Endurance Mar/Apr 2015

Endurance

Volume 12 Issue 2 March/April 2015

Gearing Up For the Season New Products at BETA

Staying Safe...Hats and Body Protectors

OFFICIAL MEMBERS PUBLICATION FOR ENDURANCE GB

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Contents 18

22

26

28 Front Cover: Claire Aldritt, intrepid explorer, with her horses, in Scotland Photo provided by Claire Aldritt See website/blog www.bearandspottybum.wordpress.com

Editor’s Comment

With the season well underway as you receive this issue of Endurance, we have already seen some major changes within our sport.

As we go to print, the FEI have recently suspended the UAE federation from taking part in or hosting FEI endurance, and the President of the FEI has made statements about what will have to change if the UAE are to be re-instated.

As readers will already know, prior to this the Board of EGB had decided to hold fire on the acceptance of sponsorship from Meydan.

We now wait to see what developments ensue, but certainly things are changing.

Times change, things move on, and this year will be the 50th Anniversary for the Golden Horseshoe Ride. Sadly Barbara Wigley has taken the decision to retire from organizing this iconic event, and indeed there have been calls for the Ride to be moved around the country, as happened in a previous incarnation.

To me, Golden Horseshoe is synonymous with Exmoor and the whole ethos of endurance riding; it is the ride that I had heard of when I first started endurance, and was the ride that committed long distance riders were determined to complete at least once in their career. Many have become regular participants at the event, but as time become an ever more precious commodity, and diesel costs increase, the numbers taking part have fallen. With the increase in international competition and faster rides, interest in achieving this test of horse and rider, seems to have decreased. Will it find another organizer? Will it be a moveable event? Or will it, like the lamented Summer Solstice, become one of the Golden memories that riders share in years to come?

Views from the Chair 4 News 6 BETA Report 8 Hat regulations 10 Ride Previews 12 SERC 14 Mud Fever 16 Spring Clothing 17 Go Help Helmet Project 18 HIT-AIR 20 Writing The Glory 22 Book Review 24 Dilmun’s Reflections 26 TORQing Rider Nutrition 28 Spring Supplements 30 Tried & Tested 31 Young Riders 32 Management 34 Groups 36 New Products 40 EGB Directory 42

Changing tack, and looking forward, there are several new rides on the calendar as well as some re-vamped favourites, and we have some previews of several of these…some wonderful pictures to whet your appetite!

We are also looking at what was new at BETA in February, and I have to say I was very impressed this year by how useful some of the new products are. We have had a look at a few in the New Products pages and in the Spring Clothing article, I do hope that readers find this information helpful. In the spirit of being helpful we are also looking at what the changes in hat labeling mean to competitive riders. As I say, lots of changes ahead!

Finally, one of my favourite parts of this issue is the book review page.

I found such a lovely book at BETA, I really had to share it; I sincerely hope that it inspires some of you to go out and ride in some of the more challenging areas of England and Wales, or perhaps think about planning a longer journey with your horse.

I hope to see many of you out on the trails.

Cindy

Endurance March/April 2015 3

Views from the Chair Dear Members

At last another endurance riding season is under way. Obviously the most topical issue for us all has been the terrible events at the ride in Abu Dhabi in January of this year. The injuries sustained by and the death of Splitters Creek Bundy were appalling and completely unacceptable. As we all know, a number of other incidents and concerns over potential bogus rides have resulted in the FEI taking the serious action of suspending the National Federation of the United Arab Emirates, which of course we fully support.

The Board of EGB had already taken the decision to suspend the sponsorship negotiations with Meydan prior to this announcement.

So now attention must turn to delivering at least some of the plans we had to improve the sport of endurance for all Members, although without sponsorship this will be much more of a challenge. The Board, our local Groups and individual members can all help to recruit new members to the sport this year. I appeal to everyone to spread the word about our wonderful sport, stressing our commitment to high standards of animal welfare and fair play. We also have a number of new initiatives that we hope will help us recruit new enthusiasts to endurance, such as a new Pleasure Ride pairs event, a team event and of course reduced Associate Membership fees and ride entry fees and for junior and young riders.

The Board must focus on implementation of some of the key areas highlighted in the Plan on a Page as a priority. We must also move ahead with the proposed changes to governance of EGB, more detail of which will have been provided in the recent Board Newsletter.

Most of the rides that have taken place so far are showing a very healthy number of entries in comparison to last year. The number of entries has perhaps been influenced by our better fortune with the weather, so far anyway. The reduction in fuel costs must also be helping, although it is not clear how long this benefit might last. Of course none of the rides can take place without the help of all our volunteers, from ride organisers and entry secretaries through to gate stewards, all of whom play an absolutely vital role in the success of our rides.

Thank you, each and every one of you.

ENDURANCE GB BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRMAN John Hudson t: 01398 332089 m: 07779 797170 e: johnhudson@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2017

VICE CHAIRMAN Peter Claridge t: 01208 821328 m: 07771 897925 e: peterclaridge@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2015 FINANCE DIRECTOR Peter Claridge t: 01208 821328 m: 07771 897925 e: peterclaridge@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2015 COMPANY SECRETARY Ann Dark t: 01380 818223 e: anndark@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2016 Sue Box t: 07867 512673 e: suebox@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2017

Sue Broughton m: 07870 171641 e: suebroughton@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2016

David Hirst m: 07710 475941 e: davidhirst@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2017

Jo Claridge t: 01208 821328 m: 07917 161599 e: joclaridge@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2017

Harry Ingram m: 07793 813083 e: harryingram@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2017

Kerry Dawson t: 07818 283144 e: kerrydawson@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2017 Brian Floyd-Davis t: 01293 786253 m: 07771581202 e: brianfloyd-davis@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2016 Jeni Gilbert t: 01484 863506 m: 07845 975612 e: jenigilbert@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2015 Kevin Hawes m: 07704 535 424 e: kevinhawes@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2015

Jane Tennant m: 07858 364344 e: janetennant@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2017 Fiona Videla t: 01949 843 349 m: 07841 143032 e: fionavidela@endurancegb.co.uk RETIRES – at the AGM 2015 SERC REPRESENTATION Constance Newbould t: 07973 726001 e: constancenewbould@endurancegb. co.uk Calls between 9am and 9pm only please. More details of committees and Board Member responsibilities can be found in the EGB Handbook

Credits Office administration Olwen Bryer Endurance GB Office, Abbey Park, Stareton, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2RP t: 02476 697929 f: 02476 418429 Editor Cindy Russell Green Farm Stables, Albyns Lane, Romford, Essex RM4 1RX t: 01708 688075 e: cindy@cynburstud.fsnet.co.uk 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 Rick Fraterrigo

Advertising Matrix Print Consultants Ltd. Satisfaction House, Unit C, Northfield Point, Cunliffe Drive, Kettering, Northants, NN16 9QJ t: 01536 527 297 e: andy@matrixprint.com Disclaimer: The views and opinions of the writers are not necessarily those of the editor, Matrix Print Consultants Ltd or Endurance GB. Endurance magazine is fully protected by copyright and nothing may be reproduced wholly or in part without the permission of Endurance GB and/or Matrix Print Consultants Ltd.

Deadlines

Copy Dates to Editor for future issues: Issue May/ Jun 2015 by 15th April. Issue Jul/Aug 2015 by 15th June.

If you wish to advertise in the May/Jun 2015 issue, copy deadline is 6th May.

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Research has shown that there is a strong link between the gut and the brain, with cross talking occurring between the two organs via the nervous system. During periods of stress the microflora in the horse’s gut may change as a result of changes in motility etc, which can result in diarrhoea.

One study has shown that even a 2 hour journey can cause significant disruption of the micro organisms. The gut flora of these animals when supplemented with a live yeast returns more quickly to the initial status quo that was observed prior to the transport stress. This supports the benefits of supplementing with live yeast. If we focus on maintaining a healthy hindgut and microbial population we also help to support the immune status of our horses. The more stable numbers of microbes that populate the hindgut the less of a chance there is that pathogenic bacteria can get a foothold and cause disease. The yeast acts like a piece of velcro by sticking to the pathogenic bacteria and removing them from the gut, as well as helping to stimulate the gut secretions helping to reduce the likelihood of the pathogens successfully being able to attach to the gut wall.

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NEWS...NEWS...NEWS...NEWS...NEWS...NEW BEF FUTURITY

2015 DATES AND VENUES The dates and venues for the 2015 Baileys Horse Feeds/British Breeding/BEF Futurity evaluation series have been announced.

The Futurity evaluations aim to identify British-bred young potential sport horses and ponies destined for top level careers in dressage, eventing, show-jumping or endurance. The Futurity is fast becoming recognised as an important first step in the careers of many potential top level horses and provides a valuable marketing took for breeders.

The 2015 Futurity evaluations will run from the 1st to the 18th August, covering 11 venues nationwide with a total of 12 days of evaluations. Entries are taken online and will open on the 1st July 2015.

The BEF’s Head of Equine Development Jan Rogers said. “We are increasingly finding that breeders, buyers and riders of British bred horses are finding that a Futurity premium is a very useful aid in helping assess these horses. We are also seeing a marked improvement in the standard of youngsters entered in the futurity, which is very good news for the future of British breeding”.

Three year old horses and ponies are encouraged to attend for their final futurity year as a threshold score will result in an invitation to the Futurity Equine Bridge

Picture credit Kevin Sparrow Photography.

The Futurity is open to British-bred horses and ponies, from foals through to three year olds. Each horse or pony is entered into the discipline it is bred to perform in and the four main disciplines of dressage, showjumping, eventing and endurance are covered. Each horse or pony undergoes a vet’s assessment and is then evaluated in-hand and loose in an indoor school.

Three year olds entered into either the showjumping or eventing sections will be required to loose jump.

selection day under saddle in the following year. The aim of the Equine Bridge is to provide direction and support to riders and trainers and to help owners and breeders realise the best of their horse’s ability.

For more information, get online and visit www.britishbreeding.org.

FUTURITY DATES AND VENUES 2015 1st August 2nd August 3rd August 4th August 7th August 9th August 11th August 12th August 13th August 14th August 17th August 18th August

Catherston Stud, Hampshire Chelwood Equestrian, East Sussex Writtle College, Essex The College, Keysoe, Bedfordshire Tall Trees Arena, Cornwall Hartpury College, Gloucestershire Arena UK, Lincolnshire Richmond Equestrian Centre, North Yorkshire Myerscough College, Lancashire Southview Equestrian Centre, Cheshire Solihull Riding Club, West Midlands Solihull Riding Club, West Midlands

THE ARAB MARATHON

EVENT

The Marathon committee held a meeting recently to discuss the future of the event, which unfortunately was cancelled in 2014 due to the lack of entries received, despite the fact that healthy financial support was in place and event helpers ready to go.

The committee are looking at alternative venues that will allow the event to be over a weekend, offering stabling or corralling and possible catering for the Saturday evening. Hopefully this will encourage more people to enter if they are travelling long distance and will see an increase in entries.

A new date in the autumn is being considered.

The Marathon will not take place for 2015 to enable the committee to spend time finding a suitable venue and layout to the event.

We are planning on still holding the Pleasure Ride and want to encourage new people to give the marathon a go.

Please check the website regularly for updates and further news www.arabmarathon.co.uk

Top scorer in the 2014 BEF Futurity, dressage colt foal, Fiderstar, owned by Rosie Moreton-Deakin.

The committee are also looking for new people to join our small group to help with arrangements and bring fresh ideas. If you should be interested or feel you have some valuable ideas please contact the chairman, Sue Rich.

Email. Oakleaze@msn.com

MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT FOR HORSES

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The UK’s equine industry is valuable and vibrant, contributing over £7bn to the economy annually, and bringing pleasure to millions of riders and horse lovers across the country.

How many of your local Parliamentary Candidates will support the horse industry if elected? Please email your candidates by clicking on this link which is a quick and easy way to ask your Candidate to think carefully about horses: http://campaign. publicaffairsbriefing.co.uk/home. aspx?cid=33608221-df79-41e8-9982c9bfd3fdf6fb

Horses are found across the UK, and are used for many purposes - from top sports and racehorses to horses for leisure riders to horses for people with disabilities to family

pets. The outreach of the horse is incredible, and important!

The Equine Sector Council for Health and Welfare and the British Horse Industry Confederation have produced a Manifesto for the Horse for the 2015 General Election, setting out measures needed to better protect the welfare and health of horses, safeguard

WS...NEWS...NEWS....NEWS...NEWS...NEWS....

THE 4TH PLINTH IN TRAFALGAR SQUARE … NOW HAS A NEW OCCUPANT Hans Haacke’s Gift Horse presents a sculpture of a skeletal horse for the Fourth Plinth in homage to the proposed equine statue of William IV (1765-1837), intended for display on the plinth, but never completed. Haacke intended the sculpture to blend with the traditional glyptoteque of statuary in Trafalgar Square: “I hope the other two horses on Trafalgar Square, the one carrying Charles I, strutting, and the other, with George IV on its back, rather stoic, accept the newcomer graciously and recognise that their temporary companion has a lot to talk about.”

SEVEN RIDERS CHOSEN FOR PETPLAN EQUINE SPONSORSHIP PROGRAMME Petplan Equine, one of the UK’s leading horse insurance providers, has announced sponsorship of seven riders in the UK who have been chosen from among the 464 applicants who applied to be part of the programme.

jumping and eventing. Lorna Hogg, 35, local government officer from Inverurie, Aberdeenshire is a keen endurance rider. Jack Stancombe, 24, head groom/competition rider from Cirencester, Gloucestershire is pursuing a career as an event rider.

Petplan Equine was looking for riders who are well known in their local equestrian community and compete regularly with more than one horse. As the riders will be ambassadors for the brand they also had to have had first hand experience of what it is to be a Petplan customer, having made a claim within the past five years and be willing to take part in a broad spectrum of activities to help Petplan Equine in its horse care knowledge sharing initiatives. In return they will receive branded kit and financial support towards competition expenses.

Further details about the riders and their horses can be found on the Petplan Equine website at www.petplanequine.co.uk/events/ sponsored-riders-2015.asp

“At Petplan Equine we believe strongly in responsible horse ownership,” said Charlotte Collyer, senior marketing executive at Petplan Equine, “and that includes being able to provide the best care for your horse at all times. All of our seven selected riders have shown not only riding ability and determination, but also a sound approach to horse care including an appreciation of the value of insurance. They have experienced first-hand how important it is to have their horses adequately insured to cover the costs of vets’ fees and treatment when one of their horses has been injured or sick.”

The seven riders include Hertfordshire equine veterinary surgeon Juliette Edmonds who was nominated for the Petplan Vet of the Year in 2014. “Insurance provides peace of mind that in an emergency there will be funds to help with vet fees or third party costs,” said Juliette.

The seven riders selected are: Rachael Jayne Barker, 30, an equine and canine sports practitioner from Nottingham who enjoys showing and side saddle. Lili Brooksby, 28, is a riding instructor and online dressage shop owner, from Rothley, Leicestershire and competes in affiliated dressage. Juliette Edmonds, 36, an equine veterinary surgeon from Royston, Hertfordshire competes in affiliated eventing.

