer and early autumn. It looks like such a long ride season ahead of us, and then somehow (for me at least) it always whizzes by, so get planning now!

Please remember that if you have suggestions and proposals for us to consider, we would really like to do that throughout the year rather than wait for these to come in as rule changes before the AGM. This enables us to consider them fully with plenty of time, and to have the opportunity to discuss them with Ride Organisers, Committees, and our Volunteers network during the ride season.

The Board of Endurance GB has many diverse roles to carry out, and we hope to share much more about what we do. Some key areas will be very evident to you, and one of these is of course our membership numbers and our wish for new members to bolster our society and see us grow. We also want to hold a good variety of events, with many types of terrain, different distances, multi day classes , essentially to ensure that we appeal to all types of rider. We have a very good programme for the year, which we hope you will take full advantage of. If you have ideas that would encourage more Members, or suggestions for bringing new Volunteers into our sport, then we would love to hear from you.

Our social media pages are beginning to fill up with lots of coverage of

you and your horses out and about, so please keep posting and sharing information about what you are doing. It’s incredibly rewarding for all those that put events on to hear about your experiences, and see photos of yourself and your horses.

I know there are members out there who may not be fans of social media pages, but these and the website news section really are the quickest way for us to share hot off the press information to you, and to share your updates and your great photos.

Happy Riding to you all, Nicki

Nicki Thorne

Chairman of Endurance GB

Endurance GB Board of Directors Chairman Nicki Thorne Tel: 07917 094752 Email: nickithorne@ endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2019 Vice Chairman Harry Ingram Tel: 07793 813083 Email: harryingram@ endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2018 Company Secretary Ann Dark Tel: 01380 818223 Email: anndark@ endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2020

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Finance Director Sue Box Tel: 07867 512673 Email: suebox@ endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2018

Esther Young Tel: 07454 929919 Email: estheryoung@ endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2019

SERC Representation Constance Newbould Tel: 07973 726001 Email: constance newbould@ endurancegb.co.uk

Kerry Dawson Tel: 07818 283144 Email: kerrydawson@ endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2019

Rebecca Kinnarney Tel: 07801 868481 Email: rebecca kinnarney@ endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2020

John Robertson Tel 07801 686959 Email: johnrobertson@ endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2019

Anna Williams Tel: 07572 543538 Email: annawilliams@ endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2020

Directors of Endurance GB are volunteers, so please be patient and considerate with any queries. Most Directors also work full time elsewhere and so are not always available for calls during working hours. No calls before 9am or after 9pm please.

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION Endurance GB Office, Abbey Park, Stareton, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2RP t: 02476 697929 f: 02476 418429 EDITOR Cindy Russell Green Farm Stables, Albyns Lane, Essex RM4 1RX t: 01708 688075 e: cynburstud@gmail.com PUBLISHER Matrix Print Consultants Ltd Unit C, Northfield Point, Cunliffe Drive, Kettering, Northants, NN16 9QJ t: 01536 527297 f: 01536 527294 e: info@matrixprint.com DESIGNER Matrix Print Consultants Ltd Sacha Robinson-Forster ADVERTISING Matrix Print Consultants Ltd Catherine Baldock t: 01536 527 297 e: catherineb@matrixprint.com DEADLINES Copy Dates to Editor for future issues of Endurance: Issue Jul/Aug 2018 by 22nd Jun Issue Sep/Oct 2018 by 22nd Aug If you wish to advertise in the Jul/Aug 2018 issue, artwork deadline is 16th July.

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. ISSN 2516-2349 COVER PHOTO

Carri Ann Dark competing at Royal Windsor FEI 1*, with HS Drift Photo courtesy of Gilly Wheeler

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NEWS DARREN BUTLER

EGB's new administrative officer We are delighted to have a new administrative officer on board and would like to wish Darren all the best in his new role.

Darren Butler has joined us from Nuffield Health in Warwick, where he worked for nearly three years as the site administrator and repairs coordinator carrying out a range of tasks and working with their 7 hospitals.

He also volunteers on the Whitnash Sports and Social Club as the Membership Secretary and the Events Manager, where he attends regular meetings, puts on a variety of events as well as manages their Facebook page and other social media. In the past year they have managed to turn the club around from losing around £2000 a month, to making its first profit last month!

Darren is looking forward to his new chapter and has already got off to a f lying start. Please be sure to welcome him when you speak to him.

ADVICE AND INFORMATION FOR REPORTING ABANDONED AND NEGLECTED HORSES Redwings Horse Sanctuary has launched a new online resource full of practical information for anyone with concerns about neglected or abandoned horses.

Following figures released by the RSPCA that almost 1,000 equines were rescued in 2017, Redwings has issued guidance for members of the public reporting a welfare concern, including details of the information required, what happens after a report is lodged and the laws that protect animal welfare.

Over the winter, from November 2017 to March 2018, Redwings attended 102 welfare cases involving 413 equines – a 67% increase in cases and a 71% increase in equines compared to 2016/17.

Similarly, since the start of this year, Redwings has seen a 13% increase in the number of owners asking the Sanctuary to take on their horses after struggling to provide for them.

Nic de Brauwere, Redwings’ Head of Welfare, spoke about the horse crisis on the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire Show on 24th April. Nic said: “The number of welfare cases reported to Redwings continues to

WITH THE SUPPORT OF HPOWER ENDURANCE LTD

EGB PRESENTS

AN INTERNATIONAL ENDURANCE SEMINAR Date: Friday, 13th July 2018 Venue: Euston Park, Near Thetford IP24 2QP on FEI Rules & Regulations - Endurance Presenter: Ian Williams (FEI 4* Judge, Technical Delegate, Course Designer and Level 3 Steward) A full day conference examining all aspects of FEI regulations governing Endurance Competitions at International Level.

The programme is designed to support and assist all those existing and prospective International Endurance Athletes, Horse Owners, Trainers and Competition Officials.

Those attending will have the opportunity to actively participate in theory, practice and scenario content sessions.

Lunch and coffees will be provided and conference attendees will each receive a 'take home’ Conference Pack that can be used as a reference source going forward. Places will be limited and so early booking is recommended.

Enquiries: anndark@endurancegb.co.uk

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rise which means the horse crisis in the UK is showing no signs of slowing down".

The RSPCA’s inspectorate national equine co-ordinator Christine McNeil added: “We’ve been talking about the horse crisis for several years now, but the truth is the situation is just as severe today as when it started. Last year (2017) we took in more horses than we have in any of the past four years, and with our inspectors being called to rescue more and more every week, we are stretched to the limits.

“Up and down England and Wales, horses are being found sick, or dumped liked rubbish, dying or dead. Distressingly, this is common and it’s a huge issue. We are constantly receiving calls to our cruelty line on average 80 per day about horses alone - as well as messages every day on social media from very concerned and upset people asking for our help."

To access Redwings’ online resource on the UK’s horse crisis, visit www.redwings.org.uk/horse-crisis

SEIB CLIENTS VOTE FOR THE BHS TO RECEIVE £50K SEIB Insurance Brokers hosted their inaugural Charity Awards luncheon at the Grange City Hotel, London on the 23rd April. SEIB’s Chief Executive Officer, Barry Fehler presented a cheque for £50,000 and a commemorative plaque to Emma Day and Gemma Stanford of the British Horse Society (BHS). SEIB customers voted for the Healthcare on Tour project from the winning charity, the BHS, to be the recipient of this generous grant.

VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION FOR BRYONY

At Badminton Horse Trials, in May, Young Rider Bryony Parsler was presented with her GOLD YELA award by the RDA in recognition of her volunteering work with both The Pony Club and the Riding for the Disabled (RDA) The presentation was made by Jane Holdness-Roddam, who was there celebrating the 50th anniversary of her win.

A group of six volunteers was presented with their awards, which means that 41 Gold awards have been presented since the scheme started 8 years ago - so it's quite a rare achievement!

Futurity Futures Silver Award winner Susan Scarborough with LVA Troy, Photo courtesy of David Saunders

NEW FUTURE FOR FUTURITY

AHS CENTENARY EXHIBITION

Nicki Thorne, Chairman of EGB, attended the launch of the AHS Centenary Exhibition opening and “Centenary” book launch at the National Horse Racing Museum in Newmarket on 22 March. Other endurance aficionados in attendance included trainer Nicky Freud and rider Richard Allen plus Endurance vet Fred Barrelet.

Fred Barrelet

The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) is pleased to announce the continuation of its Equine Development programme, following its handover to a new company formed by a partnership of industry experts.

The group came together in a bid to take on the running of the activities, which consist of a stallion show, breeding magazine and the young stock evaluations known as the Futurity and Equine Bridge. The new organisation will take on the name British Breeding.

The company will be co-directed

by Jane Skepper of Horse IT; Rachael Holdsworth of Holdsworth PR; Sacha Shaw of Breeding British; Joris van den Oetelaar who is a director of the Anglo European Studbook; and Dr Eva-Maria Broomer of Horsepower Creative.

The CEOs of the three Olympic Disciplines, British Dressage, British Eventing and British Showjumping - and Sandy Senior representing the British Breeders Network, will each have a non-executive director seat on its board, in order to promote closer cooperation between British breeders and the sport and to ensure inclusivity and a wide reach of the programmes. The company will have an independent non-executive chair, Jan Rogers, director of Research and Policy at The Horse Trust and the former head of Equine Develolpment at the BEF. In adopting the holistic approach of joining up the breeding world with the sport, the company has a strong business plan to secure the future of all elements of the programmes for the continued benefit of breeders and horse sport alike.

Nick Fellows, Chief Executive of the BEF concludes: “Our equine development programme has been fundamental to the future of British breeding and

it has been our main aim, over these last few months, to find a safe set of hands to take it forward.

The new organisation has exciting plans that will ensure the continuation of the integrity and standards the BEF created”.

“These are exciting times and we are all eager to move forward with our plans”, says Rachael Holdsworth. “The hard work starts now, but we are already well advanced with plans for the Futurity evaluations and a new marketing strategy.

We look forward to working with breeders and providing the infrastructure to allow their horses to gain the recognition and reputation they so richly deserve”.

Anyone wishing to register their interest this year should email futurity@holdsworthpr.co.uk THE 2018 SERIES WILL TAKE PLACE ACROSS 11 LOCATIONS:

23/07 - Xanstorm Equestrian,

Lanarkshire, Scotland 24/07 - Richmond Equestrian,

North Yorkshire 25/07 - Derby College Equestrian

Centre, Derbyshire 26/07 - Kings EC, Herefordshire 27/07 - Catherston Stud, Hampshire 28/07 - Tall Trees Arena, Devon 20/08 - Writtle College, Essex 21/08 - The College EC, Keysoe,

Bedfordshire 22/08 - Swallowfield EC,

The Midlands 23/08 - Tushingham Arena, Cheshire 24/08 - Northcote Stud, Lancashire

Nicki Thorne with AHS Chair Anne Brown Endurance May/Jun 2018

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welfare

BIO-SECURITY PRECAUTIONS

!

A word of warning from Chairman Nicki Thorne

S

ome of you will have read about the outbreaks of EHV Equine Herpes Virus in France. You may well have read updates from the FEI about this, and our Welfare Committee Vet Tom Eaton Evans has also put together some useful information and tips that has been shared out via our website and social media pages. Wherever we take our horses to compete, the risk of infectious disease is something that should be borne in mind. There are ways that you can minimise your horse’s contact with others at events, and it is wise to consider precautions for both direct and indirect contact (through your hands, tack, communal water troughs). Please also keep a close eye on your horse for several days when returning from a competition or any event with contact with other horses.

Our ride vets will, as always, be very vigilant and are there to help you.

On this note, it is a real privilege to have access to the veterinary network that we do, and in absolutely every way they want to help you and your horse, and they want you to be successful. Their role is a positive one. I have heard many riders confess how worried they get about the vetting process and this can deter them from taking the step from pleasure rides to graded rides, or the step up in distance to rides with vet gates. Our vets are always happy to talk to you if you have any worries during the day, and I can only repeat – They are there to Help. The horse’s welfare is paramount at all of our events, so please do take a moment to thank our Vets for being there for us. Remember, we are the only sport that has such a heavy veterinary involvement during competition and we should be justly proud of this.

ADVICE FROM TOM EATON-EVANS MRCVS Tom Eaton-Evans is a member of the EGB Welfare Committee

A recent outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) in France has caused concerns for ride organisers and competitors across Europe. Whether it is EHV, Strangles or ‘flu, the risk of infectious disease is something that should be borne in mind whenever competing horses.

Vets at rides are always vigilant for symptoms of infectious disease but unfortunately horses can be contagious without showing clinical signs, when incubating the infection or, for some diseases, as silent carriers.

It is sensible to minimise your horse’s contact with others at events either directly or indirectly through hands, tack or use of communal water troughs. Some big rides will provide hand sanitiser gel for you to use in the stable area to help you protect your horse.

On returning home after a competition, keep a close eye on your horse for several days – clinical signs of influenza can appear quickly (in 1-3 days) but some diseases (such as Strangles) could incubate for up to 3 weeks.

Clinical signs to watch out for can include raised temperature, inappetence, nasal or ocular discharge, coughing, swollen glands or incoordination. If you are concerned, talk to your vet – they will be able to advise on appropriate testing and further biosecurity precautions.