Charlotte Edwards, 21, is a full time show jumper from Chalfont St Peter, Bucks. Amy Gilbert, 24, part time sales assistant from St Austell, Cornwall runs a breeding programme, the aim of which is to breed spotted sport horses. Amy competes in dressage, show Endurance March/April 2015 7

BUYERS AND SUPPLIERS APPLAUD

BETA INTERNATIONAL 2015 Almost 300 exhibitors – one in four from overseas – showcased their finest brands and unveiled latest products in front of an audience of 4,599 discerning retailers (including 701 re-entries on separate days), from small independent stores to large multi-store shopping chains at this year’s exhibition.

and up close and personal. Sessions included Roy Burek, managing director of Charles Owen, which sponsored The Charles Owen Learning Centre, hosting an informative discussion on the changes to riding hat safety standard EN 1384 and exploring the way that wearing shoulder protection can help to reduce rider injury.

Neue Schule continued its backing of BETA International by signing up to return as main sponsor in 2016 for the third time.

The company’s CEO, Sarfraz Mian, said: “We are thrilled to support the show’s impressive position as the leading event in the international trade fair calendar.”

BETA International’s chosen charity, World Horse Welfare, brought along some of its rescued and rehabilitated horses and ponies to meet visitors and exhibitors, and to highlight the fantastic work being done by the charity in collaboration with members of the equestrian industry.

Dragons’ Den TV star Deborah Meaden proved a real hit in The Charles Owen Learning Centre @ The Horse Demonstration & Seminar Arena, where she was interviewed about her “Common Sense Rules for Business” and role as the British Equestrian Federation’s Hoof ambassador, and took part in a Q&A with the audience.

Heather Hyde, founder of Neue Schule, main sponsor of BETA International, hosted a presentation entitled “From Doctors to Turtles: 100 Years Through the Dark Ages of Bitting”, throwing light on this baffling subject.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to BETA International,” said Deborah. “It was wonderful to see so many new products being launched on to the market and a great opportunity to chat with members of the equestrian industry. I was also able to share my passion for horse riding and encourage people to take it up through the Hoof initiative.”

Live-action displays drew in large crowds keen to see products out of their packaging 8

Visiting SQPs (suitably qualified persons) were able to secure 10 CPD points in an AMTRA-accredited seminar, “Reds, Tapes & Pins”, hosted by veterinary management consultant Jim Wishart. The seminar ran twice during the trade fair.

The Fashion Show was sponsored by Ekkia’s flagship brand, Equi-Thème, for a second consecutive year, providing the perfect showcase for autumn/winter and spring/summer collections. With a backdrop of catchy tunes and cleverly choreographed routines, some of the

most famous and celebrated brands took to the runway to reveal what was in and hot for the months ahead. Scenes featured Equi-Thème, Tredstep Ireland, Airowear, Covalliero, Toggi, Champion, Horseware Ireland, Derriere Equestrian, Caldene and Harry Hall.

Excellence is always celebrated at BETA International and this year did not disappoint. The Innovation Awards, sponsored by the show’s official media partner, Equestrian Trade News (ETN), attracted a record number of entries across 10 categories. All exhibitors are invited to take part with products introduced to the market not more than the 12 months preceding the show.

This year’s judging panel was made up of Alex Colquhoun, chairman of British Eventing’s young rider selection committee, Sara Blackshaw, equine category manager for Countrywide Farmers, Sophie Webster, show rider and producer, and John Sommerville, a partner in North Yorkshire veterinary practice Rae Bean & Partners The winners, presented with their trophies

by ETN editor Liz Benwell and advertising sales manager Nicki Lewis, were: Ariat Europe (Country Fashion & Footwear), The Herbal Horse + Pet (Feed & Supplements), Solar Technology International (General), Battles (Horsecare Equipment & (Horse) Clothing), Animology/Pet Rebellion (Pet Products), Kastel Denmark (Rider Clothing), Lorenzini Titanium (Rider Footwear & Official members publication for Endurance GB

Beta Report Chaps), Neue Schule (Saddlery & Tack), USG (Safety & Security) and Deerhunter (Technical Outdoor Clothing & Footwear).

Sarfraz Mian and Claire Thomas signing the 2016 contract

High-quality exhibition stands are a hallmark of BETA International and every one is automatically entered into the show’s Best Stand Awards, with large (32 sq m and over) and small (under 32 sq m) categories. The competition, sponsored

by The Wine & Hamper Company, is designed to reward companies going that extra mile to create an attractive and highly effective commercial space and welcoming environment.

Judging was carried out by Lara Downes, of the trade fair’s chosen charity, World Horse Welfare, and Barrie Mortlock, of Ingatestone Saddlery. Winner of the Best Large Stand award was Toggi/Champion, with the Best Small Stand title going to Stubbs England.

Lucy Stephens, of Jet Set Saddlery, and Gail Johnson, of Horse Bit Hire, were crowned Neue Schule Bitting Advisers of the Year in a national competition introduced for the first time last year by the company. The two winners were presented with their trophies and prizes by Deborah Meaden on the Neue Schule stand.

Deborah also played a key role in the show’s special ceremony to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first BETA International trade fair at the NEC, cutting a magnificent cake that was later served with glasses of bubbly to all those watching the awards presentations.

The Society of Master Saddlers ran its annual competitions at BETA International to promote the work of talented apprentice and trainee saddlers. Craftsmanship and attention to detail were key elements over the three days of the show, which saw the creation of a Pelham rounding, a lead rein with butterfly attachment and an Irish martingale.

The winners were selected by a panel of judges from the Society of Master Saddlers and presented with cash prizes supplied by the Saddlers’ Company. They were Tanya Baldwin, of the King’s Troop RHA, and Capel Manor College students Corrin King and Charlotte Fuller.

BETA International organiser Claire Thomas reported plenty of positive feedback from both exhibitors and visitors. “This year’s trade fair has been an extremely successful experience for all companies involved,” she said. “We opened our doors with every square metre of commercial space sold and a vibrant range of special features and industry awards on offer.”

Endurance March/April 2015 9

Hat regulations

GET AHEAD ON Hat Rules In December the European Commission took the decision to withdraw the helmet Standard EN1384 2012, meaning that CE marking to this criteria is no longer possible. Gatehouse Technical & Safety Product Manager, Helen Riley, talks us through the changes and explains how they will affect manufacturers, retailers and competitors alike.

What is the CE Mark?

All safety products sold in European countries must carry the CE mark as evidence that they have been tested to a Specification or Standard that meets or exceeds the basic health and safety requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment Directive (PPE) (89/686/EEC).

Riding helmets must be tested to one or more of a range of International Safety Standards or Technical Specifications in order to obtain the CE Mark which allows them to be legally marketed and sold in Europe.

What is EN1384?

There are a number of International Safety Standards and EN1384 2012 (prefixed ‘BS’ on helmets tested in the UK) was the Harmonised European Standard. Since EN1384 has been withdrawn before a complete replacement is in place, any new production of helmets previously tested to this standard must now obtain their CE Mark by passing more challenging criteria, such as the British PAS 015 2011 or American Snell E2001 Standards.

Manufacturers also have the option of using the new European VG1 Technical Specification: this is not an EU standard as such, but a ‘bolt-on’ to the existing EN1384 test criteria designed for use until such time as a complete replacement Standard is eventually published.

10

HATS

What about the Kitemark?

The Kitemark is not a substitute for the obligatory European CE Mark but more a matter of choice for a manufacturer to give added quality assurance for those buying their products.

The British Kitemark symbol is the trademark of the British Standards Institute (BSI) and ensures consistent quality on items manufactured worldwide and subsequently sold in the UK. BSI requires that helmets are produced under a rigorous system of regulation, including compulsory batch testing on every batch manufactured, six monthly audit tests on products and six monthly factory and parts suppliers’ inspections.

Will this affect me?

Riding helmets approved to EN1384 can continue to be used for competition under rules in 2015 and for general leisure riding after that date, as long as they remain in good condition. In announcing the changes last December, The British Equestrian Trade Association said: “Hats certified to 1384 have lessened injuries and saved countless lives over many years. The protection offered by 1384 has not changed. When used and fitted correctly, (BS) EN1384 hats will continue to be as protective as they have been for the best part of 20 years, since the standard first appeared.”

It is also still acceptable for distributors, wholesalers and retailers to sell such helmets as long as existing stock is available, however, if you plan to buy a new hat for riding under rules beyond the end of this year, it would be advisable to purchase a helmet that is approved to either PAS015 or Snell E2001 Standard. It is also worth double checking with your sport’s governing body in case they plan any further relevant amendments to their rule book in 2016.

In addition, you should consult the individual disciplines regarding the acceptability of the Australian/New Zealand Standard and the American ASTM F1163, which has similar test criteria to EN1384. British manufacturers have been informed by test house notified bodies, such as BSI and Inspec, that they are not permitted to CE Mark using ASTM. How do I know which standard my helmet has passed?

Certification for riding helmets can be found inside the helmet, usually on the crown padding and/or on the EPS liner beneath the padding. These labels will carry a range of details including the test Standard achieved for your particular hat. If in doubt contact the manufacturer who will be able to advise on any particular model within their range.

Why has this happened?

It is standard practice for safety standards to come under review as technology advances but while EN1384 had been under discussion for some while, it was anticipated that an 18 month transitional period would allow manufacturers and equestrian sports to adjust without major disruption. Ultimately however, the Committee could not agree on the changes required and so the decision was made by the EU Commission to withdraw the standard completely, with VG1 added subsequently to allow European manufacturers to obtain the CE mark until such time as a revised or new EU standard is available. As a result, the BHS and most equestrian sports bodies will be amending their rules for 2016.

Further information: The British Equestrian Trade Association www.beta-uk.org Gatehouse Hats www.wefi.co.uk This article has been supplied by Design Headwear, manufacturer of Gatehouse Riding Hats. Visit www.wefi.co.uk for further information or call 01984 629560.

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Ride Previews

THE WAR OF THE ROSES

BOYTON HALL RIDE

This is an exciting new competitive ride for 2015. The West Riding Group have run a pleasure ride from the venue for the last two years, and there will be another West Riding pleasure ride from the venue on the Saturday 11th July for those wanting to make a weekend of it. The competitive Sunday route on 12th July takes in shooting tracks, ancient byways, and green lanes in Nidderdale, which is an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Come and join us in the beautiful Suffolk countryside at the Boyton Hall ride on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th September 2015. Miles of field margins with some tracks mean the going is excellent, with little roadwork on quiet country roads.

Due to local difficulties, the route through Lavenham has been taken out, and some slight additions are planned, hopefully with more margins!

The views (when not caught in severe weather warning like last year) are to die for, and part of the route was used for the Tour De France. It is a proper old fashioned endurance ride, and it will be a challenge, but there is enough good going to make up for the bits where you have to be more careful. The venue owners really

look after us, mowing their headlands to make long canter tracks and providing the most outstanding catering. It is a proper registered campsite with hot showers and everything.

The ride is within easy reach of both sides of the Pennines, so to add a bit of a competitive element, entrants in any of the classes over the weekend will be asked to choose whether they are riding for the ‘House of York’ or the ‘House of Lancaster’.

At the end of the weekend all the distances and grading points will be added up to finally determine once and for all which side of the Pennines is the ‘right’ side.

We do hope that you will join us and support this new national ride.

And lastly, as those who were there know, there was some difficulty over the 32km distance. This has been resolved and our new system will make sure that all distances are as accurate as possible and certainly within the 10% parameters.

All this, with an added Team Challenge, make this a must on your list! Keep an eye on the website for more information!

HEAPEY HACK This is a lovely ride over the sort of varied terrain which typifies the Lancashire countryside, ranging from flat sandy bridle paths and woodland tracks, to a demanding climb up to the historic local beauty spot of Darwin Tower, and then onto open moorland.

Photograph by Edwin Devey

One of the tracks used as part of the Boyton Hall ride

There are some wonderful views out across the West Lancashire coastal plains. The 2015 ride will be the third year of running the Heapey Hack and there will be some route changes this year to avoid some of the more stony sections of the previous route.

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Official members publication for Endurance GB

Ride Previews

RAF CRANWELL

From 1917 RAF Cranwell was served by its own dedicated railway station on a single

ULNES WALTON WANDER This is quite a fast ride on the flatter coastal plains and arable mossland of Lancashire heading out towards Southport. A very good venue located at a local riding club showfield, which offers excellent facilities of toilet, canteen and sitting area.

The ride consists or woodland bridle paths, grassy farm tracks and a small amount of roadwork, but the highlight of the route is a mile and a half canter track along a grassy riverbank which can be really quite exhilarating!

track branch line from Sleaford, the train being known as The Cranwell Flyer. The spur line was closed in 1956 and all the track removed. However, the original station building still stands and today remains in use as RAF Cranwell’s main guardroom.

The main building of RAF College Cranwell is noted for its distinctive dome, visible from most of the surrounding roads, and this can be spotted from many directions by riders as they set off on the drove roads and bridleways that serve as much of the route.

Photograph by Edwin Devey

RAF Cranwell provides both the venue and a spectacular backdrop to Lindum Group’s first multi day fixture of the 2015 season. The history of military aviation at Cranwell goes back to November 1915,when the Admiralty requisitioned 2500 acres of land from the Earl of Bristol’s estate. On 1 April 1916, the Royal Naval Air Service, Training Establishment, Cranwell was officially born.

This year the event will offer three days of competition. There are four CER classes along with several of the new multi day class options that are proving very popular.

There are also many one day GER and PR classes catering for riders of all abilities and levels.

There are good facilities at the venue, ample camping and corralling and a Saturday night buffet and social evening.

The schedule will be available online for all options and entries.

KEY DATES 2015 Annual General Meeting 28th November Hinckley Island Hotel Watling St, Hinckley, LE10 3JA 12 noon (unless otherwise advised) Receipt of Members’ Proposals for AGM In writing to Company Secretary at Stoneleigh Office by 5pm on 2nd October Nominations for the Board of Directors In writing to Company Secretary at Stoneleigh Office by 5pm on 2nd October Nominations for Unsung Hero, John Yeats Bursary & Young Volunteer of the year awards 30th October Receipt of FEI & Major Ride Proposals 17th September Receipt of National Ride Proposal Forms 16th October

Photograph by Edwin Devey

Claims for Distance Awards 23rd October Board of Directors Meetings 17th/18th January Sunday 8th March 23rd May 18th July 10th October 28th /29th November Volunteers Conference (For Groups, Ride Organisers, Health & Safety South – 1st February Representatives & Technical Stewards) North – 14th February Groups Meeting 24th October Ride Fixtures meeting 25th October

Endurance March/April 2015 13

Scottish Endurance Riding Club

AGM – All Gather Merrily?

The SERC AGM on 15 February in Perth was the usual social affair, bolstered by the addition the preceding day of two workshops and a dinner, followed by a brain-taxing quiz. The workshops explored the basics of the Alexander Technique, with special reference to riders, and a fascinating session led by an equine behaviourist on the symptoms of pain in horses. The afternoon rounded off with a short presentation by the Club’s training group on what they can offer to Branches.

The real business of the weekend focused on the proposed rule changes, some of which had caused much discussion in the preceding weeks. The meeting voted among other things to make the taking of heart rates both before and after rides mandatory for Pleasure and Training horses, and to change the current vet halt for 50km classes into a vet gate to bring them into line with all other midway vettings. A narrow miss befell the proposal to introduce electronic and postal voting for future AGMs. There were lively discussions on other issues to do with child/ accompanying adult ratios, multi-day rides, and the constitution of committees, proving the long-held suspicion that if you gather together any number of endurance riders you will end up with the same number of different opinions on any given topic.

As usual, the AGM was followed by the prizegiving, and piece by piece the dazzling array of trophies, glassware and gigantic rosettes began its journey to mantelpieces

Incoming chair Colin Sykes makes the presentation to outgoing chair Alison Wilson

and shelves throughout Scotland. Prominent among the winners was Suzanne Taylor, sadly absent through illness, and her eyecatching palomino gelding Salsa Caramel.

Other notable achievements included longevity awards for Diane Michie’s Skylark’s Discovery and Hazel McCorkindale’s Sefra’s

Blue Jewel. Longevity in competition is a much-prized asset in the Club, and 12 seasons is quite a target. It was also good to see how many Pleasure riders had taken up the challenge of riding at every Branch, some more successfully than others, but 17 had managed between 5 and 8 Branches.

Sun, sand and stunning views …

The Seacliff ride on 4 and 5 July 2015 is one of the biggest rides of the year for SERC. With classes from pleasure rides to 160km ER and CEI*80km and **120km (with Young Rider equivalents), there is something for everyone.

Tantallon Castle

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This year we welcome the generous support of our major sponsor Marineco, which will allow us to further enhance the Seacliff

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Scottish Endurance Riding Club

BRODIE CASTLE RIDE SERC’s Highland Branch are busy preparing for their biggest ride of the year on 22-24 May 2015. Formerly called Darnaway, the ride name has changed to Brodie Castle to conform to FEI stipulations that FEI ride venues should be an identifiable place.

Constance Newbould and Kai enjoying the tracks in 2014. Photo by George Michie

The venue will be at the beautiful 16th century Brodie Castle, on the shores of the Moray Firth. The Castle is set in 71 ha of stunning grounds and is famous for its amazing display of hundreds of varieties of daffodils in spring. The Castle itself is well worth a visit with its intricate decor and world famous art collection. There is also a lovely cafe to indulge yourself after a stroll in the grounds.

Brodie Castle

experience for everyone by improving the venue and the facilities.

The ride has expanded based on the success of the previous six years, including two years of FEI level rides, with everyone enjoying the fast, flowing routes and fantastic going around the grassy farmland and woodlands of East Lothian. A major attraction for riders are the beaches – nearly everyone rides the almost deserted Peffer and Ravensheugh Sands, and the longer distances also enjoy the opportunity to canter or gallop for 1.5 kilometres along Belhaven Bay sands at the John Muir Country Park.

This part of Scotland’s east coast is teeming with history: you ride past the clifftop ruins of 13th century Tantallon Castle, once the seat of the Earls of Angus and now a battered survivor of three centuries of sieges. A little further inland and you ride over the grassy

The ride will leave from Brodie Castle heading south, over to the Moray family estate, Darnaway Forest, which is the largest area of woodland on Moray Estate, part of which was formerly Royal hunting ground.

The forest is mainly of beech and oak with the oldest tree said to be around 750 years old. The

hill supporting the magnificent 16th century Fenton Tower, which once sheltered King James VI of Scotland as he fled a rebel army. On this flat coastal plain the ancient hill forts of North Berwick Law and Traprain Law are visible for miles around, and a little offshore you can’t fail to see the looming bulk of the Bass Rock, once a prison and an army garrison but now a breeding site for 150,000 gannets.

With so much on Seacliff’s doorstep, and such glorious riding opportunities, it is well worth venturing the few miles north of the Border, and access is easy from the A1. A friendly, welcoming atmosphere awaits you!

Please see Scottish Equestrian TV’s YouTube video filmed at Seacliff 2013 for an introduction to the ride and endurance in general. Further details will be available on the SERC website www.scottishendurance. com

wildlife here is prolific and also has protected areas for the beautiful capercaillie (a large species of grouse).

Once through Darnaway Forest, the ride will then head back north and over to the vast Culbin Forest which is Forestry Commission owned. Culbin stretches from the seaside town of Nairn all the way along the coast of the Moray Firth to Findhorn Bay and is steeped in history. It is famous for its amazing sand dunes as well as war-time history and protected wildlife. There are also beautiful woodland trails including the Hill 99 Trail which provides a stunning viewpoint.

SERC is offering all classes from 2 day 160km ER down to lower Pleasure Ride classes, including 2 day 120km and 80km ER. The ride will also include, for the first time, an FEI 80km* which we hope will attract some riders from south of the border as well as SERC members hoping to start on the FEI ladder. The route is flat with very minimal road work on a mixture of grassy, sandy, easy going tracks. All vetting will be back at the castle venue.

There will be camping and corralling available on site and some stabling will be possible locally. There are also B&Bs close by at the village of Brodie and in the nearby towns of Nairn and Forres.

Come and enjoy some Highland riding!

Classes 2015 Prize details and full class names will be released once sponsorships are confirmed.

Saturday 4 July Class 1 160km ER (elevator ride) Class 2 120km CEI** Class 3 120km CEIYR** Class 4 80km CEI* Class 5 80km CEIYR* Class 6 80km CR Class 7 60km ER Class 8 60km CR Sunday 5 July 2015 Class 9 50km CR Class 10 30km CR Class 11 Pleasure ride 24km Class 12 Taster ride 15km

Endurance March/April 2015 15

Mud Fever

MUD ISN’T ALWAYS GLORIOUS Mud fever is not a single disease but can be seen in differing forms. It occurs especially in warm, wet weather, and is associated with a number of causes. It is certainly not limited to horses that are paddling knee deep in mud! Mud fever can range from a mild skin irritation to very painful infected sores, and can in some cases cause significant swelling with severe lameness. The condition affects the lower limb, most commonly the back of the pastern. It starts off as matted hair with dry crusts, caused by the inflamed skin weeping. When the same condition occurs on the upper body it is referred to as “rain scald”.

The bacterium Dermatophilus congolensis causes mud fever and under normal circumstances this bacterium lives in soil as spores and can survive from year to year. These spores become activated by wet weather and this is why we see the disease when the ground is wet.

This bacterium cannot invade healthy skin.

In the winter the rain and mud soften the skin. Constant wetting and drying of the legs causes the skin in this area to chap, and then the bacteria can enter. Indeed anything which breaks the skin such as a small cut or wound can allow the bacteria to invade. For this reason muddy conditions are not always necessary for mud fever to occur.

Some horses seem more prone than others and this is because their skin is a less efficient barrier to infection. For example, horses with white and/or hairless pasterns appear to suffer more and horses with very hairy legs may suffer less (as their skin is a bit more protected). If a horse is suffering from another form of infection such as chorioptic mange or ringworm, the skin can become damaged and this allows a secondary infection to occur.

It is important then to identify and treat the primary cause as neither mange nor ringworm will be cured by using antibiotics.

The picture above shows a typical case of mud fever.

The diagnosis of mud fever is usually straight forward and can be made by identifying the matted hair, crusty scabs and exudate on a horse’s leg. The treatment of this condition is unfortunately not always as simple! The importance 16

of regular inspection of the horse’s legs to catch the condition early cannot be stressed enough, and as always, prevention is much better than cure.

The treatment of mud fever begins with thorough washing of the affected limb(s) with an antibacterial shampoo to remove the crusts and exudate (as these harbour the infection). Either dilute Hibiscrub (1:40 dilutions) or Malaseb shampoo are ideal. The shampoo should be worked into a lather and left on for five minutes before rinsing off with warm water. The leg must then be DRIED thoroughly with a clean towel or cool hair drier (with circuit breaker). Once dry, the hair must be clipped away around the lesion (this may require sedation) and an antibiotic ointment applied. It is important to dispose of the scabs properly as they can remain infectious for up to 42 months! The scabs may form again quickly so initially the legs must be washed daily.

If the bacteria penetrate deep into the skin, the leg may become swollen and a course of antibiotics may possibly be required.

In this situation the horse must be seen and treated by a vet. It is necessary to stable those who are affected badly, to prevent the skin from any further wetting or exposure to mud until the skin surface is healed. In fact the infection is self-limiting in dry conditions. We do not recommend covering the limbs of these horses as the warm and moist environment achieved by bandaging can cause the infection to worsen, and possibly force the infection further up the limb. Once the infection has been eradicated it is imperative to keep on protecting the area until the new skin and hair has formed.

Once a horse has suffered with mud fever it is not unusual for them to have repeated attacks, so obviously it would be better if the horse did not get the infection in the first place. Therefore, some or all of the following steps can be taken to minimise its occurrence: • To prevent the skin from chapping it is better not to hose down muddy legs but allow the mud to dry and then brush it off. If this is not a practical option, then it is very important that the legs are dried thoroughly after washing.

• Application of a barrier cream to DRY and CLEAN legs prior to exercise or turnout will help to prevent the skin coming into contact with the bacteria.

There are numerous preparations available, but ones with a soothing emollient and oily base are ideal.

• If bandaging prior to exercise, ensure the legs are clean and dry beforehand and removed immediately afterwards to avoid any grit or coarse material traumatising the skin surface.

• Ensure that bedding is clean, dry and non irritant to the lower limbs.

• Consider the use of nutritional supplements to promote healthy skin.

• Wherever possible avoid horses standing in poached paddocks and gateways.

But most importantly of all, inspect your horse’s legs daily to spot any early signs of infection and hopefully minimise the risk of a miserable and lengthy period of recovery for you both.

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Spring clothing

SPRING CLOTHING Useful and innovative ideas to get horse and rider through Spring

As ever, Endurance has been looking out for clothing that is dual purpose or particularly useful to both horse and rider. This is what we have seen at recent exhibitions, in particular, BETA, held at the NEC in February.

1.

Also seen at BETA, some very useful and versatile clothing for riders, crews, dog walkers, indeed anyone who is out and about in the countryside in all weathers.

DexShell products are made utilising the latest global patent-pending lamination technology, offering an exceptionally close and comfortable fit with unrivalled protection from the elements.

The range of hats, socks and gloves are designed to protect those who enjoy equestrian sports from the harshest weather conditions, keeping heads, hands and feet warm and dry and protected from the elements.

2.

1. Mark Todd Fleece Mesh Cooler This innovative cooler is cleverly designed to combine the airflow qualities of mesh, with the warmth and wicking properties of fleece. The lower sides of the rug are made from mesh fabric and shaped to allow air to circulate around those typical ‘hot spots’, while the upper fleece section wicks moisture away from the body and helps protect against chills.

Similar to the showerproof rug with more warmth, we think this would be an excellent addition to the kit, particularly for travelling home, where the horse needs to be kept warm across his back, but perhaps does not need the protection of a full rug.

Available in navy or black Sizes: 5’6” to 7’.

Price: £38.99 Contact Westgate EFI on 01303 872277 or visit www.wefi.co.uk for stockists

A durable outer protects a waterproof and breathable Porelle® membrane, while a soft liner wicks moisture and sweat away from the body.

2. New Mark Todd Showerproof Fly Rug This handy lightweight fly sheet is a new addition to the Mark Todd Collection.

Manufactured in 600 denier showerproof and breathable fabric along the back, with mesh sides and lining, the rug can be used for turnout on those unpredictable summer days as well as being ideal for use at shows and events.

This appears to be an ideal rug to use in vet gates or holds. It is so lightweight, that it will not add stress to a resting horse, but it will keep off the chills and the rain, which of course are an expected element of the earlier rides in the calendar, and of course the later ones too, without overheating a horse that has been working hard, due to the mesh sides. We thought this would be an excellent addition to the crew kit.

A matching neck cover sold separately.

Available in navy. Sizes: 5’6” to 7’.

Price: £59.99 (neck cover £26.50)

Socks, obviously an essential item for everyone, one of the great innovations from DexShell is to make waterproof socks for children. All parents know what a nightmare it is when the kids get wet and cold, but have to stay out with you all day.

These items will go a long way to keeping your small people warm and comfortable.

DexShell socks are seamless and stretch both ways to fit; the premium range has been specially engineered utilising the latest in triple-layer membrane technology.

Available in a range of lengths to suit riders, grooms and farmhands alike.

Children’s sock Children’s sizes 9 -12 .

The world’s first waterproof and breathable children’s sock. Designed to keep little toes toasty warm, totally dry and blister free, these innovative new socks can be worn with all types of shoes, pumps and trainers, negating the need for cumbersome wellies. Seam-free with a soft bamboo lining.

The company also offer warm waterproof hats and gloves for adults and children, once again, helping to keep everyone warm, dry and comfortable, even on the really rainy days.

Endurance March/April 2015 17

Go help helmet project

HELP US PROTECT

child jockeys in Mongolia

There are

several ways you can help:

By Wendy Chung I joined Endurance GB last April to train for the Mongol Derby. During the five months I spent preparing for the race; I was very much welcomed and embraced into the Endurance GB community. On official Endurance rides, I met many kind members who would give me their top tips on surviving long hours in the saddle, taking care of the Mongolian horses I would be riding and my favourite, what best to do in a ‘worst case scenario’.

Apart from a unique personal riding adventure, my time in Mongolia was memorable and eye opening as I watched the breath taking skill of child jockey riders who compete in horseraces without helmets and protective clothing. Having ridden on their horses in the Derby, I would never consider, in my wildest dreams, getting on a Mongolian horse without both. I also learned that sadly, each year, despite the experience and skill of the child jockeys, there are many serious injuries and fatalities due to this lack of protective clothing and helmets.

Every summer, Mongolia celebrates the Naadam festival to mark Mongolia’s independence – the highlights of which are games featuring archery, horse racing and wrestling. In horseracing, jockeys are often children because of their light weight.

Official Mongolian government statistics have 7,114 child jockeys registered in 2014 with UNICEF estimating approx 10,000 child jockeys in total.

A recent UNICEF report highlighted the problems faced by child jockeys in Mongolia, where helmets and safety equipment is not readily available, leading to an increase in preventable injuries. Often families and trainers don’t report the accidents, so children suffer life changing injuries, exacerbated by receiving inadequate medical support and their families then forced into poverty as their main source of income from horse racing is cut off.

One of UNICEF’s case studies talked about former child jockey, Budgarav, who at age 11 was thrown from a horse during training, trampled, lost his front teeth and broke both legs. He was not taken to hospital nor seen by a doctor. His family was warned by the trainer not to report the accident; he gave them a one off payment of US$108.

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Four years later, Budgarav cannot walk more than a few steps and has had to drop out of school. Budgarav’s family’s main source of income had been horse racing but they now rely on disability benefits and food coupons.

Budgarav’s brother was also a child jockey – his skull was crushed when falling on ice in a winter race; doctors have said another blow to the head would be fatal. Please see http://blogs.unicef.org.uk/2014/10/29/ridersstorm-protecting-child-jockeys-mongolia/ for UNICEF’s full report.

Wanting to do something to support this cause, I contacted a UK charity called Go Help, who donated helmets to child jockey riders in 2008, and in partnership, we are aiming to distribute helmets to 2,000 child jockeys in Mongolia in 2015. We need your help to meet this target (see right for details on how you can help).

Go Help have previous experience in this project and with established links within Mongolian government organisations such as National Authority of Children will seek a tax exemption on any helmets imported.