And finally, if you horse has been in contact with sick horses, please do not take him to a competition until appropriate clearance testing has been done – again, your vet will be able to advise you further.

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event report

INTERNATIONAL REACH FOR NATIONAL EQUINE FORUM The National Equine Forum has become a global phenomenon. The annual event, held in London on 8 March 2018, saw politicians, vets and equestrian business leaders share knowledge and encourage debate not just with the packed auditorium but also with audiences in Europe, the USA and Australia.

Words by Sarah Shephard

L

ord Gardiner, Parliamentary UnderSecretary of State for Rural Affairs and Biosecurity at Defra, was the first speaker of the day and provided an update on Defra’s current horse-related priorities.

On the Tripartite agreement the intention was for movements to continue with minimal delay. New passport regulations would be implemented as soon as practical and the aim was to extend microchipping to all equidae of all ages. On horse riding establishments he said it is vital they act as ambassadors of modern welfare standards and that new regulations were in progress to maintain standards and ensure inspectors were suitably trained. On ragwort he emphasised that landowners must take note it is a very dangerous plant and needs to be taken seriously. He described the Central Equine Database as ‘a force for good’ and concluded that “The horse is central to our fabric of society, and we are working to ensure it is safeguarded”.

Jeanette Allen, Chair of the UK Equine Sector Council Steering Group; Chief

‘The horse is central to our fabric of society, and we are working to ensure it is safeguarded’.

Executive of The Horse Trust, and Lynn Peterson, Chair of the British Horse Industry Confederation and Chief Executive of The British Horse Society, updated the audience on the merging of the UK Equine Sector Council and the British Horse Industry Confederation into the British Horse Council to harness the power of speaking with one voice. Jeanette reminded equestrian organisations that “we are stronger together, join the conversation”.

Stewart Everett, Chief Executive of Equine Register, provided an update on the

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Central Equine Database. He reported that the database is now live and has 1.2 million records on it, but "The system will only work if we have every equine on it". The chip checker is expected to be launched in April 2018 and will be free to use. Find out more at www.equineregister.co.uk John Bourne, Director of Animal and Plant Health at Defra, spoke about livestock traceability and how it relates to the UK’s horses summarising that "We are working to co-create solutions that work for all animals and we are working with the British

Horse Council. We are aiming to have a central, unified platform for all species that is more user friendly".

Next up was an animated and informative panel discussion on potential solutions to the challenges facing small equestrian businesses, chaired by Rt Hon Dame Caroline Spelman MP. The panel comprised Carol Andrews, owner of Wimbledon Village Stables and owner of Equicise, Nick Gauntlett, Director of Chescombe Farm and Stud, Victoria Highfield, Director Online for Equine and Emma Williams, Director of Fundraising at World Horse Welfare.

The panel’s first question addressed the issue that some businesses are being faced with rate increases of 350%. The consen-

event report

sus was that if you feel the valuation is incorrect you must appeal. “We need to keep pushing for a fair and equal system”, said Dame Caroline. The panel also discussed the importance of compliance with new General Data Protection Regulations, which comes into force in May, health and safety along with safeguarding, and recruitment and retention of staff.

Nick Rust, Chief Executive of the British Horseracing Authority, looked at the vital role of equine welfare and its perception within British Racing and maintained that “our sport has to adapt (with welfare and diversity) to be relevant to the young generation”, and that “Racing must be open and transparent to the public and show what we do for our horses”.

The afternoon commenced with a session on equestrian safety.

Alan Hiscox, Director of Safety, The British Horse Society, outlined the BHS’s Dead? Or Dead Slow? Campaign to encourage drivers to pass horses safely and specifically highlighted the importance of riders helping to inf luence driver behaviour when passing horses. He illustrated the gravity of the situation with the latest statistics: 2,900 road incidents involving horses since 2011, with 39 riders killed and 230 horse fatalities.

Michio Clark, Research Fellow at University College Dublin, stepped in for Professor Michael Gilchrist who was unable to attend at short notice, to discuss current research and development in helmet design and testing. He explained how studying real

world accidents can help us better understand the mechanism which lead to head and brain injuries. They had been able to reconstruct cases from Horse Racing Ireland and British Eventing and had inspected 100 helmets involved with an impact.

Sam Watson, Founder of Equiratings, and Jonathan Clissold, National Safety Officer at British Eventing (BE), discussed the use of data to manage risk in equestrianism and safety in eventing. Sam explained: “Recognising the relationship between performance and risk allows the sports to grow safely and push the boundaries of high performance". Jonathan Clissold went on to explain how British Eventing is looking to improve the outcome of a fall through course design, including; frangible fences, ground lines, friendly profiles, colours and definition. BE is also working with EquiRatings for performance and risk information.

In the Forum’s first topical spot Dave Jones, Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police and Rural Crime Lead of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, gave an insight into tackling rural crime. He reported: “We are working with the BHS, RSPCA, National Trading Standards and many more. We have a 4-tier system that is used for every issue we are involved in: prevention, intelligence, enforcement and reassurance".

Next up was Nigel Oakley, Heavy Horse Ambassador, Rare Breeds Survival Trust, who made the passionate plea for recognition of the importance of heavy horses as part of the UK’s culture. "Suffolks, Shires and Clydesdales are all in a state of decline and Suffolk horses could be extinct by 2027”, he warned.

Dr Sue Dyson, Head of Clinical Orthopaedics, Centre for Equine Studies, Animal Health Trust, presented the muchanticipated results of a pilot study on the effects of rider to horse bodyweight ratios on equine performance. (Full report was in the March/April issue of Endurance) Jim Green, Animal Rescue Tactical Advisor, Hampshire Fire and Rescue

Service, Director and Co-founder of the British Animal Rescue & Trauma Care Association, won the 2017 Sir Colin Spedding Award and was invited to give this year’s Memorial Lecture. His enlightening talk covered equine emergency rescue; managing risk and meeting societal needs. "In partnership with the Horse Trust we have trained 900 Highways England Traffic Officers" 90% of local authority fire and rescue services now have large animal rescue teams”, he said.

HRH The Princess Royal summarised the day and presented the Sir Colin Spedding

‘The National Equine Forum reflects the views of various sectors of the equine industry.’

“

Award to Dr Simon Curtis, a practising farrier in Newmarket, Suffolk in recognition of his exceptional practical and educational contributions to farriery over 45 years. Runner up was the British Grooms Association (BGA).

The National Equine Forum is sponsored by Bedmax; Bransby Horses, Rescue & Welfare; British Equestrian Federation; British Equestrian Trade Association; British Equine Veterinary Association; British Horse Society; British Horseracing Authority; Horse Trust; Horserace Betting Levy Board; Jeffress Scholarship Trust; Redwings Horse Sanctuary; Weatherbys; World Horse Welfare. It is supported by Bulley Davey; Craig Payne Photography; #HorseHour; NFU Mutual.

Left page, Dame Caroline Spelman Carol Andrews Nick Gauntlett Victoria Highfield Emma Williams address the meeting.

Left top, HRH The Princess Royal summarised the day. Bottom middle, Dr Simon Curtis receiving the Colin Spedding Award.

Bottom Right, Lucy Katan, Executive Director of the British Grooms Association receives the Runner Up Award.

Photographs courtesy of CRAIG PAYNE PHOTOGRAPHY www.craigpayne.co.uk

Endurance May/Jun 2018

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event report

BEWERLEY TRAINING DAY EGB Development Director, Rebecca Kinnarney, is determined that all EGB members should have access to a range of training over the year, and has put in place training days to progress this aim. Here, three attendees recount their experiences of a training day Words by Catriona Moon & Tania Fitton

CATRIONA’S PERSPECTIVE

First off, a huge thank you to all involved in organising and delivering the training day kindly hosted by Bewerley Riding Centre at Pateley Bridge. The day saw a great mix of riders from across the Endurance spectrum in attendance and everyone very much enjoyed this fun and informative day.

We were split into 2 groups for the morning sessions and first up was a session with Helen Luckraft for a mounted biomechanics clinic focusing on rider balance and asymmetries.

This was a really interesting session and all horse and rider combinations showed good improvements during the sessions.

A spell with Maggie Pattinson on dealing with setbacks, be they illness, injury, weather, etc., with a focus on the physical and mental impact of these on both horse and rider followed. This was a fun brainstorming session and really helped all involved to realise that you are never alone and that all of us face setbacks.

After lunch a very informative few hours were spent with Andrea Patterson from the Society of Master Saddlers, both in the

‘You NEVER stop learning’. classroom and in the arena with a couple of horses. Andrea talked about the importance of saddle fit and what to look for between visits from your saddler. There were some great tips for all involved, especially with regard to how conformation and movement can have a massive impact.

TANIA’S VIEW A lovely welcome started with coffee and a chance to meet and greet all who attended. We then split into two groups.

We started the morning learning about Biomechanics with Helen Luckraft, focusing on rider balance and asymmetries which

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Biomechanics, heart rate monitoring, rider psychology... the training days look at many aspects of training both the endurance horse and the endurance rider.

Photo courtesy of Rebecca Kinnarney

was really informative and some of our group had brought their horses so we got to see the horses change pace and shape as the rider changed how they sat and rode in walk trot and canter. In a way I was quite envious I had left Jjewell at home Then we listened and shared our fears, setbacks, training issues and anxieties with the fabulous Maggie Pattinson who has a wealth of knowledge in the equestrian world. I didn’t want this session to end and came away feeling refreshed and ready to carry on the season – 'set back'? What’s that? It’s just a different plan!

After a lovely lunch with our two groups we listened to Andrea J Patterson master

saddler from Castle House saddlery. Again really interesting, about different kind of saddle trees for the shape of your horse and then had a hands on demonstration on two of our group's horses in the arena of the correct way to fit a horse’s saddle and what your saddle fitter should check when fitting.

All in all, a really productive day and thanks to Rebecca Kinnarney for organising, met some new friends and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Further training days are planned!

Keep an eye on the EGB website, or email the office for details.

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WHADDON CHASE DESTINATION WOODBRIDGE

Whaddon Chase has a long history of taking part in endurance, with many enthusiastic members, competing over varied distances. The early May Bank Holiday weekend offered a chance for a weekend away.

Words by Lara Williams

T

he weekend of the 5-6th May started, for most of the Whaddon Chase Pony Club Endurance Team, on Friday afternoon, when they travelled 3 hours to Suffolk for the weekend ride. After a long journey Nesta, Hannah and the Parslers arrived at Poplar Park and set up camp.

On Saturday morning, Suzie, Shelagh and I set off for Woodbridge at the unappealing time of 5am. We soon arrived, and the team was preparing for the first ride of the weekend.

After a successful trot up, or should we say canter up for Becca; Bryony and Becca Parsler both took part in a graded ride on Saturday.

Suzie and Hannah hoolied round the 32km pleasure ride to take the edge off Spot and to get Reggie back out again (yay whoop!). The ride consisted of lovely sand tracks and beautiful scenery.

We had amazing weather the whole weekend, and we even got an equestrian

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Top, Checking out the surroundings on a lovely evening ride.

Bottom left, Out on course at a crewpoint.

Middle, Whaddon Chase Endurance Riders On Tour!

Bottom right, Much needed refreshment!

All photos courtesy of Nesta Maskell

tan! After the ride, we headed off to the ford at Orford for afternoon tea and a long dog walk along the riverside. We concluded the afternoon in the sun with a trip to a local castle and we had a run up and down the steep hills (even the adults).

We headed back to camp and tacked up the ponies for an evening splash in the water jump. We decided to put the smallest rider (Suzie) on the biggest horse (Reggie), she looked tiny! We then hacked back to camp, where a tasty BBQ was waiting for us. After dinner, we were so tired with the early start we just headed to bed.

On the second day, Hannah also rode with Ella and her pony Milkyway round the 40km.

It was nice to meet her and her gorgeous pony.

Suzie did the 40km graded ride; Hannah did the 80km ride escorting Suzie for the first 40km loop. They both passed, Suzie

with a grade 3 and Hannah a grade 4, which is amazing for an 80km! Everyone was very pleased as it was quite challenging in the heat. The Parsler girls did a 32 km graded ride on Sunday both passing successfully despite the heat and Shade’s dark colouring. After Suzie finished her ride we went and helped crew Hannah for her next 2 loops. As we were driving along to our next crew point, a very lost French lady was asking for directions so Nesta just handed her the ride map (lol).

All riders were very grateful for their crew (Nesta, Shelagh and me for Hannah and Suzie, and Nikki and Jim for Bryony and Becca). After a long weekend, the ponies did us proud and we packed up to head off home. Overall, it was a great weekend and we are looking forward to our next adventure.

ride report

A JOLLY TIME

AT JOLLY MOORS! With such a bright title, who couldn’t bring the nice weather - It was stunning!

Words by Caitlin Birkitt

T

he first riders arrived at around 12pm to begin to corral for a great weekend.

There were a variety of distances of pleasure rides, from 10km to 32km. There was a distance to suit every rider.

The Saturday route went around the moor over the top of Roxby. This made for some great canter tracks and spectacular views. The routes were well marked and the stewards at each gate and check point were very helpful.