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DONATE HELMETS

A range of different child sizes needed – either new helmets or used but good quality helmets (which have not already sustained a fall) - Please mail or deliver to: Charles Hogg, Go Help Helmet Project, Unsworth Global Logistics,3 Lemna Road, London E11 1JL [before Friday 15 May 2015]

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DONATE MONEY TO BUY HELMETS

We have also managed to get the generous support of Unsworth Global Logistics and in particular, their commercial director Charles Hogg, who has pledged to transport all the helmets into Mongolia. We now just need the helmets!

ACCOUNT NO: SORT CODE: ACCOUNT NAME: ACCOUNT BANK:

We are aiming to have gathered all helmets

by May 2015 to allow transport time into Mongolia ahead of the start of the Mongolian racing calendar in June.

IBAN: GB26MIDL40073141880004 SWIFT: MIDLGB2141R

Please email Wendy Chung wwmchung@ hotmail.com (07718 987 732) and Will Dodsworth will@gohelp.org.uk 07767246548 so we can track donations and thank you. We welcome any questions, comments or requests for further information.

Go Help is a UK registered charity (no.1129226) committed to working with local communities in Central Asia to improve their access to education and healthcare services. More about Go Help and other projects they are working on can be found on their website: http://gohelp.org.uk/

41880004 400731 GO HELP HSBC BANK

For international transfers, please use the following details:

We ask that donors use the reference ‘helmet project’ when making a payment.

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GO ONLINE

Visit www.justgiving.com/ac count/ your-pages/Helmets-for-ChildJockeys-Mongolia

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Go help helmet project

Horse race during Naadam midsummer festival, in Kharkhorin, Mongolia.

Endurance March/April 2015 19

HIT-AIR

HIT-AIR FOR ENDURANCE AND LONG DISTANCE RIDING Endurance riding is continually increasing in popularity, providing riders with the opportunity to spend hours in the saddle, encountering the challenges of map reading and cross country terrain, whilst enjoying the spirit of camaraderie with other riders.

Health and safety can easily slip down a rider’s list of priorities but it is important to go well equipped and stay safe in the saddle. We speak to the experts at Hit-Air to find out how you can stay safer in the saddle this season…

Make safety a priority Safety is essential for both the horse and rider and comfort is paramount to the rider’s enjoyment of both training and long distance events. Before you do anything, whether it is simply for fitness work or during a competition, ensure that the saddle is of a correct fit and that stirrups are an even length; it is much more comfortable to sit squarely in the saddle and it is easier for the horse to carry a well-balanced load.

Safety hats are essential for all competitions, along with footwear with at least ½ inch of heel to prevent the rider’s foot from slipping through the stirrup. It is advisable that riders wear long sleeved tops, to avoid injury when passing through dense or overgrown areas, plus Hi-Vis clothing is encouraged when riding in weather conditions with poor visibility. Many endurance riders are also now choosing to wear an air vest as an additional safety precaution.

Give it some air An air vest may be the perfect addition to any long-distance equestrian wardrobe, making safety in the saddle a priority. When a rider is unseated and thrown from their horse, an air vest will inflate to help absorb shock, stabilise the body and protect the rider. By choosing the correct garment you can help protect the areas most vulnerable such as the neck, spine, collarbones, lower back and rib cage.

For the ultimate safety combination riders can wear a body protector and air vest, however many riders find traditional body protectors restrictive and uncomfortable 20

when spending long periods of time in the saddle. This is where an air vest comes in.

Lightweight and comfortable, air vests can be worn over a body protector or alone and provide protection in the areas that are most prone to serious injury. Not only this but an air vest is very adaptable to different weather conditions, fitting snuggly over winter coats and jackets, as well as summer clothing.

Use your head!

The design of a riding hat is a combination of traditional style and practicality, protecting the wearer from the impact of a fall. The number one priority is the hat’s ability to stay in place upon impact, whilst ensuring that riders are able to see and hear clearly to further enhance safety. Modern technology has enabled manufactures to produce hats that are strong, yet light weight and comfortable to wear, whilst passing the required BETA safety tests. BETA also recommend that a hat is thrown away once it has been dropped on a hard surface from a height and a new one purchased. A BETA approved safety hat is a requirement for all riders taking part in an endurance ride.

Claire tells us her story Hit-Air was very proud to support longdistance rider, Claire Alldritt, who embarked upon an exciting adventure riding across Scotland back in May 2014, in order to raise money for the Prince Fluffy Kareem charity.

Riding and leading her two horses, Yogi, a highland cross thoroughbred and Swift, an Appaloosa cross, Claire covered over 250 miles in 17 days, with over 120 hours of riding, traveling from coast to coast. Knowing that she would be tackling the unpredictable environment of the Scottish Hills, Claire went equipped with her trust Hit-Air Vest and felt confident that she had all necessary safety measures in place to pursue her challenge.

Having broken a bone in her back as a result of a fall earlier in the year, Claire was only too aware of the dangers that her adventure could entail.

interfere with the cantle of the saddle, yet offers exceptional protection for the lower back, and is lightweight and comfortable – was my ambition,” she says. “The HitAir vest met all of my requirements and more – I hardly even knew I was wearing it! Luckily I did not need to deploy the vest on this adventure, however between this and the Satellite In Reach device that I also purchased, I felt that I had all the safety bases covered which gave me confidence that I could dedicate my attention 100% to my horses and their wellbeing.”

Top tips for safe riding • Always ensure that tack is correctly fitted and well fastened before setting off, including checking the stirrups, girth and bridle for any tears or cracks.

• Always wear Hi-Vis or fluorescent garments when riding, especially in poor visibility conditions. Even if you are not riding on roads it is beneficial for others to be able to see you clearly, whether they are on horseback or on foot.

• Never ride without a correctly fitted, BETA approved safety hat. There are many wellventilated helmets now available which are lightweight and comfortable.

• Consider wearing an air vest to protect the spine, neck and vital organs and to help absorb the shock of an impact. The right product can be discrete and lightweight with absolutely no hindrance to you in the saddle.

• It is important for both the horse and rider to increase their fitness in order to cope with the demands of a long-distance ride and remember. A fit, well-balanced rider is more likely to be able to withstand tough terrain and long periods of fast pace, and ultimately have less risk of incident.

• When training alone always tell someone your planned route and ensure you have a fully charged mobile phone.

For more information about the use of air vests in Endurance riding visit www.hitairuk.co.uk

“I ride in a Western style saddle so finding protective equipment which does not Official members publication for Endurance GB

JUST CHAPS – WORN BY CHAMPIONS Hampshire-based Just Chaps is proud to have supported Hannah Maskell, Endurance GB’s Supreme Champion 2014.

Although just 15 years old, Hannah had a storming first season – also winning the Young Rider National title at Cirencester.

Just Chaps has been happy to provide Hannah with custommade Endurance half chaps for training and competition – and also provides Dri-Riders for those cold and wet training rides through the winter months.

“I am always confident when riding out in my Endurance Chaps as they fit so snugly - allowing great contact – and Just Chaps make mine up with a smart Welsh flag for competitions” comments Hannah. “I also love my Dri-Riders which do exactly what it says on the tin!”

Just Chaps owner, Helen Salmon, is also delighted with this co-operation. “We are always keen to support British riders and are so proud when we see our chaps worn by champions. Hannah is a real star – and we wish her every success in the new season” Just Chaps manufacture the widest range of full and half chaps – including their Endurance Chaps – made from flexible and hard-wearing neoprene and popular with Endurance riders in the UK and internationally.

Repair and protect If your horse is suffering from sensitive soles, this can cause symptoms such as hopping on hard ground or stony areas or during roadwork. Added to this, sensitive hooves may be due to thin or soft soles and this can make them prone to small punctures from little stones and pebbles. Hooves and soles need to be quite hard in order to be able to withstand the demands of the horse’s modern day lifestyle such as roadwork, long rides, schooling or standing in one patch of land as opposed to roaming over different terrains as they would do naturally in the wild.

To toughen up hooves and soles try Keratex Hoof Hardener, which is recommended by Olympic farrier Ian Hughes. It is a patented formulation containing a safe and fully breathable hardening agent combined with a flexibility agent to give hooves optimum durability while maintaining suppleness. It is recommended by vets and farriers and approved for use in the short or long term to improve hoof quality and is approved for use in competition.

Unlike other products, Hoof Hardener absorbs into the hooves, meaning that it will not come off in grass or onto bedding and will continue working after application. For horses that hop on hard ground or stones, or who have thin or soft, sometimes crumbly soles, apply Hardener daily for a week or two to stabilise the hooves and just two or three times a week thereafter for maintenance. Keratex says that you can expect a noticeable improvement within one week.

Writing The Glory

Early on in my research for The Glory, my new novel about an epic 1,200 mile race across the American West, I called an expert for advice.

‘Have you ever done any endurance riding?’ she asked.

‘No, but – ‘ ‘Have you been to lots of endurance rides?

‘No, but I – ‘ ‘Then how on earth are you going to write a book about an endurance race?’

The answer, which I found difficult to articulate on a crackling phone line, was that I’d been preparing to write The Glory almost my whole life.

Growing up on a 1,000 acre farm and game reserve in Zimbawe, I’d spent every waking hour riding or hanging out with our eight horses – part of an extensive menagerie that also included six cats, eight dogs, two warthogs, a goat and a giraffe. My definition of heaven was going on a two or three hour ride through the African bush with my father and sister, or packing lunch and going off alone with my black horse, Morning Star, the son of a champion racehorse, into our game reserve.

My fascination with distance riding began with my father, who’d been in the mounted division of the Army. As we rode, he’d tell us stories about the times he’d spent six weeks at a stretch in some of the wildest country in Africa, and I never tired of hearing about his close encounters with lions, buffalos and snakes.

We were both obsessed with cowboy books and films like Pale Rider and The Man from Snowy River, but for different reasons. It was the relationship between horse and rider and the landscape and elements that intrigued me. The idea of loading up saddlebags and a tent and heading off into the wilderness just me and my horse against the world thrilled me to my soul.

there’s more than a grain of truth in any of his stories, but they did get me thinking. What if a businessman decided to stage a modern day version of the race across 1,200 miles of the American West? And what if two teenagers a spoilt British girl on the run from the law and a poor American boy riding to save his father’s life - found themselves going head to head to win The Glory?

Fast forward a couple of decades and I was living in London, pining for horses and wide open spaces. I’d recently finished the final novel in my One Dollar Horse trilogy about teenage eventer Casey Blue, who dreams of winning the Badminton Horse Trials on her rescued horse, Storm Warning. I’d been commissioned to write an entirely different novel about another subject entirely, but I found I could not stop thinking about horses. A series of chance events had reawoken my fascination with distance riding.

From the outset it was clear that none of the governing bodies of endurance riding would sanction such a long race. However, I was determined that horse welfare would be paramount in my book and that, as far as possible, the riders would be subject to the strictures of current endurance rules. Therefore there are frequent vet and compulsory holds and any horse that fails an inspection is immediately eliminated.

The tipping point was a book I read about a legendary 19th century American horseman.

Frank T Hopkins claimed to have won over 400 endurance races, one of which was the so-called Oceans of Fire, a 3,000 mile survival race across the Arabian desert, later marketed as a ‘true’ story in the Viggo Mortenson movie, Hidalgo. Another of Hopkins’ tall tales was an 1,800 mile race from Galveston, Texas to Rutland, Vermont, which he claimed he won in 1886, reaching the finish in just 31 days.

The Long Riders’ Guild of America have devoted an entire section of their website to demolishing what they insist is the ‘Hopkins Hoax – a Timeline of Deceit.’ Personally, I doubt

The beauty of fiction is that anything is possible so I found a way to give my young riders endurance tack and clothing, Easyboots, electrolytes and first aid kits, plus a support crew that would take hay, water and endurance feed to every rest stop. They also have horses– a palomino mustang and a part Arab mare. bred for endurance and fit and hardy enough to cope with the conditions.

To understand the principles of endurance riding, I read scores of training manuals and biographies of top riders. For me, it was equally critical that I understood terrain and weather through which my riders would travel. In late October 2013, with forecasters predicting the early onset of snowstorms, I embarked on an 1,800 road trip from Denver,

HOW I RESEARCHED

THE GLORY

By Lauren St John

Writing Glory

Colorado to Portland, Oregon, via Wyoming and Idaho. On the first day I drove for nine hours through blizzards along twisting and lonely mountain roads.

If that experience left me questioning my sanity, the next four days made up for it.

To learn Western riding and training techniques, I’d booked a stay at the Hideout in Shell, Wyoming, a 650,000-acre ranch that sprawls through the Bighorn Mountains.

I rode a palomino mustang – once so impossible to handle that he’d been selected for America’s Extreme Mustang Makeover programme – over alpine crags and along creeks overhung by pink cliffs and red-leafed trees frosted with snow.

The ranch has around 65 quarter horses and mustangs, all trained using Natural Horsemanship techniques. When not being ridden, they lead almost feral lives – roaming freely in the mountains at night and living out all year round. In my entire life, I’ve never met calmer, happier horses. Riding Kicker, the palomino mustang who was the inspiration for Scout in my book, was like being transported across Wyoming’s giant landscapes in the world’s comfiest armchair.

The zebra stripes on the legs of this Mustang are a genetic tip-of-the-hat to the earliest horses on Earth.

If I was intrigued by endurance riding before I started The Glory, now it’s become a passion.

My dream is to have a farm in Cornwall or Devon, with space to trot and canter all day.

Maybe then I could start training for a real endurance ride…

The Glory is published by Orion Books and will be reviewed in Endurance May/June.

My Palomino Mustang, Kicker, inspiration for Scout.

The Spectacular scenery of Wyoming

Book Review

England On Horseback

Zara Colchester and Charlotte Sainsbury-Plaice Photography by Charlie Sainsbury-Plaice ISBN 978-1-908337-14-6 160 pages

During my annual trip to BETA this year, I happened upon a stand that I most certainly wish I had happened upon before; beautiful photographs, interesting people, but most interesting of all, the book detailed above.

ENGLAND on HORSEBACK Zara Colchester and Charlotte Sainsbury-Plaice

Foreword by Jeremy Irons

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FROM THE SHELF A beautiful book to hold, being almost square, and feeling rather substantial in heft, this book charts the story of twelve journeys, on horseback, across some of the most beautiful parts of England.

I was interested immediately, of course, but upon further investigation, I discovered that many of the journeys take place in areas where we have endurance rides, indeed often taking in part of the route… of course, I had to read the book!

The twelve rides are: The Great Estates – located around Cirencester, with a wonderful description of getting disorientated at the meeting of the twelve paths in Cirencester Park. (Sound familiar?)

North West Norfolk – including an account of galloping along Holkham Beach.

Exmoor – taking in much of the route of Golden Horseshoe, including the variations over the years.

Hardy’s Dorset – including riding on the Wessex Ridgeway as well as the Dorset coast rides.

Vale Of Belvoir – tracking the ride through the Vale Villages, so well known to Leicester and Rutland group riders.

The Welsh Borders – with an account of riding on the Jack Mytton Way. Cranborne Chase – the perhaps long forgotten Bokerley Dyke tracks are written about here, as well as a mention of Tenantry Farm.

The Yorkshire Moors – well known as tough endurance rides.

The Surrey Sussex Commons – with a part of the ride running through Tilford.