I spoke to some Pony Club Riders after their ride, they said they had an amazing time on this route. It was well marked and a really good test of fitness - they would have loved to have ridden both days if they could!

The helpers/gate marshals enjoyed the sunshine too. Bridget Brown was helping again this year and reports; “Having organised Jolly Moors ride before the intrepid team that do it now, I always look forwards to manning the peacocks, even though the previous two years had been less than sunbathing weather.

However, this year was beautiful and Bella, my dog, and I set forth with enthusiasm and a folding chair. We had a truly lovely afternoon sitting in the sun, checking off riders as they came through the gate; the peacocks complaining bitterly at every horse.

How lovely it was to see everyone with smiling faces, obviously enjoying the sunny weather and the ride, which left my checkpoint in both directions to cross beauti-

ful grassy tracks across the moor. In front of me was the sea, looking as blue as the Mediterranean. What better way is there to spend an afternoon?”

A few riders camped overnight at the venue, enjoying delicious food at The Fox Inn, Roxby, next door to the venue. They opened their doors earlier than normal to make sure riders could get their all-important meals to fuel them for the next day. They also kindly made sure there were sandwiches available for riders after their ride on the Sunday, which was well appreciated by all.

The Sunday route took riders around the other side of the moor. This gave a variety of terrain including a ford that could have

looked quite inviting in the warm temperatures! The peacocks again provided the helpers with an early warning system for the two gates after the peacock house and ensured the gate stewards were up and opening gates in plenty of time for the riders to get through without breaking stride.

As in the previous day, there were lots of smiling faces and happy horses – so lovely to see everyone out enjoying such fantastic countryside.

Back at the venue there was a tombola and cake stall, which was raising money for the air ambulance – such an important charity we all hope we won’t ever need.

A fantastic weekend for all.

Bridget Brown had a lovely afternoon in the sun at the Jolly Moors ride, stewarding at the Peacocks Gate, and taking photos of the happy riders enjoying the wonderful weather, as well as the beautiful sea views.

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scottish endurance riding club

HIGH WINDS AND HEAVY RAIN AT HAYWOOD OAKS BUT A SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME This winter has been a particular challenge to getting horses fit, but Fionnghuala Paterson and her brother Iain managed to prepare for an early 80k at Haywood Oaks at the end of March.

Words by Fionnghuala Paterson

E

arly on Friday morning with two horses in tow, we set off on the drive from Perthshire down to Nottingham for Haywood Oaks FEI 1*. As the first run of the season, I was incredibly excited to be back out and competing at a new ride with Tannasg Psyonny. Our boys travelled superbly, enjoying a leg stretch and a drink at a farmers' market and arriving bright and perky at the stables – which they soon came to appreciate as the weather turned very wet. There had been rain on the way down (I questioned if we were on the correct side of the border at times with the amount flowing from the sky…)

was to ride to the conditions and look after the horses rather than race.

The first loop was just short of 40km, consisting mostly of sandy forest tracks.

Sadly, with the rain their usual beauty and softness had been replaced with deep and sticky mud that threatened to pull shoes and presented difficult terrain to ride over. We had Mum crewing us around the route; passing sloshers to cool and hydrate the horses and fruit pastilles to keep us going. The weather was deceptively dehydrating, so we made sure to slosh the boys quite generously and offer plenty to drink.

The first vet gate ran smoothly with

‘Pull quote here pull quote here pull quote here pull quote ‘...He hadherepull about asquote muchhere energy a here. here pull quote pullas quote spring lamb the whole ride!’ but the evening brought the worst of the downpour. We set up the trailer for camp while Primo (Tannasg Primo Dancer) and Psyonny were happy and comfortable in their stables, with stuffed haynets and large feeds to fuel up for Saturday’s run.

With a delightful 5 am wakeup, we realised the rain had at last lifted! The ground was very wet which brought challenging conditions on route. Both Psyonny and Primo made it comfortably through the first vetting of the day and were eager to head off, although we held back for a couple of minutes to allow the group to go ahead. Our aim for this ride

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Mum ready at the timer to collect our cards and our crewing area ready to go; due to our regular sloshes and the cold, damp weather the boys did not need much in the way of crewing and we were able to present in a matter of minutes.

Both passed with ease and were ready for the next loop. Just as we came out of the vetting area, the next heavy blatter of rain came, but Mum was ready with waterproof rugs to go on top of the thermatexes and covered our saddles with tarp – which was greatly appreciated by both horses and riders! A cold wind also plagued the vet hold, so we kept the

horses walking gently with warm rugs on to protect their muscles.

We set out on our second loop as the rain eased off to a drizzle, which soon ceased.

Both Psyonny and Primo were still pinging and fresh, feeling as though they had just started and didn’t already have 40km under their belts. We followed a similar route to the first loop, with a shorter distance of just over 20km. The tracks were now very well trampled which meant the mud was getting deeper and stickier, splashing into every nook and cranny.

Mum had changed the girth sleeves for clean ones at the vet hold to reduce the

scottish endurance riding club

Not such lovely views at Haywood Oaks, with the weather closing in.

Fionnghuala and Iain out on course.

Photo courtesy of David Saunders

road crossing not far from the finish. A quick slosh, drinks and some more fruit pastilles and we were away again on the final stretch.

A gentle trot brought us both over the finish line, and we headed straight to the crew area to get rugs on and heart rates checked. We took a little more time in presenting at the end of the ride, to allow the two boys to get to steady heartrates. The wind was causing Psyonny’s to spike occasionally, but with a slosh and some walking it quickly reached a steady rate in the 50s. We headed over for our final presentation, first heart rate for Psyonny was mid 50s, exactly what I had aimed for. Just as the vet was taking the second heart rate, a gust of wind rattled the marquee and f lapped Psyonny’s rug, and yet his heart rate dropped to 48! Both boys passed, and we completed our first FEI

“

‘Pull quote ‘...I slowly here pull quote walked them here pull every 2-3 quote minutes here’pull quote to keep the muscles here’pull warm andquote here pull’ moving’ risk of rubs and sore skin. Thankfully, the rest of this loop saw no rain, but the chilling wind persevered into the vet hold so we were again quick to present. With the second vet gate passed, Psyonny and Primo munched away mostly on the wet grass which kept them hydrated and provided fibre to keep their gut sounds up. Iain and I slowly walked them every 2-3 minutes to keep the muscles warm and moving, taking turns to eat while Mum cleaned the sand and mud off our kit and washed down the boys’ legs and girth areas.

Our 40 minutes passed quickly and we were off on our final leg. I was beginning

to tire but Psyonny certainly wasn’t, and kept me going and on my toes the whole way round. He had about as much energy as a spring lamb the whole ride! The third loop was along the same paths as before with a different finish, which made navigation easy and allowed us to focus on pacing and terrain. Psyonny and Primo ran very well together and kept an even and comfortable speed. They had also learned some of the terrain from previous loops, and now knew the best ways to cross through the deeper wet sections.

Mum also kept us going with more crewing, finding a great spot to catch us at a

of the season. Overall, Iain and Primo finished in 7th and Psyonny and I in 8th, having gone at just over 12kmph.

A huge congratulations to Iain for winning the Leading Rider Award for the FEI 1*, and a massive thank you to him for being my long-standing riding buddy! Huge thanks also go to top crew member Mum, who kept horses and riders fed, clean and watered throughout the day; and drove us most of the way down and back up again.

Thank you to all who organised the event, we had a great time and really enjoyed the ride. We look forward to the next time!

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endurance history

GOLDEN DAYS FOR GOLDEN HORSESHOE - PART 2 Where Hazel Armstrong recalls travelling to, and taking part in, her first Golden Horseshoe ride, in 1978 Words by Hazel Armstrong

H

aving done 4 qualifying rides in quite a short space of time I now had to get my head around going 'South' and to Exmoor. Margaret had offered transport but I still needed a crew of my own. Jill who rode with me had young children and livestock, most of my friends either knew nothing about horses or were working full time so it was time to step into the unknown and ask my mother to come with me. She's a good driver and navigator and I wrote a comprehensive list of what was required at checkpoints/ vet gates/timekeeping and she agreed to come as my crew.

PREPARATION

We arranged for someone to take Mary to Sheffield on the Friday night 12th May and the next day Mum and I drove there early and set off to follow Margaret Miller and her crew with the horses in the trailer on the long drive south.

The weather was kind and we made steady progress with suitable comfort stops for humans as well as horses and arrived late afternoon in Exford. We were allocated stables and mine was dreadful to say the least. I asked for another stable but was told they were all booked by riders

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‘...she went forward when you picked up the reins, and stopped when you dropped them or shouted “steady, steady” ’

“

who had been here in previous years and I would have to take what I was booked in.

Given that the weather forecast was good I toyed with the idea of tethering her but concluded that might really blot my copybook….In the interim a man arrived to say his wife's horse appeared to be rather lame so they would not require a stable – so that's where we went and very nice it was too, on the hill above Exford.

Sunday 14th May I walked Mary out in hand for about an hour so she could have a graze and relax from her journey then Mum and I set out to Recce the course and find the crewing and check points and Vet gates also fill up with fuel and get some food items for during the ride. Mary then had another walk about and graze and seemed quite settled with the situation.

Monday 15th May, at 10am the Veterinary inspections began- this was the vets and officials with EITHER the owner or rider and one groom present and they went to each yard in turn to carry out the inspection which was very private. There was concern over Mary's shoes and I was asked to have her re shod. She had poor feet and was difficult to shoe but had a new set on and I carried a spare set as she wore 'Hackney road shoes'. I refused point blank and the farrier was called who said her shoes were fine just rather different from the norm.

Her tack caused concern as well. Having pulled a cart in the town, she went forward when you picked up the reins, and stopped

when you dropped them or shouted “steady, steady” for a gentle slow down or “whoa” for a sudden stop. Unnerving when you're not used to it, but we understood each other and it worked, however, this requires the bit to be slightly lower than expected and I was asked to raise the bit in her mouth. When I refused and explained why I was told in no uncertain terms that I should school my horse on the bit...I left the bit where it was. By this time I was wishing I'd stayed at home as everything was conspiring against us. We attended the briefing at 5pm night with Cdr. Collins RN (Retd) who was the course planner.

Again it was only the Owner or rider and one groom who may attend and following there was a cheese and wine party for Competitors, Landowners, Farmers and Stewards, everything was very precise in those days.

RIDE DAY 1

Tuesday 16th May and this was it, The Golden Horseshoe, which was a 50 mile ride on day one and a 25 mile ride on day 2. This had to be completed at a speed of at least 7mph not to incur penalties. The horses started in groups of 6 at four minute intervals and we

endurance history

were in group 12 so left a 08.44 just before the last group, which had 5 horses, giving a total of 77 starters on the timetable, although a few of these had already been vetted out or withdrawn before the start.

The route took us east some 5 miles to Wheddon Cross and it was on this first section that a terrible accident occurred. A lady was waiting to go through a gate and another horse backed up and kicked out. There was a terrible crack like a rifle shot and a bloodcurdling scream, the group rode off leaving a poor woman howling and in deep distress in front of us, with what was clearly a badly broken leg. I jumped off, along with another lady, and we managed to get her off the horse and laid on the ground, I remembered that we had passed a cottage with people sat in the front garden having a cup of tea and watching proceedings, so while the other lady stayed with the patient, I literally galloped flat out back towards the cottage and asked the rather stunned group to please call an ambulance and get in touch with the organizers in Exford for assistance urgently.

In due course Cdr. Collins arrived in a land rover and we managed to get the lady in and off she went to hospital, leaving us with 3 horses, the parting shot from the injured rider being “you can't lead him off another horse”… I got on the horse and slipped Mary's reins off to use as a lead rein and led her instead; we made slowish progress to the check point. My mother had heard there had been a bad accident and on seeing a riderless Mary feared the worst !! We handed the horse over to the checkpoint and continued to try and make up ground as we had spent 44 minutes with the patient and had then travelled slowly with the third horse – we were by now way behind all the others, but at least there were two of us. We passed checkpoint 2 at Westcott Cross then turned northwards to Dunster and the 15 mile check

and the terrain and we had a splendid ride from there to Ley Hill, Smallacombe Road, Malmsmead, Brendon Two Gates and on to checkpoint 10 at Aldermans Barrow where he turned to hack back to Holnicote via part of the course for the next day.

Cdr. Collins had said not to worry about the time as I'd been granted an allowance for helping with the accident, which was a weight off my mind and Mary and I completed the day sound with an average speed of 7.37 mph and one penalty point. I washed

‘I washed her off, gave her a feed and went for a lie down in the cool with a much-needed pot of tea’ point, before turning westward to Bratton, Bossington Hill and Holnicote for the half way halt at 25 miles ( 30 minutes compulsory halt with vet check ). We'd made up about 10 minutes but sadly the lady I was riding with was vetted out as lame, which left me a good half hour behind everyone. Just about to despair of ever getting through the first day, let alone a second day, I was stunned when Cdr. Collins appeared on his horse and said he was 'sweeping the course' and came to ride with me. He knew the course

her off, gave her a feed and went for a lie down in the cool with a much-needed pot of tea provided by mum.

I walked up the hill after an early dinner to see how Mary was and she was laid out fast asleep, snoring.