The Shropshire Hills – including the Long Mynd, and the Jack Mytton Way again, as well as Portway and Stiperstones.

The Heart of England – a trip through the Wawickshire countryside, predominantly.

The Cotswolds – starting from Stow on the Wold and travelling through Happy Valley.

This book is inspirational in content, showing just what is waiting to be discovered if we but take the time to ride slowly and to look. The photography is beautiful; evocative images of houses and views, horses and the changing light of this beautiful country that we ride through, often without noticing. Interlaced with the description of the rides, is historical fact, subtle observation, amusing notes on some of the houses and their owners, philosophical reflection.

At the back of the book is a glossary where you will find useful information about places to stay, places to eat, farriers, vets and guided rides, again interspersed with photographs.

With each ride description, and believe me, they are not so much ride descriptions as a lyrical poem to the countryside and the people the riders encounter, there is a beautiful watercolour illustration of the ride route.

Each ride is broken down into daily sections, and these will seem short for a seasoned endurance rider, the average distance ridden is 15 miles, however, the sheer detail of history and observation by the writers, will ensure that the reader feels that they have been transported far further.

It is clear that the authors have been inspired

by A F Tschiffely, that enigmatic man who wrote Bridle Rides in 1936, just before the world changed forever. Indeed they follow in the path of several others who have travelled by horse up and down and across this beautiful land; memorably, Wendy Longbottom, who rode the length of England and Scotland in 1977 (100 Days in 1977) and Piers Geddes, who makes a habit of travelling with his horses.

I would recommend this book to anyone who has any aspiration to ride the historic tracks, find out more about the history of their county, take in the stunning views that are often available on our own door steps… read this book, and be transported to a time that may disappear soon… particularly if we do not succeed in establishing all those ‘lost’ rights of way.

This book can be summed up using two of the quotes that the authors themselves use: “To see England properly, I recommend viewing it from the saddle” A F Tschiffely “One can get in a car and see what man has made. One must get on a horse to see what God has made.” Author unknown Official members publication for Endurance GB

Superflex

for the distance Abbi Tennant & Barik “I have been feeding Five Star Superflex to my horses for nearly 10 years and consider it a vital part of their diet. From my horse at FEI*** level to my semi-retired veteran, they all benefit from the synergy of ingredients included in Superflex to help ensure their joints are fit and ready for the rigours of the sport. I wouldn't feed without it.”

Superflex is unique. The totally natural formula has been developed by vets using premium grade, fully traceable ingredients, including nutrients proven to support joint flexibility, supported by a powerful combination of naturally sourced ingredients selected for their rich antioxidant properties, and these really do set Superflex apart from other joint formulas.

Give your horse’s joints the five star treatment they deserve - feed Superflex.

For more details please go to your local NAF stockist or call our Advice Line: 0800 373 106 or email info@naf-uk.com

www.naf-equine.eu/uk

Dilmun’s reflections

DILMUN’S REFLECTIONS ON LIFE IN THE FAST LANE At the grand old age of 16 Dilmun is stepping down from International 3* rides.

This is not because he’s lame or sick but it’s so he can have some fun without the added pressure of always having to qualify for something or to represent his country.

Dilmun has been with me now for 10 years and is my horse of a lifetime; there is, and never will be, a horse quite like him, not just for his talent but because he is a truly unique individual. He has completed 4 160 kms 3* rides and represented his country twice; in 2009 at the Europeans in Assisi and last year at WEG. He is a special character; intolerant and grumpy and, as you will see, doesn’t mince his words. These are his views of how the last few years have been for him (exerts from the various articles published in the SW newsletters).

February 2008 – First Ever Squad Assessment Day I am Dilmun and I am in charge of the other equines at Watergate Endurance.

On the day before the team assessment, as I was subsequently to discover, despite the icy cold rain and hail showers, I had my mane washed. However, I knew that this was important to my future as an equine star, so I submitted to it; had it dried and conditioned and wasn’t worried as I figured I’d soon be let out where I could roll and grind my mane into the ground (I’m very good at this). Just imagine my displeasure when I was put into my stable, groomed AGAIN and left for the entire night!

After some fancy footwork in a sandy area, we were led out of our cells one by one to be inspected (like specimens in a zoo!). My turn came all too soon and there I was, stripped off and poked and prodded by two very intense people and every part of me was examined. Well you can imagine how that must feel: at the best of times I loathe being touched, especially on my chest, back, belly, hindquarters and neck (everywhere actually); BUT they didn’t respect that at all and every part was checked. SHE even held my head so that I couldn’t express my disapproval in their direction at all!

(I do great faces though!).

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Spring 2009 – Training for the Europeans Early in January I had a very, very bad day.

Breakfast as usual, full haynet, nothing out of the ordinary until, that is, a car draws up and out comes not one vet but TWO who stride purposefully towards my stable.

Now this is enough to strike terror into any self-respecting horse. It is outrageous: they drug me, use some terrifying machine on my teeth, stick needles into me and then actually STEAL some of my blood.

Just when I think it can’t get any worse, SHE comes in and completely scalps me when I am unable to protest!

I have been told that I am in training: why SHE thinks I need to train when I’m perfectly fit anyway is beyond me! I am made to canter up and down this same long sandy area again and again for an hour at a time then I have to gallop up and up until I reach the top of the cliffs through deep sand. I wouldn’t mind this so much but the beach is fraught with hazards of the worst kind: the enormous sharks which come hurtling towards me out of the sea – huge and white with long black fins but SHE doesn’t believe me and mutters something about surfers. There are also giant birds that cast a massive shadow on the beach before they swoop in to land in a heap of bright colours and lots of shouting.

International Debut – Assisi 2009 A big blue monster took my companions and me to a far-away place: a tent. SHE doesn’t sleep in a tent so why should I? At this time all my adoring servants had arrived and took it in turns to look after me; well at least the lucky ones did.

After having been awoken from my slumbers when it was still dark, I was tacked up and subjected to a bewildering mass of hyper horses getting so close, bright lights and shouting. Then with a big rush we were trotting off with no room to move but on and on we went and, just as it became fully light, we stopped and I was grabbed by my admirers while SHE just walked off leaving me to have water chucked at me. I went for a run then with THE MAN (John Hudson) and then back to have a rest whilst my adoring servants

scurried around to fulfil my every wish.

It was an anti-climax for us horses after the event, except for Nazeeka of course who got all dressed up and went to a parade of stars (prize giving).

Watergate to Windsor 2013 Last year I rather conveniently strained a tendon in one of my otherwise perfect legs. It became apparent that this injury was a really good move – I was pampered a lot (as I should be) and then turned out for months and months without having to do any work at all.

The time came, however, when SHE wanted to ride me again. Well, in the meantime I had spent a lot of time putting lots of padding around my previously fit body and felt that I was now almost a perfect example of a horse; with my long, dense coat liberally covered with the thick mud, painstakingly gained through skilled and accurate rolling in the best parts of my field. To make matters worse SHE refused to even put a saddle on me but levered herself on board with me totally naked (how undignified!).

Fantom (my junior) was planned to go to Haywood Oaks but SHE messed up his vaccinations consequently SHE came rushing up to tell me that I would be going instead so, after a heavy training session, SHE was ineffectually trying to groom me when I actually managed to get one of my kicks on target (I’ve been trying for years); there was no more talk about Haywood Oaks after that!

The talk moved on to Windsor. I really had no idea what that was but realised it must be something special as the training increased and, horrors, SHE bathed me not once but several times! This is really too much: whilst I prefer the feeling of washing to brushing, was it really necessary to wash those bits that I like to keep to myself?

The race day dawned and I was ejected from my wonderful Olympic cell and bundled off to the start. I will give her this; SHE is pretty good at finding room at the start and had me cantering slowly over the line as the signal was given. What came next though was soooo out of order! I was Official members publication for Endurance GB

Dilmun’s Journey to WEG SHE is on a mission! What that mission is I don’t know; we horses are the last to be told!

It all started back in April when Fantom and I were training hard: going down to the beach regularly, cantering around large fields of cauliflowers and making unseemly treks up to an enormous field by the main horse route out of Cornwall.

(A30) On listening to comments SHE made, I came to understand that Fantom was going to attempt his first 160 kms ride at a place called Haywood Oaks. SHE did also mutter something about me going to Holland again but I didn’t really pay any attention as this seemed to be further ahead and, as the endurance gods might say, “Plans are bad”.

The time for Fantom’s debut at the exalted level of 3* drew closer and plans were firmed up. Fantom, bless him, appeared to be unaware and played the game, going along with all this training and even allowing himself to be bathed the day before they were due to leave.

I thought that it was quite possible that he hadn’t realised what was going to happen as he doesn’t have my experience in these matters.

I WAS WRONG!!! Fantom, the sneak, managed to limp quite pathetically after having been washed the day before he was due to leave. All hell broke out: I was the number one target! Me, I couldn’t believe it: I hadn’t completed the training, my shoes weren’t new and I simply WAS NOT READY!!

Endurance March/April 2015

Actually the ride day passed quite smoothly without me having to exert myself over much. I trotted and cantered around, chatted to a few of the interesting horses and floated up and down in the vetting showing off my beautiful plaits and whisking my tail up in the air to complement the floating action. It was all OK and everyone seemed very pleased with me and told me I had qualified for WEG (whatever that was!).

When I got home I discovered that THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH FANTOM: no mark, no limp, no trace whatsoever of unsoundness. Anyway he got his come-uppance and went off to Holland to compete in the Dutch National Championships. I have to admit he nearly made it and impressed an enormous number of important people BUT he failed at the finish so “close, but no cigar”.

Photograph courtesy of Gilly Wheeler

The loops flew past interspersed with trotting with THE MAN and lots of food.

There were miles and miles of beautiful smooth grass and sandy tracks and I definitely could have gone faster. I did hear that whilst I was out on the third loop, the Queen had come to see me! I tried to rush back so she wouldn’t be disappointed but she missed me! (All HER fault!) The last two loops passed happily in a blur though I didn’t like the flags very much at the finish line. My fastest time yet – 21.64 kph: can’t wait until the next one!

No matter, SHE changed the entry, told the organisers and I was hastily washed (there were still dirty bits!) and bundled into the trailer still protesting!

Competing at WEG Competing at WEG

Photograph courtesy of Gilly Wheeler

supposed to remain in a steady canter and was NOT allowed to zoom off in front.

Why not? I had been practicing hard for this for months! Instead I was restrained firmly and forced to canter just behind the leading pack (disgraceful and humiliating for a horse of my obvious talent!). I tugged and pulled all to no avail so eventually had to accept this.

When Fantom came back, training resumed: after a few weeks we went off to one of those ‘get together’ weekends (at Cirencester) with other horses at my level (the top of course). I had to do lots of cantering around and got to practice my handbrake turns around strategically placed cars marking the ends of our cantering track.

Later I had to go to another get together where on arrival I was poked and prodded a bit which was somewhat annoying (I made sure everyone could see how irritated I was). The following day work started. The cross country course I had ambled around the day before became a route march and I was rather miffed that I wasn’t allowed to go in the lead all the time as I like to be in front and the ideal is to keep an attractive mare half a length behind.

Suddenly SHE came rushing out to tell me I was going to WEG. If that’s a big horse party then I’m up for it. Whatever it is, I will try my best for HER, the minions (crew) and for Team GBR and The South West (SHE told me to say that!).

Article co-authored by Annie Joppe

27

Rider Nutrition

TORQing Rider Nutrition Rider Nutrition is key to any long distance training ride or competition.

There is very little point in heading out for a ride of any length (certainly if the duration will be over 2 hours) ill prepared.

You can be fit and have the fittest horse, an incredible crew and the best kit, but if you neglect the key piece to your ride’s jigsaw (your nutrition), you may find it could all be in vain and in extreme cases (of which I saw many last year) there will be riders who are unable to complete their ride, due to dehydration or exhaustion.

You will fuel your horse during the ride, but you also need to fuel yourself.

As a rider, you are a crucial part of the team & to ensure that you are able to perform your best, you need to consider yourself as an athlete and not a mere passenger. A well hydrated and fuelled rider will maintain strength, balance and stamina to be a true team player. A fuelled rider is also far less likely to get lost, as he or she will also be able to concentrate on the given course. He or she will also be readily able to support the horse’s stamina & power too, as a deflated rider encourages a deflated and demoralised horse.

As a rule of thumb, we say: Eat today, what you need for tomorrow.

If taking part in a longer distance training ride or competition, always ensure you have a good idea of what the weather is likely to be doing. If the forecast is for heat and warm conditions (as seen at numerous rides last season), then start to hydrate yourself (as you would your horse) the day before the ride.

Here use the flavoured electrolyte drinks the day before (just sip and have on the go like water). This will help enhance your hydration and the 5 electrolyte salts will also enable you to retain it and prevent you from needing to go to the loo all night too.

(It is never good to have a disturbed night’s sleep before a long ride).

You can also use the Natural Organic TORQ Energy in your food An additional 3 scoops of the TORQ organic powder mixed into soup, curry, pasta sauce etc., will be the same as eating another small bowl of pasta but 28

without the bloating feeling. It is far easier to utilize the Energy powder than to force feed additional pasta or rice.

On the day of your ride, if you have an early start or are too nervous to eat (due to competition nerves etc.) then utilise the Pineapple & Ginger flavoured TORQ bars.

The natural ginger within these bars has a natural medicinal property and helps to stabilise the stomach.

Once out on the ride, Utilise the TORQ Fuelling System (see attached) A TORQ bar, gel and 500Ml bottle of TORQ energy all contain 30g of carbohydrate, therefore, work out the duration of your ride, work out (if possible) what the weather will be doing & then choose your fuelling units accordingly.

In the heat, go for the drinks and in cooler weather use the bars and gels. If the weather is warm, ensure you use the electrolyted drinks (the flavoured ones) as for every 1% of your body weight you lose through perspiration, your performance will drop off by 5% every time.

On the other hand, if it is cold and you only use the drinks, you will spend an unnecessary amount of time climbing in & out of the saddle to go to the loo (never good if you are unable to find a suitable mounting block, or have an excitable steed like mine).

Wisely utilise the caffeinated gels during your ride Use a caffeinated gel towards the end of your ride, just before you leave the Final Vet gate for your last loop is perfect, this will psychologically and physically give you a natural lift (without the scary crash afterwards).

Also utilise the caffeinated gels (Forest Fruit and Banoffee) as a tea or coffee replacement, as if you drink tea and coffee regularly and go for the full duration of the ride without your usual cuppa, you are bound to have to endure the odd side effect of not having your usual brew – headaches etc. are very common. So calculate when you would roughly have a cup of tea/coffee and replace them with a caffeinated gel.

If it is really warm and you are utilising the caffeinated gel to boost the end of your ride (or as a tea or coffee replacement),

ensure you consume about 500Ml of water per gel too. Thankfully you do not have to have a gel and then immediately chase it down with water. Use given opportunities to suit your requirements, a quick gel when stopping to open a gate, or whilst descending a steep hill is key. Similarly, there is very little point on planning to have a drink where you know you will be travelling at speed across open ground.

So use your course map to your advantage and plan your nutrition accordingly. Ensure your nutrition is filtered through roughly every 30 – 40 minutes. The products are also there as an incentive and a reward, so will give you something else to focus on.

We will also soon have our own drinks and gels carriers available too.

If it is extremely hot, (such as at last year’s College or TopSpec Lindum Spirit Ride) you can also drink extra water. In these instances, you would not need to eat at all, as utilising a 500Ml of electrolyted drink every 30 – 40 minutes (plus additional water if required), will still provide sufficient carbohydrate.

After completing your ride, a recovery drink will quickly ensure you replenish your energy and damaged muscle cells. Here we utilise a drink rather than a solid, as it is easily digestible. The drink is also based on one’s own body weight and there is there for no waste.

The drink (which is pleasantly filling), is also extremely low in fat (as it contains just over 0%) and is therefore very functional and quick acting rather than being similar to many other products on the market, which are so high in fat that they simply can not be digested within the given window of 15 minutes. These products then end up being the same as a very expensive and non-functional milk-shake.

The TORQ Recovery drinks are extremely important for riders who are participating in Multi Day rides, such as the incredible Golden Horseshoe Ride. If riders are wishing to retain or improve upon their previous day’s performance, a Recovery drink will certainly go a long way towards banishing the aches and pains and will promote a more positive ride the next day.

The rides are there to be enjoyed not endured!

Enjoy and keep fuelled.

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Spring Supplements

FEEDING AT GRASS WHY BOTHER? Spring and summer see improving weather, longer days, more things to do with our horses and ….. more grass. Lots of horses also get more grazing time, than they do in the winter, while their owners go easy on the hard feed or cut it out all together. That will be fine for many whose work demands are low, but pasture doesn’t always provide all the nutrients a horse needs, especially if work and competition are stepping up.

S o, if your grass is good, it’s likely that your horse’s energy demands will be partially, if not fully, satisfied (or exceeded!) by what he grazes each day. What will be less obvious is whether his requirements for vitamins, minerals and quality protein are fully met through grass intake alone. So, whilst your horse may survive quite happily in the field with no supplementation, uncertainties remain and, if you are expecting your horse to perform, heal, breed or grow, ensuring there are no nutritional shortfalls should always be a priority.

Performance Competition and its training and preparation place ever increasing demands on a horse or pony’s body. Vitamins and minerals are essential for the body’s correct structure and function, and the right balance is important to ensure their correct absorption and use by the body. Protein is also essential for the building and repair of all body tissues, including muscle, without which the athlete could not perform. Here, it is as much about the quality of the protein a horse receives that counts, as it is about quantity. P rotein is made up of amino acids, some of which are termed “essential” because the horse cannot synthesise them and must receive them in his diet. It is the proportion of these that are provided by dietary protein which determines its quality and amino acids to look out for include lysine, methionine and tryptophan.

Without this quality protein the working or growing horse will be less able to build strong muscle tissue or to repair damaged tissues suffering the wear and tear of performance.

T herefore, feeding a balancer, during the spring and summer months, is infinitely preferable to no hard feed at all, as it is formulated to provide these essential nutrients which forage alone, including grass, may be lacking. Fed in small quantities (450g/2 mugs per day for a 500kg horse), Lo-Cal delivers all your horse needs for health and well-being but without additional calories and is a more effective option than the “token gesture” handful of mix or cubes.

If you still need some hard feed for energy 30

but don’t need the full recommended amount, Lo-Cal is perfect for “topping up” the nutrient levels to ensure your horse is not missing out.

Laminitis This is one condition that is directly associated with too much spring and summer grass, so horses or ponies deemed susceptible are often the first to be made to do without compound feed during the summer months. Fair enough, they generally don’t need any more calories than the grass or forage provides but, like other horses they do need other nutrients for health and well-being. L o-Cal balancer, with Light Chaff or on its own, is by far the most economical choice for the laminitisprone being nutrient dense but low in starch and with a minimal calorie content. Its biotin, methionine and zinc levels support healthy hoof growth whilst anti-oxidants, such as organic protected selenium and vitamin E, help the body fight free radicals, now found to be a major factor in a laminitis attack. R estricting access to grazing will probably be necessary for the good doer but fibre intakes must be maintained by feeding clean hay or haylage. Look for more stalk and less leaf for lower nutritional value and consider ways of extending eating time, say, by feeding it in small holed haynets. Hay replacers and chaffs are an option for the horse or pony with very little or no access to grazing but be sure to follow feeding recommendations when considering them as an alternative to compound feed.

B reeding and Growing C orrect nutrition can influence fertility in both mare and stallion with extremes of condition (too fat or too thin) being less conducive to successful conception. The demands of a busy stud season can be high for the covering stallion, especially if he has a concurrent competitive career.

Stud Balancer is ideal on its own, where grazing or forage is sufficient to meet energy demands, or can be added to reduced quantities of hard feed in order to maintain nutrient levels. T he development of the foal begins at conception so it is important to continue to feed correctly once the mare is confirmed in foal. Mineral demands can

be particularly high as research has shown that the foetus builds reserves on which to draw after birth. Baileys Stud Balancer is formulated to meet the increased nutritional demands of all breeding stock, with chelated minerals and quality protein essential for the growing foetus and foal. Once the foal is born and suckling, the mare will produce up to 3% of her bodyweight per day as milk, the quality of which can affect the foal’s growth.

F or the mare or stallion who maintains condition well on grass or forage alone, Stud Balancer will provide the additional quality protein, vitamins and minerals required, whilst Baileys Stud Mix or Cubes are preferable where additional calories are needed. Growth problems in foals or youngsters can occur as a result of rapid growth caused by increased calorie intake from good grass. If this rapid growth is supported by sufficient vitamins and minerals there is less likelihood of problems.

N utritional Investment!

So, you can see that if you are placing demands of any kind on your horse, it is well worth continuing with “nutritional support”, alongside summer grazing, to help achieve the best results. It needn’t cost a fortune as it’s the quality and content of what you feed that counts and products we’ve discussed are economical in use as they are fed in quite small quantities. Supplementing horses at grass can seem unnecessary but think of it as making a “nutritional investment”, ensuring horse get all they need whether it’s for growth, performance or simply to prevent them drawing unnecessarily on their own body’s reserves.

Information kindly supplied by Baileys Horse Feeds’ Official members publication for Endurance GB

Tried & Tested

TRIED &TESTED 1.

Over the past few months Endurance has had a few products in use for Tried and Tested, so as we start the new season, it seems a good time to look at what we have been using and give our opinions.

1. AMELIA JANE COLLECTION KNITTED POM-POM HAT Sarah has had this hat for most of the winter, and seems to be rarely seen without it. A very up-market hat, wonderfully cosy, and with a removable, interchangeable fur pom-pom on top!

This hat has been used during the winter while she is in the yard mucking out, walking the dog, going to the shops, and indeed, while she is lounging about in the conservatory. It would appear that it can be worn anywhere and everywhere. Lots of favourable comments when we have been out and about and she is wearing it… some fabulous colours available too. The great thing is that you take the pom-pom off to wash the hat… and wash on a cold cycle…bright and clean, pop the pom-pom back on, job done!

Highly recommended for old and young alike… and there are some great versions for children too.

The company also produce silk hat covers for skull caps, again with the rather lovely pom-pom on top.

Go online to www.ameliajanelondon for more details

2.

2. OUTDOOR HANDS INTENSE SKIN THERAPY CREAM I have had this on test over the past couple of months, and I have to say, I really like it. As do most riders, I expect, I suffer with very dry skin on my hands in the winter, and get horrid cracks and tears around my nails/cuticles. This can result in very hard skin and some nasty sores on my fingers.

I have made a point of using this cream every morning when I come in from the yard, and I have found that it has really made a difference. The cuticles are softer, and I have not suffered from splits on my index fingers or thumbs this winter.

The cream can be used very sparingly, so the tube lasts quite a while, it really is not greasy, and is absorbed very quickly.

A great benefit too, is that it smells so nice! A light lemony aroma, that is very pleasant.

I would recommend this cream to anyone who has a life that is tough on their hands…

I will certainly be buying more!

Outdoor Hands is an intense skin therapy that contains only natural products.

Enriched with aloe vera and vitamin E, this non-greasy hand cream absorbs into the skin in seconds, to soothe and repair cracked, dry and tired hands.

Designed for both men and women, Outdoor Hands is perfect for anyone who needs a little extra help at hand.

Simply apply a small amount of cream to dry areas of skin, rub it in well and leave the cream to work its magic.

For more information, visit: www.treehouseonline.co.uk.

3.

3. SLENDERTONE BOTTOM AND SLENDERTONE ABS Now, this might appear to be a rather odd thing for us to be testing at Endurance magazine, but as we had the chance, we took it!

We used the Slendertone Abs and the Slendertone Bottom. Once again, Sarah was the main tester, but I have been using the Abs product too.

During winter, despite the horses being stabled, so having plenty of mucking out, exercising and dog walking to do, I find that I simply spend too much time at my desk, and I just get soft and unconditioned.

This is perhaps a lazy way of doing things, but I have to admit it works!

Using the Abs product for around 20 minutes a day, just keeps those stomach muscles tightened up, instead of slobbing over and getting soft! I have friends who use this method of toning on a regular basis, and use the Abs toner for 20 mins three times a day… personally I have not done that much.

Sarah says that she has found a noticeable difference, with inch loss as well as a tightening of the muscles that are being regularly worked.

Slendertone uses Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) toning technology to create strong, deep muscle contractions to tone your body.

Regular use will of course give the best results, but it really does seem to be an excellent way to just keep on top of the toning during the months when we are not riding or walking so much.

Visit www.slendertone.com

Endurance March/April 2015 31

Young Riders

YOUNG RIDERS AGM PT2 As Beth Stoke, Chair of the Young Rider Committee, said in the last issue, there was plenty of interest and pro-active comment at the AGM for Young Riders in November 2014.

In the last issue of EnduranceGB, she introduced herself and four of the other YR reps, so in this issue, we complete those introductions and repeat the information about where to contact them.

This year we have 2 reps for each area, it was great to have so many volunteers and each rep lives in a different part of the area so we are very spread out. Please do make the most of us and contact us if you have any ideas or questions! We really want to get more YRs involved again this year so bring your friends along to rides and get them involved to! Look forward to seeing you all out and about!

Beth x So another AGM has passed and it is time to introduce your new YR committee!

Chair Beth Stokes North Reps James McIntosh & Charlotte Chadwick Midlands Reps Brett Corcoran & Bella Fricker South Reps James Dickinson & Katie Bedwin Wales Reps Andrew & Caitlin Theodorou Ann Dark remains as YR liaison with the support of Harry Ingram 32

Photo courtesy David Saunders

Photo courtesy of Mandy Yarnold

South Rep

South Rep

Name: James Dickinson Age: 19 Group: Derbyshire Email: dickinson-james@outlook.com Facebook: @JamesDickinsonEndurance

Name: Katie Bedwin Age: 16 Group: South East Email: katiebedwin@yahoo.co.uk Facebook: @KatieBedwinEndurance

I am currently studying Mathematics and Physics at the University of Surrey.

I have completed up to FEI 2* and have also competed at Mont le Soie (Belgium) unfortunately being vetted out at the final vetting of the 120km. My aims for the future are to qualify for the Young Rider Championships in 2016 and to qualify for the Senior Squad. Additionally I have been lucky enough to be a crew for Annette Masterson which took me to crew at WEG 2014! This was one of the best experiences I have had during my endurance career and I have made some great friends along the way. I currently ride Blaenllain Cardinal’s Dream (pictured) and Bonnie Safira. In 2013 I came 4th in the Young Rider National Championships on Saffy. I want to help increase the young riders membership. I would be happy to answer any questions.

I have grown up in an endurance family, so have been competing and crewing since I can remember and am a member of the South East Group.

I currently have three competition horses.

Layla is an 8 year old, pure bred Arab, who I have owned for 5 years. Layla has completed up to CEI ** 120km this season and we also completed our first 2 day 160km at the Home Internationals in Scotland. Layla and I are also on the YR squad, and hoping to represent GB at championship level in the coming years. Dragon is a 16 year old, part bred Arab, who was bred by my family.

Dragon has completed almost 5000km of endurance miles, so now we just have fun doing 80km CERs and graded rides. Shoes is also 8 years old and a part bred arab, who is at open level. Shoes was also bred by my family, but has had a slow start to endurance and next season I hope to qualify her up to advanced. As much as I’d like to do horses full time, I am studying for my A-levels at Sixth Form, and hoping to go to University after. I’m really looking forward to being a representative for another year and I hope that we can continue to raise the number of young riders and juniors within the sport and improve young rider opportunities.

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Young riders

Photo courtesy of Andrew Theodorou

Wales Rep

YR LIAISON

YR LIAISON

Name: Caitlin Theodorou Age: 19 Role: Wales Representative Email: caitlin.theodorou@btinternet.com

Name: Ann Dark Role: Company Secretary Email: anndark@endurancegb.co.uk

Name: Harry Ingram Role: Young Riders’ Liason Email: harryingram@endurancegb.co.uk

I have been involved with endurance for over 20 years in many aspects of the sport as a rider, crew, helper, official and want everyone to enjoy the sport that has given me so much. Since discovering endurance I have always been passionate about the sport and like many members, have made many friends through the sport of Endurance.

As Young Rider Liaison, I particularly want to encourage the junior and young riders to achieve their individual goals whether it is to complete a pleasure ride up to completing a FEI ride.

We have a number of keen and talented young and junior riders with dedicated parents and this year we are hoping to offer some training weekends where we can offer support and guidance whatever their level of competing. Where young and junior riders can receive support with their riding, horse welfare management, crewing, good sportsmanship and above all enjoyment for rider and of course the horse.

Many local Endurance GB groups are working hard to encourage participation in endurance as a family, or with friends whether still at school or college, and I think we need to celebrate those younger riders that promote the sport we all love so much, as these young riders will hopefully be our future.

I have been involved in Endurance for the last decade at a variety of levels from pleasure rides to FEI. Having only just graduated from the ranks of the Young Riders, I can empathise with the challenges and commitments the young in our sport face. I recently made the decision to stand for election to the board, empowered by the dwindling number of young people in our sport. I have now been on the board for little over three weeks and realise that there is a mountain to climb in many ways.

I am looking forward to working alongside Ann and the rest of the board to continue to champion the young at all levels and concentrate on growth of our society.

If anybody has any ideas they wish to share with me with regard to young riders please drop me a line at harryingram@ endurancegb.co.uk

I’m currently studying Geography at the University of Manchester, I am also lucky enough to be part of the University of Manchester’s equestrian team. For the last four years I have been competing at FEI level, completing 1* and 2* rides on my 15hh Crabbet Arab ‘Sea Emerald’. I have been on the Welsh Home International and Celtic Challenge team five times. My greatest achievement was coming first in the 120km YR FEI race at Cirencester in 2011. Additionally, I have crewed my brother Andrew and his horse Jamal at the Young Rider European and World Championships at Mont le Soie, Belgium (2012) and Tarbes in France (2013). I went to support team GB at WEG in 2014 which was a great experience. This year I hope to qualify my arab (Socks) for the YR European Championships 2016. I am keen to help promote the sport and to encourage new, aspiring riders into the discipline, so please feel free to get in contact with me if you have any questions.

Please like and share the ‘Endurance GB Young Riders’ Facebook page if you haven’t already, lots of updates and photos are posted on there. If you have any photos or stories please message either the page or email your chair Beth with them!