I hated getting her up, but felt it would be better if she had a short wander and a graze before her night feed and hay. She was a bit grumpy at being woken up but relished the grass and was soon back in her box. I slept well too!!

RIDE DAY 2

Wednesday 17th May and a much depleted field, but we passed our Vet check and left the Auction Field at 08.40 for the 25 mile course to Dunkery Gate, Pit Bridge, Brockwell, Horner, Wilmersham Common, Aldermans Barrow and on to the finish in Exford. We passed the vet with one penalty and an average speed of 7.17 mph – we'd done it, completed the Golden Horseshoe and got a bronze award at the first try.

I was exhausted and ecstatic. I washed Mary off, led her out for a graze then she went for a well-deserved lie down. I went and had a bath and got changed and wandered down for the prize giving. I'd failed to pay attention to detail and just as it was about to start was told I wouldn't get my award unless I was mounted – Panic, rush off to put on clean riding gear, run up the hill, wake Mary up, slap on the tack and get back to the auction field as fast as I could.

I had a lovely photo of Mary having her rosettes pinned on by Dorian Williams with her eyes closed and nodding off.

All in all it had been a wonderful experience, I knew little about 'Long Distance Riding' and just endeavoured to keep a horse sound and happy and have fun.

There was an inquiry about the

Left top, Farrier check before the ride. Left bottom, Riders were attired somewhat differently in the 1970's. Right, Hazel and Mary receiving their award from Dorian Williams (left) and the sponsors, Perfectair. Photos supplied by Julie Martin and Hazel Armstrong

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endurance history

accident and even though I identified the horse and rider from the number bib, nothing ever became of the incident, as she denied it and that was that. The poor lady who was injured was in hospital for several weeks and had her leg virtually rebuilt, we kept in touch for a long time, but sadly I lost touch as the years go by.

I think if my notes are correct the final result was 4 gold, 11 silver, 20 bronze all in a heatwave. I had entered Mary as 13 years old but subsequently discovered that she was at least 17 so quite a veteran 'novice' ride. After we came home we wound down for the summer and Mary went off to stud but not before going to The Northern Horse Show at Wetherby where I led her and presented a cheque for £600 to HRH Princess Anne for the RDA which was the money I had raised in sponsorship at the first 40 mile qualifying ride, quite a sum for 1978. She did manage to disgrace herself thoroughly after the presentation by leaving the ring, knocking me over in the process and galloping off across the park (she looked splendid and in her element at full speed in the sunlight through the parkland but away from the boxes !!). When she eventually came back she found a nice stallion to 'show off to' so it was back in the transport and secured before we had any accidents on that front. She was going to stud but to the stallion of MY choice not hers.

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‘At the Northern Horse show we presented a cheque for £600 to HRH Princess Anne, for the RDA - quite a sum for 1978!’

Top, Hazel and Mary at one of the many water crossings.

Bottom, In a hot year, riders take the opportunity for a cool down

farriery education

THE FARRIERY PROFESSION, A CRAFT THAT REQUIRES KNOWLEDGE AND PRECISION Working with sport horses, farriers need to be aware of what is required in horse foot care in order to keep the horse fit and even to enhance its performance.

Words by Bernard Duvernay

B

ygone are the times when farriers would shoe the horses on the roadside with less than nothing as equipment. They did a very approximate job in those days, and most of the horses were lame after shoeing!

Bernard Duvernay, Master farrier from Switzerland, is fully aware of the situation of farriery in India, having worked as a consultant in the greatest stud farms and racing stables in India for the past 30 years. He has also organized workshops in rural areas for the Indigenous Horse Society of India. Right from the start, he was struck by the fact that this profession was so very neglected, and nobody appeared at all aware of the importance of the horses’ feet.

This and other factors led Bernard to create the “Flying Anvil Foundation“ in 2010, based in Geneva, Switzerland. - www.flyinganvil-fondation.ch - The Foundation’s role is to train farriers in countries where there is no chance of learning the craft properly.

Nowadays, FAF has projects in Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho (South Africa), Sri Lanka, and India.

In India, FAF went on to create an Institute named “FAFFID” Flying Anvil Foundation Farriery Institute, Dundlod. Located in Rajasthan, the Institute has been fully active since 2013, and so this year the 6th batch of trainees is underway for the full year’s course.

The Institute is fully equipped with the latest teaching materials for the profession; it benefits from highly qualified and wellknown farriers from all over the world. These professionals give two weeks of their time to

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come to Dundlod as volunteers.

The full year-long course is divided into 4 Modules, each of 2 weeks duration.

Each module targets the teaching of very specific topics covering all the most important domains of ground knowledge for the profession, as follows: Course 1: The starting point is Anatomy, bio mechanics, foot and limb conformation and trimming. Why anatomy? It is a very important part of our knowledge and farriers need to understand the basics of the engineering of the foot, bones, joints, tendons and ligaments, how it works inside the hoof capsule, what the consequences of bad trimming and shoeing are!

Modern farriery entails working in close collaboration with equine veterinarians, with farriers playing an essential complementary role.

To understand a lameness diagnosis, farriers need to understand the vocabulary used by vets and as we have said, be knowledgeable of notions of anatomy and pathology.

Course 2: in the second module, we work on cold shoeing, which is the most frequently used method here in India. This is not a problem, we can do a very good job, even cold shoes, but shoeing has to be carried out with precision. Cold shoeing even allows us to carry out some minor corrections, such as adding wedges, pads, silicone as shock absorbers, etc.

The 3rd course concentrates on forging, we teach the trainees how to forge their own horseshoes. Our fully equipped work-

shop facility enables trainees to use the gas forges and big anvils, plus some other equipment that allows them to make their own super horseshoes.

Course 4: The last module is devoted to the overall review of all the previous course content, and in addition, we introduce an approach to corrective shoeing, in the most common cases encountered in pathology: Tendonitis, bad feet conformation, laminitis or injuries. The most disastrous feet conformation Bernard has observed around the country is “long toe - low heels”, a situation mostly created by farriers themselves, and due essentially to a lack of knowledge.

Indeed, many horses suffer from very poor shoeing and bad foot care.

The trainees at the Institute are fortunate to benefit from the best equipment

farriery education

and the best teaching. Their role thereafter is to use this knowledge in their everyday farriery work and to keep improving the results of their shoeing. Experience shows that there are no short cuts to acquiring this level of skill: only after several years of working on his shoeing can a young farrier become an expert, aware of the fact that life-long learning has to be pursued.

Indeed, the craft of farriery requires a lot of regular practice and many years of shoeing experience, before a farrier can acquire the level of confidence to work on the most difficult and challenging cases.

The days of street farriers are over: now-

adays the Institute recruits educated young men, they are attracted by this profession, and realize its importance and potential. Our trainees today are often very aware how difficult it has become to find a good farrier!

Equestrian sports and leisure activities are growing in India, already it has become quasi impossible to provide enough good farriers to the sports stables. And yet , every year we have more new trainees on the market, step by step they will show the difference, they will also spread their knowledge and make the profession more and more attractive.

The latest initiative of FAFFID is to get a program underway whereby we organize

continuing education courses for our old students; we have to provide a means of helping them progress, and in time, do what we can to help them create the “Qualified Farriers Association of India�.

Bernard Duvernay FAF-Farriery Institute Dundlod, Sankhu Road opposite Royal Equestrian and Polo Center, Dundlod, 333702 Distt. Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, India Dr Ravi Reddy ravred@gmail.com / 98220 36303

Main photo, Groups of students are taken on each year to work through the four modules. Top, The School is in a beautiful setting, and is well planned to offer everything required for the courses. Middle, The workshop can accommodate twelve students working at anvils. Bottom, Safety is a priority, and safe working practices are instilled on the courses. Photos are courtesy of Flying Anvil

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nutrition

ELECTROLYTES FOR ENDURANCE HORSES Words by Anna Welch BVSc, BSc, MRCVS Veterinary Nutrition Director, TopSpec

O

ne of the major considerations for an endurance rider is dehydration in their horse.

The excessive loss of both f luids and electrolytes may limit performance but can also have more serious consequences and even become life-threatening.

A substantial part of the veterinary examination, carried out before, during and after an endurance ride, aims to identify symptoms of metabolic issues including those that occur as a consequence of dehydration. Heart rate, cardiac recovery index (CRI), skin pinch, capillary refill time, mucous membrane colour and gut motility are usually assessed.

To succeed in endurance, you need to pass the vet checks with a horse that is fit to continue. Ensuring an adequate supply of electrolytes to your horse throughout his training, competition and recovery is an essential part of his regime.

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WHAT ARE ELECTROLYTES?

Some minerals are also called electrolytes.

This is because when dissolved in body fluids they carry an electrical charge. It is this charge that allows electrolytes to control water balance. They also play an important role in the contraction of muscles, as well as nervous impulses.

The most significant electrolytes are sodium, potassium and chloride, with calcium and magnesium playing a smaller role. While phosphate acts as an electrolyte, there should always be sufficient in a horse’s feed to meet requirements.

HOW ARE ELECTROLYTES LOST?

Most of a horse’s electrolyte losses during exercise occur through sweating, which is essential for body temperature regulation.

The amount of sweat lost by an endurance horse depends on the intensity and duration of exercise, his fitness, the environmental temperature and humidity.

Electrolytes lost in equine sweat are at a slightly higher concentration than in blood. Each litre of sweat contains about

3.5g of sodium, 5.6g of chloride and 1.2g of potassium, plus traces of calcium, magnesium and phosphate.

In mild environmental conditions, a 500kg horse working at a steady trot/canter can lose about 5 litres of sweat per hour, containing approximately 17g sodium, 28g chloride and 6g potassium. Under conditions of high heat and humidity, sweating can approach 10 to 12 litres per hour.

WHAT ABOUT WATER?

A horse consists of more than 65% water, and even at rest a 500kg horse needs approximately 20-25 litres per day. This water can come from forage and feed as well as drinking water.

Water is distributed throughout the body; within cells, between the cells, in blood and in the digestive tract. This fluid balance is determined by electrolytes amongst other things. Up to 60 litres of fluid can be present in the large intestine and this acts a reservoir that can be drawn upon during endurance exercise. A high-fibre diet can increase the amount of water and electrolytes available in the hindgut

nutrition

CHOOSING AN ELECTROLYTE PREPARATION? Significant electrolyte loss leads to dehydration, fatigue and muscle weakness, and can cause problems such as ‘tying-up,’ colic, irregular heart rhythms and synchronous diaphragmatic flutter (‘thumps’).

Sodium stimulates a horse to drink so if the levels in the blood drop too low a horse can lose his desire to drink, worsening dehydration.

International endurance rider, Linda Cowperthwaite, is supported by TopSpec

SALT OR COMMERCIAL ELECTROLYTES?

Whether salt and/or commercial electrolyte preparations are needed, and how much should be given, depends upon what you are feeding and how much your horse sweats.

It is worth noting that commercial electrolyte preparations always provide less sodium than plain salt (sodium chloride); this is because they contain other electrolytes and also a product to enhance palatability, usually sugar. Therefore, commercial electrolytes should always be fed on top of salt, not instead of the salt. A rare exception to this is for those few horses that dislike the taste of salt and prefer the sweeter taste of commercial electrolyte preparations. At one extreme a horse out of training, at rest and on good pasture will need no more than the presence of a salt lick 24/7 to ensure adequate intake. For horses exercising over lower distances, providing ad-lib forage (which is rich in potassium) with the addition of salt may well be sufficient. Salt can be supplied by feed or by adding plain salt.

Compounds or blends usually contain added salt at a level of approximately 1%. When feed requirements are limited, and reduced quantities of compounds or blends are given (< 3kg for a 500kg horse), the addition of plain salt will be needed.

E.g. a 500kg good-doer enjoying novice graded endurance rides of no more than 50km, fed on a non-conditioning feed balancer or multi-supplement, should be offered 24/7 access to a salt lick with approx-

imately 1 level tablespoon of salt added to his twice daily feeds.

The addition of plain salt would also be necessary when feeding straights, such as alfalfa pellets or sugar beet pulp, as these do not contain added salt.

For horses that are offered, or eat, less than 2% of bodyweight as dry weight of forage daily (about 11kg hay ‘as fed’ for a 500kg horse) then commercial electrolytes should be added to the diet. This is usually the case for those exercising over longer distances. Due to the length of time that they are being ridden and therefore without access to forage, their intake is limited.

Horses working over these distances are also likely to be sweating heavily and therefore, need more than the salt provided by forage and 3-4kg of concentrate feed per day. It is usually necessary to allow access to a salt lick 24/7 plus salt in the feeds, plus an added commercial electrolyte preparation for at least 48 hours following heavy training efforts and/or competition.

CHOOSING AN ELECTROLYTE PREPARATION?

When choosing a commercial electrolyte make sure that either salt or chloride is the highest ingredient. Sugar (glucose/dextrose) should not be the first ingredient listed as it means that the product may not supply sufficient electrolytes to meet your horse’s needs.

Good products will contain high levels of sodium, chloride and potassium, with additional low levels of calcium and magnesium.

ELECTROLYTES DURING COMPETITION

You should aim to replace electrolyte losses following training sessions and travel rather than attempting to correct longterm deficiencies the night before, or on the morning of, a ride.