Endurance March/April 2015 33

Management

NEW FOR 2015... NEW FOR 2015… NEW FOR 2015…

Important new information regarding young people under the age of 18 years: registration, entering and taking part in rides.

This information is for the particular attention of parents/guardians and young people under the age of 18; local groups and anyone involved in planning or running a ride; Ride Organisers; Health, Safety and Welfare Officers; Technical Stewards etc. In the following notes, the word ‘parent’ refers to anyone with legal parental responsibility.

To bring EGB in line with current requirements, the following changes have been made. They are quite straightforward, but along with other EGB procedures, have to be followed!

Registration When joining or renewing membership, parents have to give their contact address, phone number and email address, and sign that they give their consent to those under 18 being a member of EGB as a full member or of the local group as an Associate Member.

Or, if it is easier and parents agree, one form can be filled in for the season, kept it in the logbook or an equally safe place, and handed in to each ride secretary, so long as the ride name and your bib number for that ride are clear.

This form is important, it means that ride organisers have quick access to parent’s contact details, and that medical staff have permission to give treatment in the case of an emergency.

Ride entry When filling in the ride entry form for those under 18, parents have to fill in their contact address and phone number, sign that they agree to the ride entry and ask the escort (if required) to sign their agreement.

(This may be done on line, a tick means that the consent is given).

Those of you under 18, if your parent’s details and signature are not on the entry form, you will not be able to ride! Just as if you left out your horse’s details!

A reminder about escorts Only parents/guardians can nominate and give permission for a person to ride as escort. Ride organisers or other officials may not do this without the parent/guardian’s written permission.

Consent forms This is a new form for all riders under 18, introduced this year to bring EGB in line with schools and other sporting organisations, including the Pony Club. This can be downloaded in advance from the EGB website or alternatively, one will be sent out with the ride details. This needs to be filled in and handed in to the ride secretary in an envelope, with the name of the ride and bib number clearly written on it. At the end of the ride this will be returned in the bib pocket.

A word to group ride organisers There are important additions to the group ride entry form, which must be included on all ride entry forms. The updated version has been sent to all groups and in addition, the group ride entry form online shows these changes – it is best to use the ‘colour-coded’ version alongside the blank one, as you will be able to see what information must be included.

Adverse weather/challenging terrain If the Ride Organiser and Health, Safety and Welfare Officer feel that the weather conditions or the terrain are too challenging, they can require riders to ride with an escort or in company of others.

RECOMMENDED REST PERIODS – NEW FOR 2015 After starting graded or competitive endurance rides it is recommended that horses are rested before entering another ride.

The recommended rest period is shown below but any concerns about the fitness of your horse should always be discussed with your vet, including when to return to work/competition.

TABLE 8 – RECOMMENDED REST PERIODS TYPE OF RIDE RIDE DISTANCE COMPLETED Single Day GER or CER 78 – 95km 96km – 125km 126km – 145km 146km Multi Days* GER or CER 96 – 125km 126km – 145km 146km Lameness after any distance at any ride

RECOMMENDED REST DAYS 12 days 19 days 26 days 33 days 12 days 19 days 26 days 8 days to be added to any distance based days.

Starts at midnight of the day of the class and finishes midnight of the day before the next competition. *Multi day includes all multi day classes and multiple classes at the same event.

Please note that if a veterinary judge is concerned about a horse, it may be eliminated or suspended from EGB rides, see para 4.1.1/4.1.2 34

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Management

Worshipful Company

Corrections to the

of Saddlers

Handbook

Once again the Worshipful Company of Saddlers are generously providing prizes for our young riders.

Page 72 With regards to the Barbury Castle website address. It should read http:// endurancegb.co.uk/main/Barbury

Young riders attending the following rides will have a chance to win a beautifully crafted leather head collar. The rides are:

Page 95: Crop length should be 75cms or 30”

Berkshire Downs North Norfolk Boconnoc Lindum Spirit Cumbria Challenge Long Mynd Lions Tail New Park Rufus To be eligible for this prize, the rider must enter their date of birth and be under 25yo. The winner is the rider with the best PF result over the whole event.

Page103: It should read ‘7 days after the booster before entering the racecourse’.

Endurance GB MEMBERS’ HANDBOOK 2015

EQL UKCC LEVEL 1 AWARD IN COACHING EQUESTRIAN (QCF) - YORKSHIRE This course is an introduction to Equestrian coaching, suitable for those who would like to learn more about equestrian and for those wishing to progress on the equestrian coaching pathway.

The role of the Level 1 coach is to: ‘Assist more qualified coaches, delivering aspects of coaching sessions, normally under direct supervision’ COURSE DATES Wednesday 27th May (9am-5pm), Thursday 28th May (9am-5pm) a nd an Assessment Day on Thursday 30th July (9am-1pm).

For more information on this course visit www. participant.co.uk/sportstructures/participant/ arrangement.aspx?id=126933.

Endurance GB, Abbey Park, Stareton, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2RP Tel: 02476 697929 Fax: 02476 418429 Email: enquiries@endurancegb.co.uk www.endurancegb.co.uk

MacWet Sports Gloves for all seasons

MacWets are fast becoming the most popular riding glove—with Ollie Townend, Ben Mayer and Zara Phillips being regular wearers of the brand. Safety is the key word, wet or dry MacWets give you the best grip possible. Recognised by many leading sports people as their glove of choice-used in 40 sports and forty countries— participants love the ‘second skin’ touch as the aim of MacWet is to achieve comfort and give the wearer the chance to forget they are wearing gloves so that they can concentrate on their performance.

Why not join them?

You can win a pair – Just tell us the funniest thing that has happened to you whilst riding

Groups

De Cymru Group – Welcome the New Year Ride 04.01.2015

By Celia Saunders

Over 50 riders enjoyed the New Year ride with some of our newest members coming from as far as Swansea and some local people hacking to the venue.

We had some problems with route access and marker movers who had been on the job very early in the morning. What pleasure they derive from doing this I really don’t understand.

Hilary, the organiser, wanted to give special thanks to all our helpers on the day, the 4 x 4 response team who took care of Check Points, and our ‘office’ and parking helpers who all did a great job.

My job on the day had a variety of ‘hats’.

Firstly, taking pictures, then ensuring that things progressed safely, my next role was making sure our helpers had coffee and returning riders had a cup of delicious mulled wine when held snugly in the hands served as a cosy hand warmer. Oh and a mince pie also!

Looking ahead, we have a very busy first half of the year with a Novice Training Event followed by Wentwood in Spring and some new rides on our calendar which have been made possible by the work of Hilary Cuming who has been tireless in developing these routes for us to enjoy.

De Cymru group welcome two of our newest members, Vicky Harrison and Lyndsey Lewis who travelled from Swansea to our New Year Ride.

Artantix Art and Photography

Well, this new ride all went smoothly at a wonderful venue with hardstanding, an invaluable asset at this time of year. We had to make sure that no horsey mess was left on the tarmac and our two newly elected EGB Board of Directors members, Sue Box and Jane Tennant, went for the brush and shovel with gusto. I was made aware of this by Piers Geddes who gave the nudge that there was a marvellous photo opportunity to be had and I must come directly to record the action for posterity.

Leicester and Rutland group annual meeting and awards L&R Group held its annual meeting and awards presentation on Friday 16th January. It was good to see a high proportion of members turning up on a cold January evening to enjoy a chance to catch up on news before the start of the 2015 season.

Unsurprisingly, the top award was taken

by L&R Chairperson Sharon Davison with her part bred Arab, Zorro. This combination also enjoyed success at the National Awards Ceremony in November, coming 3rd in the Senior Championship.

Congratulations also go to Joanne Cooper and Ginger 672 who won the Novice Trophy. Full results are listed below.

Thanks to Cresswell Caterers for providing the usual tasty buffet supper and to Anne Brown of Gadebrook Arabian Stud for presenting the awards.

36

Highpoint Trophy (most points from Competitive rides): Sharon Davison with Zorro Fudge Trophy (most points in rides up to 42k, open and advanced horses): Katy Williams with Apache Colleen Trophy (most points in Novice rides, first season only) : Joanne Cooper with Ginger 672 Belmore Trophy (highest placed Junior): Rachael Judson (with Ben Shah and Khebir Shahir) Royal Lustre Trophy (highpoint pure bred Arab) : Aberllwyd Femme Fatalle (Kathy Carr)

Pied Piper Trophy (highpoint part bred Arab): Zorro (Sharon Davison) Mallard Trophy (most points from L&R rides): Larissa Whiley with Ben Shah Ossie Hare Memorial Trophy (most points in CER’s): Kathy Carr with Aberllwyd Femme Fatalle Crystal Comait Trophy (highest mileage in rides up to 56k): Joanne Cooper with Ginger 672 Midnight Star Trophy (highest mileage in current season): Sharon Davison with Zorro Broughton Lodge Trophy (highest mileage in PR’s and SR’s): Pam Heighton with Kodi

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Groups

EGB Lancashire Group Awards Presentation Evening Saturday 24th January 2015 Our annual Presentation Evening took place on Saturday 24th January 2014 in The Garden Room, at Ribby Hall near Kirkham.

Presenting the trophies and awards this year was a very special event for Lancs Group, as 2014 was our 30th Anniversary Year and we really wanted to celebrate the formation of the old EHPS Lancs Group way back in 1984, so to enhance the evening we developed a ‘glitter theme’ and everyone made a special effort to really sparkle.

We were pleased to welcome not only several past champions from our 30 year history, but also some of the people who had originally kindly donated some of our annual trophies.

An additional event for the group to celebrate during 2014, was the 80th birthday of one of our long term members Mrs Betty Paul, who we are pleased to say is still fit and active and taking part in pleasure rides. We held Betty’s 80th Birthday ‘Pink Ride’ in her honour at Formby Beach in October, but we also continued the festivities at the awards dinner to her surprise,by presenting her with a sash of honour.

The awards were presented by our EGB national chairman Mr John Hudson and we were so pleased that he and Jane were able to come and help us celebrate. The M.C. for the evening was Alan TaylorGreen and the whole evening was photgraphed by Edwin Devey of whatapicture.biz.

AWARDS FOR THE 2014 SEASON ARE AS FOLLOWS: Annual Kilometre Rosettes – awarded from 100 km to 800km. Greatest distance this year being Tania Fitton on Meadowland Mack with 887km.

CUMULATIVE KILOMETRE AWARDS – AWARDED IN MULTIPLES OF 1000KMS. 1000 Kilometres Meadowland Mack – Tania Fitton Ballinmore Plan B – Susan Heaton Supreme Dancer – Carla Jackson Weeping Willow – Glenda Griffin Pantyfid Cloudy – Jenny Rand Gizmo – Izzy Wilson Delfyw Squwiggle – Karen Corr 2000 Kilometres Dorcina Valient Be – Carol Edmondson 3000 kilometres Maraday Mysteron – Linda Cowperthwaite 4000 Kilometres Rassam – Anne Booth 5000Kilometres Moon Magician – Sue Taylor-Green 7000 Kilometres Huggy Bear – Janette Hunter And even further an incredible lifetime distance of 14000 Kilometres Peterbrook Sunset Surprise – Carolyn Cummings TROPHIES FOR NON-COMPETITIVE RIDES Lancashire Rosebud Trophy (Junior Rider) 1st Andessas Ruby Rhythm – Hanna Wright

The Ellie Trophy (First season pleasure ride horse) 1st Elbrich Fan Wolsom – Jamie Houghton Arab Cup (non-competitive) 1st Moon Magician – Sue Taylor-Green The Pepper D Trophy (Unregistered non- competitive) 1st Pantyfid Cloudy – Jenny Rand The Lancashire Rose Trophy (Highpoint non-competitive) 1st Pantyfid Cloudy ridden by Jenny Rand TROPHIES WHICH ARE APPLICABLE TO BOTH COMPETITIVE AND NONCOMPETITIVE RIDES: Tarka Trophy ( Coloured Horse/pony) 1st Delfyw Squwiggle – Karen Corr Winston Memorial Trophy (First Season Rider) 1st Jamie Houghton PAIRS AWARDS: Britannia Double – One competitive horse/ pony and one non-competitive horse/pony.

1st Zim Nazka (Jackie Lloyd) and Pantyfid Cloudy (Jenny Rand) Chanel Pairs: One 45km and under and the other reater than 45 km.

1st Kalifa BJ (Carolyn Livesey) and Orelie Griff (Chris Fitton) COMPETITIVE TROPHIES: Young Rider Trophy 1st Gizmo 1 – Izzy Wilson

April Primrose (Veteran Rider) 1st Jennifer Rand

Willowsweet Trophy( Horse or Pony, seven years of age and under).

1st Kalifa BJ – Carolyn Livesey

Pendle Salver (Veteran non-competitive Horse or Pony) 1st Moon Magician – Sue Taylor-Green

Collee Memorial (Competitive Veteran Horse or Pony).

1st Tommy – Diane Hudson

AHS Cup (Competitive registered Arab).

1st Zim Nazka – Jackie Lloyd Norah Trophy (Competitive non arab) 1st Meadowland Mack – Tania Fitton Graded Ride Champion 1st Kalifa BJ – Caroline Livesey Novice Trophy 1st Fifi – Diane Hudson Cumbria Za Trophy (Rides of 45 km and under only - senior rider) 1st Meadowland Mack – Tania Fitton Endurance Champion (CER classes only) 1st Maraday Mystaron – Linda Cowperthwaite Highpoint Champion – (Overall champion competitive) 1st Zim Nazka – Jackie Lloyd Further Awards Jean Merchant – The Saar Companion Trophy An important and touching award to show some recognition for our horse companions who have sadly passed away during the previous competitive season.

Conman – who belonged to Barbara Smith and who completed 2125 happy kms during his lifetime from 1997 to 2014.

Asif-Al-Shadid who belonged to Maxine Lang and who successfully achieved 1532 kms during his life from 1991 to 2014.

Roxthorne Britannia who belonged to Deb Bennett who previously was local and National Champion. She completed 8500km during her lifetime from 1983 to 2014.

Thank you to everyone who took part and let’s look forward to a successful 2015 season!