Commercial electrolytes tend to be used

during competition for distances above 65km. They are often administered as a paste at the end of a vet gate hold, once the horse has eaten. Electrolytes can be added to water but it is difficult to meet requirements when using only this approach. When sweat losses are high (e.g. over 160km) even when using oral pastes, it is unlikely that losses will be completely replenished.

A common approach for supplying electrolytes during a competition is to use an oral dosing syringe containing a slurry made up in the vet gate. This should consist of a top specification electrolyte preparation mixed with e.g. applesauce. Ready-made pastes are also commercially available.

Water should be offered as often as possible on course and at all times in the vet gate hold. Every attempt should be made to encourage f luid intake, including f lavouring water and offering hydrating mashes. Although administering electrolytes may trigger the thirst response, care must be taken not to over-supplement a horse that isn’t drinking, as it can lead to serious complications.

It takes skill and experience, as well as knowledge of your horse, to develop a suitable strategy for electrolyte supplementation. It is always best to consult an experienced nutritionist to determine the best approach for your own horse.

TopSpec can be contacted, free of charge, on their Multiple Award Winning Helpline.

Tel: 01845-565030 or visit www.topspec.com

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young riders

SHINING A LIGHT ON THE SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME Endurance GB are delighted to introduce the inaugural Spotlight Scholarship Scheme and our first 10 scholars.

Photographs courtesy of David Saunders, LRG Photography, Martin Gibbons, West End Photography, Janine Pomroy

T

he ethos behind the Scholarship Scheme is welfare of the Young and Junior Rider and their horse/s through training and education.

Education is the route to both welfare and success. We wanted to encourage riders who have an array of ambitions and, since applications came from all levels of rider, these were many and varied. To each person, their next step up is a big deal â&#x20AC;&#x201C; indeed, as we all know in endurance, even to maintain the status quo can be a big deal at times! It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter whether the ambition is to ride their first graded ride or compete at the Young Rider World Championships, an ambition is an ambition.

With applications from almost 30% of all registered Young and Junior Members, competition for places was very fierce.

Without exception, everyone put a great deal of effort into their applications, which came from all levels of rider.

We decided that, in keeping with the ethos of the Scheme, we would award scholarships to riders from all levels. It is so important to recognise the achievements and ambitions of those already riding at Advanced Level, most of whom have already put a great deal of hard work into the society.

It is also vital to encourage and support those aiming to move up to Advanced either this season or next. Thirdly, we very much wanted to help and support Novice riders. It was therefore decided that we would stratify the scholarships by the riding levels of the applicants; hence we awarded to 3 Advanced riders, 4 Open and 3 Novice. One of these Open riders has already upgraded to Advanced and has, in fact, completed his first FEI 1* ride!

These are exciting times for Endurance GB Young and Junior Riders and we would like to wish them all the very best of luck!

Endurance GB is grateful to HPower for all the support they have given, which has enabled us to introduce the Spotlight Scheme and to enhance the training for Young and Junior Riders.

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Suzie Todd

Lily Gibbons

Ollie Holman

Ella Pomroy

young riders

Olivia Morris The scholarship will provide a riding lesson every month with a UKCC coach or BHS Accredited Professional Coach. It will give the scholars the opportunity to pursue the BHS Complete Horsemanship qualification or, in the case of Juniors, start/continue their education through the Pony Club.

There will also be a contribution to fuel payments for their next ‘step up’.

We’re really pleased to see many of the scholars out pursuing their goals and by the time this magazine hits the doorsteps, we should know which of our Young Riders, from across the country, have qualified for this year’s Young Rider European Championships, to be held in Pisa, at the end of July. These are exciting times for Endurance GB Young and Junior Riders and we would like to wish them all the very best of luck!

Abigail Gant

Ella Bunting

Annabelle Lyndon

THE YOUNG AND JUNIOR RIDERS WHO HAVE BEEN AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS ARE: Ella Bunting - Advanced Rider, South

Katy Mellor - Advanced Rider, West

Abigail Gant - Novice Rider, South

Olivia Morris - Novice Rider, North East

Lily Gibbons - Open Rider, North West

Harry Ollis - Advanced Rider, South West (was Open at time of application)

Ollie Holman - Advanced Rider, South Annabelle Lyndon - Open Rider, South

Harry Ollis

Ella Pomroy - Open Rider, East Anglia Suzie Todd - Novice Rider, Central

Katy Mellor Endurance May/Jun 2018

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supplements

GETTING THE MOST FROM EVERY MILE Endurance is one of the most demanding sports in equestrianism, requiring strength, stamina and performance, plus determination from the rider and a horse who is fit and well prepared.

FIBRE

High fibre diets are the best basis for any horse’s needs. Fibre is essential to the equine for a number of reasons, it helps their teeth, it keeps the gut moving and healthy and its breakdown provides heat to keep the animal warm. Not only this but, as horses only produce saliva when they chew, fibre encourages more chewing than concentrate feeds, thus buffering acid within the gut to a greater extent.

Whilst fibre is always the best thing, we do need to add to this to meet the peak requirements for endurance riding. The temptation to use starchy feeds to get the extra energy is understandable, but this is not always the most efficient way to increase performance, especially in endurance horses where they rapidly lose appetite, especially on longer routes. This sort of rapidly digestible energy, tends to lend itself to unpredictable behaviour, fizzing and distraction, which are counterproductive.

“

‘...Vitamins and Minerals cannot be underestimated for their importance to health and performance...’

OILS

O

ver the past few years, there has been much research into the best way to meet the energy requirements of performance horses.

However, there is still a need to balance the fuel sources to meet individual needs. The type of feeding programme can look quite different from horse to horse, depending on type of work, volume of work, and metabolic differences. Higher-level performance horses can often have more particular dietary requirements, necessitating additional attention to the various fuel sources provided in the diet. The art of feeding performance horses comes in finding the best combination of dietary energy sources to meet an individual horse’s fuel needs for a particular activity as well as meeting that horse’s distinct metabolic needs.

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Another way to boost calorie intake, is to use oils. Being calorie dense means a little goes a long way and there are many choices available to suit your horse’s requirements.

Linseed is a highly popular choice, widely available and very palatable.

Cold Pressed versions retain more of the benefits, when compared with hot pressed, so look for cold options. Some people worry about balancing the high oil content, but as long as you feed Vitamin E, once you feed over 100ml per day of oils, this will easily resolve any imbalance. Realistically, feeding a product containing Vitamin E for muscle support, is a wise choice if you regularly undertake endurance competitions as the muscles are in constant use and fatigue is a real possibility.

Vitamin E is a fantastic antioxidant, which works to flush damaging free radicals from the muscle tissue, preventing excessive damage on a cellular level. Vitamin E alone will not be sufficient for hard working muscles, so look for a comprehensive blend of

supplements

ingredients including amino acids and supporting adaptogenic herbs. Amino acids are vital to encourage development and repair of muscles, as they provide the building blocks for protein.

Adaptogenic herbs are an emerging area of equine health, and they do very much what they say they will, they assist the body in adapting to the demands placed upon it, hence why they work exceptionally well with antioxidants, keeping the system fresh and aiming to reduce recovery time.

VITAMINS AND MINERALS

Vitamins and Minerals cannot be underestimated for their importance to health and performance, from healthy hooves to muscle activity, they are essential to maintain all round vitality.

Key for the endurance horse are electrolytes, to support hydration and appetite, particularly sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. Failure to replace these body salts can result in fatigue, and in extreme cases, damage to muscle, bone and cartilage tissue, thus impacting on longer term performance of your horse.

Electrolyte replacers should be offered, along with fresh water, throughout the training period, not just on race day.

Balancers should be a part of any performance horse's diet, offering a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals as well as gut support, to maximise the diet without bulk. This can be hugely beneficial, especially if your horse tends to lose appetite over longer distances.

RECOVERY

Recovery time can be a stumbling block for many riders, particularly if you have events close together, or require continued training between events. Horses in intense

Chondroitin Sulphate and Hyaluronic acid to maintain synovial f luid viscosity and cartilage integrity.

MSM will be of benefit to the tendons and ligaments which work hard to support f lexibility of the joints, so it’s clear to see that formulated products offer a broader spectrum of support, versus the feeding of any one product alone.

SUCCESS

Success is inevitably the result of a combination, of dedication and training, but we cannot forget the importance of nutrition for

‘The BETA NOPS test standard ensures that all products have been tested for prohibited substances’ training or coming into training, overcoming illness, or after a big event need to recover efficiently and bounce back.

Feeding antioxidant and muscle support is great and the potential for feeding to support the joints should be a consideration, also.

The joints have to last the horse a lifetime, and even day to day use causes micro damage from wear and tear, so for extra performance we need to nurture the joints, joint f luid and associated tissues.

Glucosamine is commonly found in joint products and feeds, however the form in which this is used affects the bodily ability to absorb it, so Glucosamine Sulphate is preferable, and works well with

the extra performance required to achieve your ambitions.

A good quality diet based on fibre, topped up with a vitamin and mineral balancer containing quality gut support, muscle and joint support and finally oils for extra energy and electrolytes for rehydration are the formulation for success.

Remember to check, prior to feeding any feedstuff or supplements as to whether the product is legal to feed under FEI rules.

Many endurance events are run using

the FEI rules, so even if the event is at a relatively low level you can still be blood tested for prohibited substances. These substances do not have to be medications, they can come from the simplest things, such as hot drinks like tea, or chocolate biscuits, and can be naturally occurring.

The BETA NOPS test standard ensures that all products have been tested for prohibited substances, both at raw ingredient stage, as well as at the point of finished product, offering the best possible guarantee that a company has acted as responsibly as they can in sourcing, formulating and creating their products. GMP is another feed industry accreditation which acts as a quality guarantee. If the producer of the product cannot guarantee these tests have been undertaken, then don’t run the risk of being disqualified or banned, just trust a more reputable company with your horse’s dietary needs.

Information kindly provided by the Nutritionist Team at NAF For more information about your horses dietary requirements please contact NAF for FREE Nutritional Advice 0800 373106 or email info@naf-uk.com

Left, Whatever the weather, whatever the distance, we want to optimise our endurance horse's potential. Above, Balancers can be part of any horses diet, easily added to the ration

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longevity in endurance

REWARDING LONGEVITY. Find out about the SERC Longevity Award Words by Cheryl Wallace, Karin Rodgers and Kirtsy Graham

I

n 2009 Cheryl Wallace introduced the Longevity Award to all horses registered with Scottish Endurance Riding Club. Her thought was that it is important to acknowledge the years in the sport, not just the mileage.

To achieve this award, horses must successfully complete a minimum of 6 rides each year with any endurance society any distance from 15km pleasure rides upwards - for a minimum of 12 seasons -which do not have to be consecutive.

So far - nine years later - 21 SERC registered horses have managed to achieve this.

TWELVE YEARS AND COUNTING Words by Karin Rodger I was introduced to Endurance riding by Libby Whittome from Argyll who invited me to come and ride as I was without a horse at the time. My first pleasure ride on one of hers, I’ll never forget, as it was 16 miles in the pouring rain, and that did not put me off! I then joined Serc in 1994 and bought my first horse, a chestnut Irish Cob, Samson, who loved his endurance. After two years of pleasure rides,

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mainly because I could not imagine riding for 20 miles and over, we then went and gained our BTF. After several years I thought he’d done enough and at age 16 he went onto have a quieter life, he is still at home at the grand age of 33. After Samson, I bought Bilbo Baggins, a TBxCon hoping that he would take me further up the grades, but he was hard work and not suited to endurance so I found a home for him locally.

I never had any huge aims since joining

were selected for the Scottish Team, but I had to withdraw her the night before the event as I felt she did not feel quite right.

It took me a while to figure out what was causing the slight muscle problem in her shoulder, but it was soon sorted by adding a balancer to her diet!

We gained our STQ’S in 2007 and Silver Final the following year at Hillhead, Edinburgh where we were placed 2nd in our first ER. We tried to go for our Gold a month later but she

‘..some of my most treasured rosettes are the Best Conditions she has won over the years’ the club other than getting one horse to Gold Series, so that’s when Fantasi Sky joined us, a six year old Arab mare, forward going, very spooky, but lovely nature and would give her all for me. She came to us in July of 2005 and three weeks later, I took her to her first pleasure ride at Yetholm where the Scottish Championships were being held. A big event for her first, but she behaved perfectly and I knew we would have many happy rides together.

The next year we gained our BTF and

was lame at the finish. I gave her some time off and brought her out in 2009 for mainly pleasure rides. The following year we gained our Gold Pt 1 at Perth Championships and a month later our Gold Pt 2 at Burgie where the Home International was held, not the easiest of routes due to the ground conditions and testing weather. We’d done it!

We have made many memories over the years and one ride in particular was at Yetholm in the Scottish borders, where I was doing a ride of 80 km over three days.

longevity in endurance

All went well the first two days but on the Sunday I missed a marker and went seven kms out of our way.

When I realised my mistake, Sky gave her all for me and cantered for miles and at the arranged crew point Ronnie was all for me pulling out as we had lost so much time. That was not an option I promptly told him and we flew home and made it back in time without penalties, phew!