Endurance March/April 2015 37

Groups

Lindum Annual Awards 2014 ANNUAL LINDUM DISTANCE AWARDS 150 Lindum kilometres Bertie, Castle Hill Harvey, Faizal, Macsen, Psynan (177), Twywell Jay Cee 250 Lindum kilometres Daante, Eldibrandur, Il Divo, Oshi Dashi, Phoebe, Simeric Cassini, Simeric Sinnaman, Wisespares Tempo 350 Lindum kilometres Ammanvalley Comet, Bizout, Simeric S’Moudh 450 kilometres Same 650 Lindum kilometres Simeric Smooth Criminal CUMULATIVE LINDUM DISTANCE AWARDS 1000 Lindum kilometres Ammanvalley Comet, Same, Simeric Sinnaman 3000 Lindum kilometres Bizout, Eldibrandur

Coulmore Rogart Quaich- high point British native breed 1st Castle Hill Harvey & Pam Fromm

David White memorial trophy- high point advanced horse 1st Bizout & Hannah Lydon

Maple Kai trophy- high point horse of any other registered breed 1st Wisespares Tempo & Helen Ganney

Webster trophy- high point novice 1st Ammanvalley Comet & Sue Abbott

Gentle Memorial Trophy- high point horse aged 5-7 years 1st Simeric Smooth Criminal & Steph Brown Gainsborough Express trophy – high point horse aged 18 year and over 1st Macsen & Sue Scarborough Ronald Gledhill memorial trophy – highest attendance at Lindum group 1st Steph Brown Countess Francesca trophy- high point horse in rides or 45kms and under 1st Macsen & Sue Scarborough

5000 Lindum kilometres Simeric S’Moudh

Sweet Afton trophy- high point horse graded endurance rides 50km and above 1st Simeric Smooth Criminal & Steph Brown

TROPHIES Barefoot Trophy 1st Castle Hill Harvey & Pam Fromm

Minty trophy- high point non competitive horse 1st Oshi Dashi & Annette Linstead

Chance Cup- high point Young Rider 1st Simeric Smooth Criminal & Steph Brown Emika Trophy- high point Young Riderlindum group rides only, 1st Daante & Ellie Moxon

Ravendale trophy- high point open horse 1st Simeric Smooth Criminal & Steph Brown Wiltshire Joinery trophy-high point horse ridden by an adult in Lindum rides 1st Bizout & Hannah Lydon Willow Cup- high point in Lindum rides as 3 rides in other areas, excludes major trophy winners 1st Same & James McIntosh Revcom trophy- for the person not necessarily a rider, who has given their all for endurance Peter Parker South Dene Equestrian trophyChampion- Simeric Smooth Criminal & Steph Brown Reserve champion- Bizout & Hannah Lydon

Multi Award-winner Simeric Smooth Criminal and Steph Brown

Zorrow trophy- horse and rider combination successfully achieving the greatest distance in all EGB rides 1st Simeric Smooth Criminal & Steph Brown Manilliam Team Award- team of 3 horses and riders, highest distance completed this season 1st Simeric Smooth Criminal & Steph Brown Simeric S’Moudh & Thay Stephenson Same & James McIntosh High point arab award 1st Bizout & Hannah Lydon High point part bred arab 1st Simeric Smooth Criminal & Steph Brown Rigley award- high point unregistered horse 1st Same & James McIntosh 38

Photograph courtesy of West End Photography

Molly Stubbs Memorial trophy- high point mature rider 1st Wisespares Tempo & Helen Ganney

Official members publication for Endurance GB

Groups

EGB Iceni Group Annual Branch Meeting and Awards Evening 31st January 2015 By Amanda Roche-Kelly Over 80 Iceni members and supporters attended at Santon Downham Village Hall to enjoy a celebratory evening.

Endurance GB Chairman John Hudson (originally from Woodbridge) was, with his wife Jane, a special guest and was pleased to make the presentation of awards Many special awards were made on the night including one to Ellie Head, outgoing Chair, who after 6 years in the role received, as part of her presentation a Peter Beales

rose named ‘Simply the Best’. A fitting label acknowledging all the energy and hard work contributed by Ellie over that time.

Ellie will continue on the Iceni Committee as Secretary in 2015.

in order to help and learn. It was good to see The Trail Riders Fellowship (the hairy bikers!) also in attendance as special guests. Their help is invaluable in both route marking and patrol during pleasure and competitive rides.

Special awards were also made to those participants in the ‘Stewarding Scheme’ who had shown enthusiasm and diligence in learning about various aspects of the endurance steward’s responsibilities. They were recognised for their time and effort and forgoing their own riding on many occasions

A full programme of competitive and pleasure rides is on offer for 2015 and the Iceni Group is hosting the Inter Regional competition, to be held at Cranwich 15/16 August.

ICENI TROPHY RESULTS (2014 SEASON) Highpoint Advanced Horse (Valentine Salver) 1st Cs Khamsin – Liz Ellesley Highpoint Open Horse (Christa Trophy) 1st Aberllwyd Satra – Karen Day Highpoint Novice Horse (Quincy Trophy) 1st Lily’s Legacy – Sarah Bird

Happy Dreams Trophy (Best Overall Score For 80Kms) 1St Shingle Street Speshal – Antonia Hardwick Highpoint Veteran Horse (Age 18 – 21 Years) (Regal Lad Trophy) 1St Maia – Jo Holt

Highpoint Senior Rider (Iceni Shield) 1st Liz Ellesley – Cs Khamsin

Twilight Years Trophy (21 Years & Over Pl & Comp Kms Only) 1St Inndependence – Diane & Beth Archer

Highpoint Homebred Horse 1st Simple System Trizeyah – Jane Van Lennep

Highpoint Veteran Over 21 Years (Martinique Trophy) 1St Joy Of Spring – Ellie Head

Highpoint Young Rider (Margaret & Stuart Miller Quaich) 1st Molly Button – Island Spirit

Highpoint Tb Horse (Independent Nutrition Trophy) 1St Coralkov – Juliet Jacob

Highpoint Junior Rider (Glansevin Ghia Trophy) 1st Keighley Pomroy – Redwings Milkyway

Ken Stratton Memorial Trophy 1St Bassey – Linda Burrows

Highpoint E R Horse (King Of Reds Trophy) 1st Verbnyi – Brigid Fairman Highpoint Registered Native Horse (Mill Fields Trophy) 1St Meiros Victoria Capella – Richard Lowe Highpoint Part Bred Horse (Chelwood Trophy) 1St Laity Red Alert – Rosie Marsh Highpoint Arab Horse (Angel Face Trophy) 1St Cs Khamsin – Liz Ellesley

Am Highpoint Female Rider (Iceni Trophy) 1St Deborah Fyans – Av Volcano Highpoint Golden Horseshoe Horse (Ian Anderson Memorial Trophy) 1St Hs Espion – Heather Weston

Rubin Trophy Redwings Milky Way – Keighley Pomroy Stars Of The Future Awards: Deborah Fyans, Liz Rymer, Beth Moden, Elaine Wallbridge, Lynne Howlett Unsung Hero Awards Margaret Lambeth, Tracie Rorie, Megan Rorie Senior Stewarding Award Richard Lowe Junior Stewarding Award Jordan & Jessica Head Family Trophy The Hardwick Family Top Man Award Dave Rogers Crewing Award Jan Harber International Award (World No 1 Rider) Nicola Gilbert Iceni Special Recognition Award Carol Chapman Fiona’s Trophy (Special Members Award) Deborah Fyans Rememberance Awards: Natalie Chandler – Imagination, Emma Mooney – Khurli, Andy Thorne - Rummi

Heather Weston receiving her award from John Hudson

Highpoint Unregistered Horse (Molly Memorial Trophy) 1St Redwings Milky Way – Keighley & Madison Pomroy Am Highpoint Junior Rider (Mousetrophy) 1St Beth Moden – Toby Endurance March/April 2015 39

New Products

What’s New? A quick Round Up of what caught our eye at BETA and elsewhere in the past few months.

1

THE TRY IT CLUB NETTEX

Nettex has just launched a unique initiative called the ‘Try It Club’.

Aimed at all riders and horse owners in the UK, the ‘Try It Club’ gives consumers a one off opportunity to buy selected Nettex Equine products at half the recommended retail price.

A series of monthly product trials will see club members being able to buy and try some of the popular Nettex ranges.

Consumers are encouraged to sign up via the Nettex website and will receive a welcome pack that gives them hi-viz vest, car stickers and lots of other goodies – all for free!

The beauty of being able to try products at half price enables existing customers to try other merchandise in the range and also encourages new customers to try Nettex. Club members are then encouraged to their local Nettex stockist for repeat purchase.

Exclusive competitions and money can’t buy prizes together with expert help and information relating to seasonal issues will be delivered via emails and online to members on a monthly basis. www.nettexequine.com/tryit 40

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THE HG-ONE HAYGAIN

Haygain has spent the last 12 months researching and developing the ultimate model designed for riders and owners with just one horse. It has been created to feed one horse and will hold up to 8kg of forage either in a hay net or compact wedges.

The HG-One incorporates all the renowned features that make Haygain the trusted brand it is and includes the HAYGAIN patented 5 spiked manifold. This enables steam to penetrate from the centre of the forage outwards at temperatures in excess of 100ºC. This method is the only scientifically proven way to eliminate respirable dust and kill all fungal spores and bacteria without nutritional loss.

Quick and easy to use The HG-One steams forage in 60 minutes thanks to a specially designed 1500W steam generator with a water capacity of 2.5 litres which will be sufficient for one steaming cycle.

It features a stainless steel boiler shell and the heating element is outside the boiler thus reducing damage from scale and extending the life of the element considerably.

The lid is double skinned for exceptional strength and thermal efficiency in all ambient temperatures without compromising performance. The lid has been designed with pockets to allow the condensation to evenly fall back onto the hay.

Official members publication for Endurance GB

New Products

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TURTLE TOPTM WITH FLEXTM NEUE SCHULE

Neue Schule’s newest design, the Turtle TopTM with FlexTM, has won the BETA International 2015 Innovation Award for Saddlery and Tack.

Not only did it win its category it achieved the top marks out of all entries in the Innovation Awards. The Turtle TopTM is designed with horse welfare and comfort at the forefront in order to achieve the best performance.

Extensive research and development, undertaken in collaboration with Durham University, most recently focused on the physics surrounding forces applied to the horse through the bit. These discoveries have been enlightening and have resulted in new cheek and mouthpiece design being developed.

Unlike conventional bits the Turtle TopTM has uniquely designed elements that orientate the bit to take the optimal desired position in the horse’s mouth and fit ergonomically to deliver the best in comfort.

• Instead of an oval cross section the undersides of the arms have a subtle concave curvature, giving greater weight bearing surface and so lower pressure over the tongue.

• The central link has a widened and flattened upper surface which sits neatly under the upper palate; this shaping also restricts upward movement of the arms of the bit, increasing stability without losing feel and response.

• The mouthpiece is aligned in an arch over and encompassing the tongue. The resulting improvement in bit positioning delivers greater clarity through the rein aids and eliminates extra pressure in the corners of the lips and poll as cheek pieces needn’t be as tight.

• The ‘Flex’ design concept means that the profiles of the cannons and central link are matched to the anatomical profiles of the mouth. The direction of rein tension in normal riding conditions sets the orientation of the mouthpiece – the Turtle Top is designed with the ridden situation in mind.

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SAFE-T-TIE SUPPLIED BY SHADOW HORSE

The ‘Safe-T-Tie’ offers a revolutionary way to safely tie your horse up anytime and anywhere and is brought from Australia to UK shores exclusively through retailers Shadow Horse.

Created in conjunction with equine nurses, equine muscular therapists and other equine professionals, this clever clip is equipped with five simple loop settings. This allows the handler to lock into the level or resistance required, making it ideal for tying up all horses, even nervous or flighty horses with the confidence in knowing that if the horse should pull back panicked, the clip will release easily and safely. The lower the loop setting, the lower the resistance level, making it ideal for adjusting accordingly for individual horses.

Easily attached to lorries, trailers and around the stable yard, it dispels the need for messy baling twine and offers a neat, safe and effective way of tying your horse up.

Available in seven different colours, incorporating a range of bright colours to help you keep track of them around the yard or on the road! RRP: £8 for a pack of 2

Endurance March/April 2015 41

ENDURANCE GB DIRECTORY HORSE AND RIDER

Suppliers of a complete range of Endurance Equipment, Zilco Products, Hoof Boots, Alternative Therapy Products, including Back on Track / Magnetic, plus many more.

10% Off All Orders – Simply Quote EGB12 at the Checkout. t: 0845 5570725 e: sales@urbanhorse.com www.urbanhorse.com

BREEDING

FEEDING & MAINTENANCE

EVENTS & TRANSPORT

MEDICAL

BOOKS AND DVDS

ENDURANCE GB DIRECTORY Over the next several issues ENDURANCE GB will be taking bookings for our brand new Directory.

This space will slowly grow into an essential point of reference for all Endurance horse riders and their crews; listing businesses large and small who operate within the world of Endurance horse riding.

Ideal for businesses with tight budgets, a space in the directory is just a fraction of the cost of a regular advert, meaning you can reach the entire membership whilst keeping costs to a minimum.

Phoenix Field Arabians Specialises in breeding Pure and Part Bred Performance Arabian horses for over 25 years.

Rachael Claridge t: 01454 238942 e: info@phoenixfieldarabians.co.uk www.phoenixfieldarabians.co.uk

For more information or to book a space in our next issue contact Andy Etherton on 01536 527297 or email andy@matrixprint.com

Veteran Vitality Goes the Distance According to a survey by the Veteran Horse Society, veteran horses, typically classed as being over the age of 15, make up more than 30% of the UK horse population. If your horse is one of these, then you may need to adjust his diet and lifestyle to suit his changing requirements.

In order to maintain health, condition and performance, it is important to adjust the way you care for your horse to suit his changing needs. He may look as fit as a fiddle on the outside and still be totally enthusiastic when undertaking endurance rides, but age brings with it a range of slow degenerative problems such as poor teeth, decreased digestive efficiency and arthritis which will all need careful management.

Fibre sources such as hay, haylage and grass should remain to form the

majority of the veteran horse’s diet.

Fibre is not only vital to maintain digestive health and function, but also to satisfy the horse’s natural need to chew. As winter can mean restricted access to turnout and grass loses some of its nutritional value, long stem fibre such as hay and haylage will need to be fed in higher proportions to maintain condition. For horses who struggle to chew, it is worth considering a high fibre hay replacement feed instead.

Every veteran horse is different and the rate of ageing, very much depends on the individual. Some horses can feel their age at 17 whilst others still act like a three-yearold into their twenties. While this means that there is no set age to introduce a veteran feed, it is worth monitoring their health, condition and workload and introducing a

veteran specific feed only when needed. A balanced feed such as Veteran Vitality provides all of the essential nutrients for the older horse and when soaked, it forms a nice soft mash. However, if the veteran horse is a good doer and does not need the extra calories, Fast Fibre may be the better option as it still provides the nutrients needed, but with less calories.

Visit www.allenandpage.com to find out more about these veteranfriendly feeds.

If you think it’s time to reassess your veteran horse’s diet, contact the friendly Allen & Page nutrition team on 01362 822 902 for expert help and advice.

Until you’ve fed him Veteran Vitality®… ...you’ll never know how fantastic he could look

Veteran Vitality® ➤ Barley and molasses free, low starch and low sugar* ➤ High in fibre with a good calorie level to help maintain weight ➤ Quick soak in less than 3 minutes!

Ideal for horses and ponies that struggle to chew ➤ Highly palatable and balanced – with essential vitamins and minerals**

Proud sponsor of

*When compared to traditional diets with comparative energy levels **When fed at recommended levels

For friendly and helpful advice, contact our award-winning nutrition helpline today

Tel: 01362 822 902 Email: helpline@allenandpage.co.uk

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no.6 All-Round Endurance Mix High fibre, high oil, low starch*, slow release The all-in-one feed for endurance, muscle tone, recovery & stamina v v v v v v

Contains Baileys Outshine high oil supplement for slow release stamina With alfalfa, sugar beet pulp, superfibres & oils from soya & linseed Ideal for excitable / fizzy types (those needing a low starch diet) Essential amino acids to build muscle and support tissue repair Bioplex速 minerals and Sel-Plex速 selenium to support performance Digest Plus prebiotic and Yea-Sacc for a healthy gut

EXPERTS IN ENDURANCE NUTRITION 01371 850 247 e: info@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

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