Sky is now 19 and although the trophies are scant, some of my most treasured rosettes are the Best Conditions she has won over the years.

The club motto ‘ To complete is to win’ really is all I ever hoped for. We have achieved over 5000 kms and at last year’s AGM, we were given the Longevity Award.

It’s a very special award to receive!

I’m very proud of my girl and hope for many happy rides to come.

MAKING LONG TERM PLANS Words by Kirsty Graham As you set out for Ithaka I hope your road is a long one, full of adventure, full of discovery.

Ithaka is the home of Odysseus whose long, eventful journey eventually leads him back there, a changed man. Cavafy’s poem about his odyssey speaks to me about the unpredictably of the journeys we make in life, despite our best laid plans.

Indeed one of the joys (and frustrations) of endurance is making our plans, what we hope to achieve that season, the places we want to ride and maybe even the awards we want to achieve – from aiming for trophies to planning the next mileage award.

While we make our plans for the coming season, perhaps even thinking longer term as we plan a youngster’s career – how many of us are planning for 12 seasons ahead?

How many people make their ride plans with the intention of having a horse still sound and competing in 12 seasons time?

This is the challenge in achieving a SERC Longevity award, donated to the club by Cheryl Wallace in recognition of those wonderful equine friends that have kept on through the miles and years.

Last season, I was very proud to achieve the Longevity award for my remarkable little 13.3hh ArabxWelsh Arabelle. We entered our first pleasure ride at Tentsmuir in 2003, little knowing the remarkable adventures that lay ahead.

Bella turned out to be tenacious and tough and we racked up many great rides and quite a few awards over the years – including Scottish Champions and 100 miles in one day. But the Longevity award is undoubtedly the one that means the most to me.

It was not easily achieved. Like all endurance riders, we faced our fair share of angry gods on our odyssey – tendon injury, back problems, spavins. Bella also took time out in 2011 to produce exquisite little chestnut foal by Ledarb Silver Blue Sovereign. How proud I will be if little Flora manages to com-

pete for 12 seasons. I have certainly backed and started her carefully with that long term goal in mind.

To come back from maternity leave and compete at 80km level again was remarkable. And in 2016, with her break for maternity leave, Bella had managed her 12 complete seasons (6 rides counts as a season). What wonders we have seen over the years – the wild beauty of Glenariff in Northern Ireland as part of the Scottish team, the remote Pentland Hills where we won the 2day 120km, the manic mile in Cumbria, where we achieved out platinum thistle, the manicured Dukeries estate tracks, the endless beaches of east Lothian….

Bella shares her achievement with many other very special SERC horses, all heroes in our sport with proud and grateful owners. There is something special about a relationship between horse and rider that is built up through so many years and adventures. It is the opposite of our instant gratification culture, the satisfaction of not just building a good partnership, but a long one. It transcends trophies and rosettes and is one journey you never want to end.

When I set out with Bella, I had no idea what lay ahead, but I have learned that it is not the individual ride or even season that you need to plan for but the whole journey to Ithaka.

And if you find her poor, Ithaka won’t have fooled you. Wise as you will have become, so full of experience, you’ll have understood by then what these Ithakas mean.

THE 21 STARS SO FAR ARE...

2009 Merry (Kathryn Oliver) Rob Roy (Margaret Wardrop) Calean Joy (Carolyn Cummings) Royal Wonda (Rachel Fothergill) Wrightfield Omar (Cheryl Wallace) 2010 General George (Sheila Ogilvie) Schadow (Yvonne Thomson)

2011-None 2012 Imagine ( Libby Whittome) 2013 La Rouge (Lynda Keeler) Strathardle Dunoon (Maureen Smith) Peterbrook Sunset Surprise (Carolyn Cummings) Ginti (Evelyn Frame) 2014 Skylarks Discovery (Diane Michie)

Sefra (Hazel McCorkindale) 2015 Calibra (Joan Lewis) Foxghylls Folly (Kath McGhee) Rosie (Rhona Matthews) 2016 Piecki (Alison Wilson) Troy (Lorna Hogarth) 2017 Arabelle (Kirsty Graham) Fantasi Sky (Karin Rodger)

Top left, Karin Rodger riding Fantasi Skye at Seacliffe. Photo courtesy of Melanie Thorne. Above, Kirsty Graham receiving her award at the SERC AGM. Photo courtesy of KdM Photography

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welfare

PACING IN ENDURANCE What are the factors that determine a successful outcome in an endurance ride?

How can a rider make better, informed, choices with regard to pace and speed? What does research show us and how can we learn from this to preserve and conserve our horses?

Words by Dr David Marlin Dr David Marlin is a member of the EGB Welfare Committee

A

nyone involved in endurance is aware that the sport developed rapidly in the 1990’s and this development rapidly outstripped veterinary and scientific knowledge. However, there was a rapid response from the research and veterinary community, which resulted in a number of initiatives. For example, at the International Conference on Equine Exercise Physiology held in Kentucky in 2002, I organised a ½ day workshop on endurance with over 150 vets and scientists and this led to a 2-day intensive endurance workshop at the Animal Health Trust in Newmarket organised by Professor Leo Jeffcott (representing the FEI) and myself attended by 25 vets and scientists with an

The speed that you can ride at will be determined by many factors including: • The genetic ability of your horse • Your horses’ fitness • Your horses’ current health and soundness • Your fitness, stamina and health • Your concentration • Your crewing • The weather • The going • The terrain (uphill, downhill, flat) • Direction (e.g. mainly straight or twisty) • Your speed • Your pattern of speed per loop or pacing

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interest in endurance. Since those days a large number of scientific studies have taken place and papers have been published. Many of these have involved epidemiology – the scientific study of risk factors for illness and or injury. From FEI and National statistics we have seen that lameness is the most common cause for elimination from rides, with metabolic eliminations rising with increasing thermal environmental conditions. The epidemiologic studies have suggested that competing more frequently than every 90 days increases the risk of elimination for lameness for rides between 80-160km, whilst for example, heavy going increases the risk of metabolic elimination.

FACTORS IN ELIMINATION

Why do horses go lame in rides? Of course some horses will experience a single isolated “accident” in a ride such as slipping or standing on a sharp stone. However, there is now very strong evidence to suggest that most lameness that occurs in rides is related to damage/injury that is already present before the start i.e. injury due to training.

The reason why these injuries may not be apparent during training is that the horse is not asked to do the same speed and or distance in training that is asked for in rides.

For many years I have been convinced that the majority of failures in endurance races are due to poor rider choices; essentially riding too fast (for the horses’

welfare

ability and fitness and health), not riding "smoothly", selecting the wrong speed for different phases of the race, etc.

In competitive race rides the aim is clearly to get from start to finish in the fastest time, passing each inspection and without harm or injury to your horse (most riders are less concerned about themselves :).

PACING

Pacing is a science that is highly developed in sports such as distance running, swimming and cycling. The science of pacing is complex and a variety of different pacing strategies are recognised, including negative (speed increases through event), all-out, positive (speed peaks and then decreases), even, parabolic and variable pacing strategies. In the past year I have been working with Dr Jane Williams, an epidemiologist at Hartpury College, to look at the role that pacing plays in endurance success or failure.

So far we have looked at 120km races and are now moving to look at 160km.

From the analysis so far it appears that the speed choice on loop 1 is a major factor in determining the likelihood of completion and also if you complete, where you

are placed. For example, horses that finished 120km races successfully had, on average, a slower loop 1 speed than horses that did not complete. Horses that completed also completed subsequent loops at a higher percentage of their loop 1 speed than those that did not. A risk for not completing is essentially riding loop 1 at a speed your horses cannot sustain on loop 2 and or loop 3. People often react to this information by saying “that’s obvious”. My response would be, then why do people keep riding strategies that see their horses eliminated or finishing the last loop at

a very slow pace? It may be obvious, but many riders are still making poor choices on their loop 1 speed i.e. riding too fast for the horses’ current ability, fitness and health (i.e. any underlying injury).

How do you know how fast you can ride the first loop of a ride/race? As most riders will know there are a lot of factors to consider such as going, weather, the fact that its loop 1, your horses temperament, etc. However, if you consistently struggle to maintain the same speed on loop 2 (all other things being equal) that you went on loop 1, then chances are you are riding loop 1 too fast.

References

Equine endurance race pacing strategy differs between finishers and non-finishers in 120 km single-day races. D. Marlin & J. Williams (2017), Comparative Exercise Physiology. 14(1) pages 11-18. https://www.wageningenacademic.com/doi/abs/10.3920/CEP170027 Equine Endurance Race Pacing Strategy and Performance in 120-km Single-Day Races. D. Marlin & J. Williams (2018), Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. https://www.j-evs.com/article/S0737-0806(17)30656-1/pdf

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groups

DURHAM R VALLEYS RIDE

SUNDAY 8TH APRIL Photographs with kind permission of Marimages Words by Nikki Dawson

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ide planning had started back in October 2017, with Ivesley Equestrian Centre booked and permissions from Durham County Council to use the former railway tracks granted - and then it started to rain, and rain, and snow, then rain again and everywhere was waterlogged.

Rides were being cancelled and postponed one after another and the start of the season seemed like it had well and truly stalled.

However, after the near biblical rain we had been experiencing, our intrepid Ride Organiser, Karen Fairbairn, took some time off from the Ark she had been building and went off to see if any of the land in

groups

Durham was still above water.

Fortunately, Ivesley has hard standing for vehicles and the old railway tracks were still in good condition but a huge thank you must be given to the local farmers and landowners, who bravely gave their permission to cross their land after the weeks and weeks of heavy snow and torrential rain.

The day before the ride, the heavens opened yet again but Karen and her

bunch of soggy helpers were undeterred.

Everyone went home to wring themselves out, cross their fingers and toes and do a sun dance. It must have worked because the next morning it was.... DRY!!!!!

Durham Valleys is always a popular ride and it had filled up within three weeks of the entries opening; with so many rides being postponed everyone had been looking forward to it. Due to the size of the car park at Ivesley, the entries are limited, so it was good to see 58 riders out of the expected 63 turn up on the day. There were 8 classes running, ranging from the 10km pleasure ride to the 66km Competitive ride and entries were received for each and every class.

The ride traverses farmland, some beautiful woodland tracks, former railway lines and bridleways and the smiling faces of the returning riders said it all. It was great to see some first time competitive riders; Northumberland and Tyneside Group's Jackie Axcell who achieved a Grade 2, Durham and Teesside Group members Susan Carruthers achieved a Grade 4, Rhianne Dixon also earning a Grade 4 and Norma Thompson a Completion. Also, a very well done to Durham and Teesside Group member Amy Young, riding her first competitive 42km and achieving a Grade 1!

Great results for all riders and horses.

As it turned out, due to the horrendous weather conditions, Durham Valleys was the

only ride that managed to run that weekend.

So a very big thank you must be given to Karen Fairbairn and all of the ride helpers, too numerous to mention who marked the ride, getting thoroughly soaked in the line of duty and to all of those who undertook stewarding duties on the day ensuring the riders could all finally get out and enjoy themselves!

Photographs from Marimages show: Durham and Teesside - Amy Young (no 11) trotting up, Durham and Teesside - Rhianne Dixon and Norma Thompson (no's 28 and 30), Northumberland and Tyneside - Jackie Axcell (no 34), Durham and Teesside - Susan Carruthers (no 29)

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groups

SOUTH WEST GROUP Words by Annie Joppe

M

uch like many of the other EGB Groups, our Ride Organisers have been faced with many battles to keep their rides running due to the weather.

However, we have been lucky enough to only lose a couple of pleasure rides due to the extreme weather and have managed to run our competitive rides so far.

The South West Season started on 11th February with a new ride on the calendar thanks to Tanya Southworth and young rider Tish Pickles. The Golden Mill ride attracted a full entry and many happy riders who enjoyed a day of winter sun. Tanya and Tish also ran a raffle which raised ÂŁ480.20

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for the Cornwall Air Ambulance.

After the loss of our Colquite pleasure ride, we had the Dartmoor Ride which is great training for anyone looking ahead to Golden Horseshoe or to the more challenging rides in our calendar. The elements were against our riders with most battling the wind and rain for the whole ride: we do breed riders who are made of strong stuff in the South West! However, homemade chocolate brownies by Organiser Jo Chisholm made sure the riders & their crews left with smiling faces and not just soggy saddles!

The Wadebridge Ride was our first competitive ride of the season with riders com-

groups

peting up to 50km. Despite lots of rain leading up to the event, the going was surprisingly good resulting in the ride having an excellent completion rate with many grade 1’s. Our second competitive ride of the season, the Colquite ride, saw some challenging conditions where the heavy rain had made the parking at the venue a logistical trial and the going out on course extremely muddy. However, the experienced ride organiser, Jan Kane, along with Vicky & Spencer Ham ensured that all ran smoothly, and another great ride went ahead for EGB SW with lots of muddy, smiley faces.

The South West group then organised a training session with Esther Groen, BHSAI and Dutch International endurance rider, using her equine simulator for individual sessions followed by f latwork sessions in small groups putting lessons learned on the simulator into practice. This was extremely well received with everyone begging for a repeat visit!

Outside of the South West Rides there have been excellent results at Haywood Oaks with SW member Sarah Ollis coming 3rd in the FE2* on Kirsty Wiscombe’s Yawl Hill Billy. Sarah’s son, Harry, competed on another of Kirsty’s horses, Yawl Hill Pollyanna at King’s Forest together with Kirsty on Yawl Hill Maverick to complete the 1* in 5th and 6th places. The icing on the cake for Harry was to be awarded one of the places on the EGB Young Riders Spotlight scholarship scheme.

We have an exciting few months ahead for our group with Golden Horseshoe just around the corner and we have jointly sponsored the Exmoor Stag class with our next-door neighbours Wessex EGB. We are also looking ahead and putting together our team for the Inter-Regionals at Cirencester in July. After finishing 2nd last year to the North West, we have our eyes on that number 1 spot for 2018!

Top left, Emma Burden at the Colquite ride. Top right, Harry Ollis with Yawl Hill Pollyanna at Kings Forest. Bottom, Kim Hicks at Wadebridge ride.

Photographs courtesy of Farlap Photography

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groups

DERBYSHIRE GROUP Words by Sarah Wright

T

he year so far! Derbyshire Group started the year with an exciting ride planning meeting and BAM, which resulted in us planning more rides than ever and introducing new ones.

We followed with a wonderful presentation evening celebrating the successes the previous season and thanking people for their efforts. We introduced our new “Top Crew Tankard” in memory of the late Gordon Harrison and presented by Ann and Netty. The winners were impossible to decide between despite holding a vote, so the award was jointly won by Craig Chadwick, Barry Brewell and Pete McMurdo.

Our first ride was at Shipley Park on 25th February, the weather was kind to us and we saw lots of old and new members out enjoying themselves. Then the weather struck us.

Freehay on 18th March had to be cancelled due to snow then Hartington in H’April was cancelled due to Waterlogged ground at the venue. However, our Training day went ahead at Darley Equestrian near Matlock. 8 people took part in a ridden lesson with Merrigan Burton, who had started the day with a fascinating talk on straightness and how to analyse your horse’s way of going and conformation.

Everyone also attended a talk on feeding aspiring endurance horses with Saracen Horse feeds who also provided a weighbridge and tailored their advice to each individual. It was very interesting to listen in on peoples guesses at their horse’s weight, but also to hear that we had a group of horses that were not too fat! Everyone had lunch outside in the early spring sun with lots of opportunity to learn from our more experienced members and also training day organiser, Sallie Dudley. Following lunch everyone took part in a mock pleasure ride with a vetting and hack out of 10km.

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Feedback was very positive and we look to do something similar in the near future.

Throughout the year we hold monthly social evenings at the Duke of York, Pomeroy. Some evenings have a distinct theme, which included one on Bridleways on 21st March. Flick Edmeston took us through the process of locating and investigating bridleways and how to save them for the future. We had 20 people attend and lots of interest generated. This is vital as without our bridleways our sport and enjoyment of our horses would suffer. Another social evening was and introduction to endurance lead by team Chadwick. 18 people attended, most were at the very start of learning about endurance and their questions produced interesting and often contrasting answers form Ruth and Charlie, with Craig adding

valuable insight too. It was so engaging that we need to run part two as we ran out of time for map reading training!

Then the weather changed!! Manifold in May was surprisingly hot. It’s a ride known for its big hills and open fields. This year did not disappoint although it caused major headaches for the organisers, Linda Reeves and Lissie, as the sudden improvement in weather led to all the farmers letting their stock out to graze the day before the ride. A frantic last minute call for helpers enabled us to have the vital gates manned, as we would not be welcome back if any gates were left open when there are calves and lambs newly on the ground. It’s a ride we do not want to lose from the calendar. All went well and we are now looking ahead to a new ride – the Rodsley Ramble on 3rd June.

Charlie Chadwick and Georgie Rhodes at the Manifold Ride.

Photo courtesy of Ruth Saunby, Indiepics photography

ENDURANCE READERS GIVE-AWAY

WIN 3K TUB WO G RTH

NEW TOPSPEC ELECTROLYTES £ 24.50 Designed to help compensate for electrolyte loss after heavy sweating, this new additive has a high salt formula, contains wildberry to aid palatability and is recommended by equine veterinary practices and independent nutritionists.

For your chance to WIN a 3kg tub of TopSpec Electrolytes, please send your name, address, and phone number by email to magazineeditor@endurancegb.co.uk Or by post to Green Farm Stables, Albyns Lane, Essex RM4 1RX - to arrive no later than 30th June 2018. - 5 Lucky readers will be chosen at random to receive a 3kg tub of electrolytes.

Product will be sent direct from TopSPec, and your contact details will be given to the company in order that your prize can be despatched.

TopSpec Electrolytes can be fed to horses to help compensate for electrolyte loss during sweating, with many resulting benefits.

The addition of salt to the diet should be sufficient for horses only sweating lightly.

TopSpec Electrolytes should always be added in addition to any salt already in the diet and not instead of that salt. Salt-licks should always be available 24/7.

Divide the daily amount fed equally amongst meals and mix well. It is recommended that this electrolyte preparation is used for at least two days after sweating.

TopSpec Electrolytes are available in 1.5kg - £17.50 / 3kg - £24.50 /9kg - £55.1 and 20kg - £98.

For further information please contact the Multiple Award-Winning Helpline on 01845 565030 or visit www.topspec.com

ENTER NOW FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A 3KG TUB WORTH £24.50

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RESULTS All the latest results from the EGB events WOOTTON (25/03/2018)

64kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Aberllwyd Femme Fatalle (Kathy Carr), 13.4kph; Aragorn (Ruth Chadwick), 13.4kph; Hazelcroft Gosens Tsar (Charlotte Chadwick), 13.5kph; Oakley (Alicia Reeves), 11.9kph Grade 2: Almaak (Richard Allen), 11.6kph; Siroco Toul Ar C'Hoat (Joanna Woodman), 11.6kph 40kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Abbery Cornish Messenger (Heidi Clark), 11.4kph; Kilteeven Ginger Mist (Lisa Hayworth), 14.9kph; Mk Amirat Al Leyle (Rachel Pemberton), 11.9kph; Star Hill Sapphire (Claire Mellor), 14.9kph Grade 2: Buzz (Robert Blane), 14.2kph Grade 3: Cfs Eros (Rachael Atkinson), 14kph; Jvl Sergeant C Marshall (Rebecca Broughton-Booker), 11.9kph Grade 4: Psynibreez (Jessie Mchugh), 14kph; Syrus (Samantha Bowkett), 12.9kph Completion: Wainstones Dainty Lady (Bethany Clarkson), 12.9kph 40kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Llanfyllin Roseanne (Linda Birkitt), 14.2kph; Olympic Spirit (Dan) (Amber Sole), 11.4kph Grade 4: Helmwind Deztiny (Karen Corr), 12.1kph; Monty (Dan Hall), 10.7kph 32kms Graded

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Endurance Ride Grade 2: Gb Aliaanah (Amanda Morriss), 11.9kph Grade 3: Hamdan Bin Hamdanieh (Val Swann), 13kph Grade 4: Burfield Court Appearance (Helen Boston), 11.2kph 32kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Kaalif (Anja Ward), 11.6kph; Red House Lily Marlene (Erica Sergi), 11.2kph; Skip (Jacquie Harrison), 10.5kph Grade 2: Aratahnes Electra (Lisa Powell), 12.3kph; Chico (Cassandra Ward), 11.6kph; Duke (Tahnee Burgess), 10.5kph; Great Endeavour (Danni Foster), 10.3kph; Sambrini (Samantha Prosser-Higdon), 10.4kph Grade 3: Benjana (Tracy Thompson), 11kph Completion: Anderwood Rosie (Jamie Shores), 14.1kph; Lougherne Basil (Richard Ross-Lee), 10.4kph 32kms Pleasure Ride La Mi Khayal (Kimberley Lord); Llandderfel Princess Elen (Nicola Randle) 21kms Pleasure Ride Aurora XXIV (Rachel Owen); Bracken (Hannah Featherstone); Flint (Perry Hayes); Gallardo (Vicki White); Grafter (Sherene Gilks); Lunita (Jenny Ludlam); Mr Pink (Charles Atkinson); Same` (Lucy Frost); Scout (Janet

Cochrane); Warrens Hill Jzamal (Victoria Atkinson); Wigwam Sam (David Reynolds) 15kms Pleasure Ride Andrew Prince Of Brecon (Isobel Green); Apache Nation (Kirsty Alberry); Gib Rebel (Zoe Pearson); Hagan (Nicola Sedgewick); Kosmic Rising (Sally Barrett); Raven Rascal (Lynda Varey); Saskia Grace (Kaylea Hampton); Storm (Eleanor Dakkak)

CANNOCK CHASE SPRING (10/03/2018)

64kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Ravel's Bolero (Amie Baker), 12.1kph; Sa'da Sekora (Gillian Talbot), 13kph; Tannasg Psyrenkus (Ruth Chadwick), 11.6kph; Watt Du Colombier (Esther Groen), 12.3kph Grade 2: Oso Edith (Nikki Malcolm), 13.1kph; Penny Clawd (Belinda Stewart), 13.2kph; Warrens Hill Kizmet (Alice Loten), 12.8kph Grade 3: Indygo (Mary Stubbs), 12.1kph; Sky's The Limit (Charlotte Chadwick), 11.6kph 48kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 2: Velvet Echo (Lesley-Ann Parker), 13.1kph 45kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Storm I (Joannah Parker), 16.6kph Grade 3: Ballota (Sophie Moorhouse),

10.5kph 40kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Altin (Linda Reeves), 11.1kph; Oakley (Alicia Reeves), 11.1kph; Penhwnllys Seline De Mon (Helen Barrett), 13kph; Summer Breeze 1 (Linda Cowperthwaite), 11.7kph Grade 2: Aberstwyth Gwynfor (Hayley Oliver), 13.7kph; Fold Elite (Karen Cadman), 11.3kph; Granby Sting (Maureen Langham), 14kph; Kheilesha (Jessica Macfarlane), 13.2kph; Tannasg Psyches Realm (Rachael Atkinson), 12.8kph Grade 3: Clonmore Treasure (Antonia Milner-Matthews), 13kph; The Red Viscount (Charis Denham), 13.6kph Grade 4: Absolution (Karen Morgan), 13.7kph; Bha Sultan (Evelyn Helme), 11.7kph; Bizout (Hannah Lydon), 10.2kph; Cf Winter Amadeus (Pat Guerin), 12.4kph; Echo I (Fiona Griffiths), 11.7kph Completion: Ja Amir Khan (Valerie Whalley), 14.6kph; Orlando (Gaynor Jones), 12.4kph 1 elimination 40kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Hs Beyazid (Beth Langley), 12kph; Prince Of Hope (Kerry Carson), 11.3kph Grade 2: Fantasia IV (Tricia Hirst), 11.7kph; Katmando (Samantha Owen), 12.3kph Grade 3: Femke

Sterre H (Poppy) (Kirstie Worswick), 11.6kph 1 elimination 32kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Corae Weyekin (Heidi Dangerfield), 11.9kph; Equiloan Phoebes Gold (Larissa Whiley), 12.4kph; Khalifa B J (Rachel Judson), 12.4kph; Leesview Tobias (Jill Thorburn), 13.9kph; Psynbad (Sarah Davenport), 11.6kph Grade 2: Beystar (Ian Fletcher), 13.2kph Grade 3: Gin And Tonic II (Alice Redihough), 12.2kph; Sa Khindred Spirit (Pamela Jordan), 10.6kph; Sabi Waseem (Susan Hawes), 11kph; Simeric Smooth Criminal (Hannah Maskell), 11.4kph Grade 4: Aberllwyd Ibn Phariz (Katie Bedwin), 12.4kph; Bey Dryad (Gillian Hensley), 12.3kph; Daante (Sara Hurst), 12.4kph; Kaybrook Venus (Lisa Jones), 12.2kph; Sahir Opulence (Katy Mellor), 12.4kph; Sg Esscent (Susan Cox), 12.1kph Completion: Cefngarn Carwyn (Deborah Sherwood), 11.4kph; Sheer Bliss (Lorna Mccarthy), 14.4kph; Sulan Electric Prince (Lily Gibbons), 13.9kph 4 eliminations 40kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Hs Beyazid (Beth Langley), 12kph; Prince Of Hope (Kerry

Carson), 11.3kph Grade 2: Fantasia IV (Tricia Hirst), 11.7kph; Katmando (Samantha Owen), 12.3kph Grade 3: Femke Sterre H (Poppy) (Kirstie Worswick), 11.6kph 1 elimination 32kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Corae Weyekin (Heidi Dangerfield), 11.9kph; Equiloan Phoebes Gold (Larissa Whiley), 12.4kph; Khalifa B J (Rachel Judson), 12.4kph; Leesview Tobias (Jill Thorburn), 13.9kph; Psynbad (Sarah Davenport), 11.6kph Grade 2: Beystar (Ian Fletcher), 13.2kph Grade 3: Gin And Tonic II (Alice Redihough), 12.2kph; Sa Khindred Spirit (Pamela Jordan), 10.6kph; Sabi Waseem (Susan Hawes), 11kph; Simeric Smooth Criminal (Hannah Maskell), 11.4kph Grade 4: Aberllwyd Ibn Phariz (Katie Bedwin), 12.4kph; Bey Dryad (Gillian Hensley), 12.3kph; Daante (Sara Hurst), 12.4kph; Kaybrook Venus (Lisa Jones), 12.2kph; Sahir Opulence (Katy Mellor), 12.4kph; Sg Esscent (Susan Cox), 12.1kph Completion: Cefngarn Carwyn (Deborah Sherwood), 11.4kph; Sheer Bliss (Lorna Mccarthy), 14.4kph; Sulan Electric Prince (Lily Gibbons), 13.9kph 4 eliminations

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32kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Cloughwood Gold Digger (Ben Plackett), 12.1kph; Crabbswood Zelma (Bryony Parsler), 9.7kph; Crown Of Salona (Tina Pfeiffer), 9.9kph; Kaalif (Anja Ward), 11.2kph; Sasha (Lara Williams), 11.4kph Grade 2: Ben Shah (Megan Barradell), 12.4kph; Ruby Tuesday (Natalie Oliver), 9.2kph Grade 4: Bluebell (Hazel Pridgeon), 9.2kph; Farid My Lad (Sophie Haughton), 11.8kph; Golden Pride (Lindsey Bones), 12.3kph; Yethersgill Taliesin (Rebecca Parsler), 9.7kph 1 elimination and 1 retired

TILFORD (11/03/2018)

82kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 2: Magdy (James Dickinson), 12.3kph Grade 3: Penhwnllys Samala De Mons (Mandy Yarnold), 12.3kph Grade 4: Aztrantia (Charlotte Fleming), 11.6kph 66kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 3: Spanish Heir (Bella Fricker), 12.7kph Completion: Eden El Nyhl (Susan Cox), 10.1kph 2 eliminations 33kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Altivo I (Susan Hawes), 11.3kph Grade 2: Baijan (Elizabeth Rowland), 10.9kph Grade 3: Aberllwyd Briar Rose (Alison House), 11.2kph; Archways Lovada Ada (Alice Denham), 11.2kph; Azarina (Eliz-

abeth White), 11.4kph; Bronze Nahdir (Ollie Holman), 13.1kph; Cardinal Panache (Viv Coleman), 10.7kph; Good Morgan (Jessica Sedgwick), 10.7kph; Millie I (Mark Weil), 11.1kph; Simeric Solaman (Julia Harman), 10.7kph Grade 4: Al Raad Bin Jesra (Christine Smyth), 10kph; Chlione (Susan Middleton), 10kph; Gfs Te Amo (Karen Greig), 10kph; Rowdy Cow Girl (Sally Jones), 10.8kph Completion: Carrowkeel Storm (Hannah Sedgwick), 10.7kph; Yawl Hill Maverick (Kirsty Wiscombe), 10.1kph 3 eliminations and 1 retired 33kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Dukes Mountain Masterpiece (Ella Green), 10kph; Kilbeg Flash (Carole Portlock), 10kph; Rubicon Kartikka (Helen Bowyer), 10.2kph; Warrens Hill Johara (Juliet Crosby), 9.9kph; Yawl Hill Pollyanna (Philippa Mcguire), 10.1kph Grade 2: Capewell Winged Firestar (Rebecca Pumphrey), 10.5kph; Dylan (Claire Napper), 10kph; Elkana Dancing Moon (Sarah Denham), 9.7kph; Taylor's Flicka (Barbara Moorhouse), 10.2kph Grade 3: Aurora Forta (Nuccia Lipscombe), 9.7kph; Star Chaser (Violet-Mae Murch), 10.8kph; Twilightlullaby (Caroline Long), 8.8kph Grade 4: April Moonlight (Jackie Pascoe), 9.7kph Completion: Alford's Baileys Cream (Lois Cooper), 8.6kph;

Barngate Hippolyta (Judith Yarnold), 8.8kph; Dutchdream Spetter (Suzie Todd), 9.2kph; Personified (Bryony Parsler), 9.2kph; Woodstock (Hannah Cooper), 8.6kph 3 eliminations 16kms Pleasure Ride Arctic Shadow (Fiona Woodman); Bono (Megan Gibbons); Brookdale Look Twice (Kim Carter); Bunbury Beechwood (Diane Cheeseman); Caspihia (Karen Ash); Danaury Henrietta (Charlotte Roberts); Dartford Jess (Kerry Lamb); Fortland Blaze (Suzie Vickery); Harvey (Catherine Whitall); Kec Ariel (Charlotte Vickery); Murphy (Beth Crawley); Negmat Al Hayat (Megan Jennings); Rousay (Rebecca Lewis); Royalman (Paul Carter) 1 elimination

WADEBRIDGE RIDE (25/03/2018)

51kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Nuraletta (Judy Holloway), 12kph 40kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Desert Kudoss (Ginny Gidley), 12.2kph; Mirjana (Gill Plumbley), 12.9kph; Rs Alijah (Victoria Ham), 12.2kph Grade 2: Autumn Reflection (Sarah Keeley), 12.7kph Grade 3: He's A Charmer (Lynn Harvey), 13.2kph; Tylands Froley (Sarah Bishop), 11.7kph 1 elimination 32kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Lindance Easter Boy (Glenda Smith), 11.7kph; Rowberton Raindance (Joy Savage), 11.2kph Grade 2: Kachine

(Carrie Francis), 11.2kph; Trigonometry (Tanya Southworth), 10.9kph Grade 3: Hs Chiara (Annie Joppe), 12.8kph 1 retired 32kms Graded Endurance Ride (Novice) Grade 1: Another Firebird Rising (Honor Farley), 11.5kph; Bracken (Libby Kendal-Tory), 11kph; Brechfa Dansker (Kim Hicks), 10.4kph; Cumbria Black Lana (Valerie Hansen), 10.2kph; Foxhills Double Crown (Naomi Saunders), 10.4kph; Heath (Carina Kane), 11kph; Khlassic Design (Abbi Holmes), 10.9kph; Molly Dancer (Alana Bauer), 10.5kph; Ocean (Helen Mcmillan), 11kph; Petronius (Jill Semmens), 11.4kph; Ruby's Moment (Nigel Reynolds), 10.9kph; Tula-Llula (Imogen Kaczmarek), 10.6kph; Venus (Carol Sobucinska), 11.7kp Grade 2: Ac Latifa Amirah (Letitia Pickles), 10.9kph; Ayla (Jenny Blackwell), 10.9kph; Dylasau Syr Rowan (Catherine Woodford), 10.3kph; Harik (Jan Prettejohn), 11kph; Menorca (Teresa Longden), 9kph; Mis Me Kensa (Carolyn Thomas), 10.6kph Grade 3: H S Emilio (Sarah Tanner), 11kph Grade 4: Tyacks Firecracker (Carol Sobucinska), 11.7kph Completion: Duchy Mimosa (Martin Voysey), 8.2kph; Manor April Sparrow (Victoria Pettit), 8.2kph 2 eliminations 32kms Pleasure Ride Aamira Bint Shuwaimeh (Susan

Moore), 12kph; Maximus Meridius (Ann Jobson), 9.4kph; Psynrtra (Selina Burger), 12.1kph; Samson (Amanda Walton), 9.4kph 16kms Pleasure Ride Azzik (Belinda Bell), 7.1kph; Carneboe Smartie Pants (Lucy Trowt), 8.6kph; Charlie Brown (Vicki Barry), 6.2kph; Curlew Roxette Flower (Verna Parker), 5kph; Diana Of Court (Nicola Leach), 7.1kph; Duchess (Mandy Edmonds), 7.1kph; Duke (Annette Brown), 8.2kph; Eaglescliffe Sweet William (Greg.

Bell), 7.1kph; Earl (No Name Given), 8.2kph; Ellie (Rebecca Kent), 5.8kph; Golden Gigolo (Deborah Edmond), 5.8kph; Harvey (Rose Ellison), 7.1kph; His Lordship (Kerry Mcgrane), 8.6kph; Izz Al Bin (Yvonne Eastmond), 7.2kph; Jack (Gillian Glegg), 8.6kph; Jasper (Louise Creber), 7kph; Kd Zebadi (Bryony Edmond), 5.8kph; Malci (Tina Applegarth), 5.8kph; Mistys Lass (Poppy Heale), 8.3kph; Mr Robbie Grey (Joanna Lee), 6.3kph; No Name Given (David Heath), 6kph; No Name Given (Ellie Knun), 6kph; Rio (Kerry Friend), 8.4kph; Sally V (Emma Barrett), 6kph; Shah (Sally Nicholson), 8.6kph; Todhill Trafalgar (Lenice Bell), 7.6kph; Tyson (Rebecca Weaver), 6kph; Willetts Wartime Warrior (Kerrie Rogers), 5kph 3 eliminations and 4 retired

HAYWOOD OAKS - DAY 1 (31/03/2018)

F.E.I. 2star 120kms Haywood Oaks Endurance Ride 1st: Sky's The Limit (Charlotte Chadwick), 12.8kph 2nd: Sachiya (Mary Stubbs), 12.8kph Completion: Tannasg Psyches Grace (Ollie Holman), 13.7kph 3 eliminations 80kms Competitive Endurance Ride 1st: Crystal Magic Star (Lauren Mills), 14.8kph 2nd: Bha Sultan (Linda Cowperthwaite), 13.8kph F.E.I. 1star 80kms Haywood Oaks Endurance Ride 1st: Viniculture (Nicola Chappell), 15.2kph 2nd: Warrens Hill Zhaheen (Liz Ashmead), 15.2kph 3rd: Yawl Hillbilly (Sarah Ollis), 15.2kph 4th: Echo I (Fiona Griffiths), 14kph 5th: Oso Irazu (Nikki Malcolm), 13.7kph 6th: Oso Spiralling Wind (Annette Hansford), 13.7kph 7th: Tannasg Primo Dancer (Iain Paterson), 13.5kph 8th: Tannasg Psyonny (Claire Tink), 13.9kph 1 elimination 80kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 4: My Marco (Annette Longland), 12.3kph Completion: Altin (Alicia Reeves), 12.3kph 1 retired 64kms Graded Endurance Ride Grade 1: Elayla (Katie Bedwin), 12kph; Sadhira (Shelley Bates), 13kph Grade 2: Al Raad Bin Jesra (Christine Smyth), 12kph Grade 3: Kaalif (Anja Ward), 11.4kph

Endurance May/Jun 2018

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CLASSIFIED ADS A 93mm wide x 41mm high (with 3mm bleed)

B 93mm wide x 131mm high (with 3mm bleed) Endurance Magazine is excited to be able to offer EGB members, sponsors, supporters, small businesses, ride organisers, service providers and anyone else who would benefit from the opportunity to advertise on our new Small Ads page, available in 4 sizes! (see A, B, C & D) Plus, a direct link to your website from a digital version.

Take advantage of the opening offer rates!

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TO EGB For more details on the advert options available and design service, please contact Catherine and request your free Endurance Media pack, containing future features, prices and dimensions. catherineb@matrixprint.com

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C 44mm wide x 41mm high (with 3mm bleed)

D 190mm wide x 131mm high (with 3mm bleed)

KEY DATES Annual General Meeting Daventry Court Hotel 24th November Daventry, NN11 0SG, 12:15pm (unless otherwise advised) Receipt of Members’ Proposals for AGM In writing to Company Secretary at Stoneleigh Office by 5pm on Friday 28th September Nominations for the Board of Directors In writing to Company Secretary at Stoneleigh Office by 5pm on Friday 28th September

Nominations for Unsung Hero, John Yeats Bursary & Young Volunteer of the year awards 26th October Receipt of FEI & Major Ride Proposals 30th August Receipt of National Ride Proposal Forms 12th October Claims for Distance Awards 19th October Board of Directors Meetings 20th May 21st July

13th October 24th /25th November Groups Meeting 20th October Ride Fixtures meeting 21st October

ENDURANCE RACING

RECOMMENDED ENDURANCE RACING FEEDING PROGRAMME FOR

MAXIMUM POWER & PERFORMANCE STEP

1

STEP

2

STEP

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• Feed 50g daily in the feed continually • Essential antioxidant and helps build healthy muscle • High in Vitamin E - protects muscle integrity for top performance

• Feed 5g per day for a healthy digestive system and good appetite • Quick acting probiotic / 10 billion viable bacteria per gramme • Maintains optimum digestive function and maximises utilisation

• Feed 50g daily after exercise • Replaces vital body salts and muscle glycogen after exercise • Helps maintain muscle integrity and contains Vitamin C and Glycine

STEP

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• Feed 30g twice daily in the feed for 20 days prior to competition and on day of competition • Delays the build up of lactic acid and the onset of fatigue • Improves the metabolism of fat and reduces tying up

STEP

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• Feed one sachet daily in feed 4 days before competition and 1 day after competition for better antioxidant protection and energy metabolism • Contains B-Complex vitamins which converts feed into energy • Contains Alpho Lipoc Acid that is a water and fat soluble antioxidant

STEP

• Feed 1 full syringe after each loop, and 1 full syringe on completion of competition to replace lost energy and electrolytes • Speeds up the process of recovery and encourages water consumption • Helps the horse to achieve maximum potential

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