British Horse September 2020

The Official Magazine of The British Horse Society

SEPTEMBER 2020

£4.40

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Mas 59-65 tercl Cori ass deve nne Br ack lop

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Breeding and bereavement at Balmoral The Highland struggle with Equine Grass Sickness

Inside OLYMPICS: DICKIE WAYGOOD REVIEWS PREPARATIONS FOR TOKYO 2021 INTERVIEW: JONTY EVANS DISCUSSES HIS TENACIOUS JOURNEY BACK TO EVENTING

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September 2020

Contents

16

HEALTH AND CARE 48 SPOTLIGHT ON ULCERS New research helping to understand and treat gastric ulcers

51 HOW TO… …Check the fit of your girth

40

55 HEALTHY DIGESTION Special supplements to support gut function and digestion

TRAINING 59 MASTERCLASS

NEWS 06 ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND EVENTS FROM THE BHS 13 APPROVED CENTRES How your support can help riding schools post-COVID-19

35 COMBATING EQUINE CRIME Best advice for safekeeping your beloved horses and expensive tack

40 COURAGE & CONFIDENCE What gives Jonty Evans his edge

44 DAY IN THE LIFE Of a large animal rescue specialist

14 BOOST FOR BHS ROAD SAFETY Government funding for a new study

FEATURES 16 BREEDING AND BEREAVEMENT AT BALMORAL Innovation in the face of adversity at the royal stud

26 OLYMPIC ODYSSEY How Equestrian Performance Director Richard Waygood MBE is preparing the team for peak performance

30 RESOURCES FOR HORSES Top 10 money-saving tips

33 QUICKFIRE Q&A With showjumper William Whitaker

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Training exercises to help develop your jumping technique

66 COACH THOUGHT Inspiration and adaptations for teaching clients with disabilities

LIFESTYLE 69 LITTLE PICK ME UPS Download the Mammal Mapper app, try a tasty stir-fry recipe... and more!

71 BEST FOOT FORWARD Smart and practical seasonal boots

82 TACK ROOM TEST Take our Access quiz and discover how much you know about Rights of Way

YOUR BHS 75 MEMBERSHIP NEWS Important legal and insurance advice

76 REGIONAL ROUND-UP Latest news in your area

77 MAILBOX The chance to win a Tullynally silk scarf bhs.org.uk

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September 2020

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Editorial LEAD REIN

LEADREIN

Welcome Dear BHS Member,

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elcome to the September issue of British Horse.

I hope you’ve been able to enjoy at least part of the summer, and it is great to hear from members about how they are back to living and riding.

Many Approved Centres have reopened but some continue to face challenges, so we are working hard to support those establishments and individuals who are having a tough time.

On behalf of all members, we sent a very special BHS birthday card to HRH The Princess Royal who turned 70 on 15 August. As Vice-Patron of the Society, Princess Anne is hugely supportive of the BHS and very active on our behalf, for which we are exceedingly grateful.

Our annual BHS Awards nominations are open now, so please help us to recognise the fabulous achievements and selfless hard work of our volunteers, supporters and partners. We’re excited to have a new category this year: the ‘Unsung Hero Award’ for an individual, group or organization that has gone above and beyond to contribute to their local equestrian community. Visit bhs.org.uk/our-charity/our-awards for more details.

While recognising the achievements of those within and close to the Society, I’d like to acknowledge the outstanding contribution and long-serving commitment that Mrs Jenny Ward has made during her 50 years working with the BHS. In July 2020, Jenny decided to retire as a Chief Assessor and her

Published by The British Horse Society, Abbey Park, Stareton, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2XZ 02476 840500 bhs.org.uk @BritishHorse The British Horse Society EDITORIAL Editorial Executive: Ann Baylis BHS Communications Team: Sandra Ford and Seona Shuttleworth Contact: editor@bhs.org.uk Contributors Stephanie Bateman and Eleanore Kelly Cover: Jim Crichton

PUBLISHER Redactive Media Group Level 5, 78 Chamber Street London E1 8BL 020 7880 6200 LEAD DESIGNER Carrie Bremner PRODUCTION Jane Easterman jane.easterman@redactive.co.uk A special BHS birthday card to HRH The Princess Royal

ACCOUNT DIRECTOR Joanna Marsh joanna.marsh@redactive.co.uk

Retiring Chief Assessor Jenny Ward, with Director of Education Alex Copeland

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Sophie Conway, 020 7324 2721 sophie.conway@redactive.co.uk

experience, dedication and efforts will certainly be sorely missed.

There is much to celebrate and much to be optimistic about as we go into autumn. While we all remain watchful and cautious, we are also keen to be proactive and to continue to be supportive in every way we can.

Do follow us on Facebook and Twitter and check bhs.org.uk for the latest updates, and please do not hesitate to contact me on ceo@bhs.org.uk if you have any questions or suggestions.

James Hick Chief Executive Officer

PRINT Warners Midlands plc, The Maltings, Manor Lane, Bourne PE10 9PH ABOUT THE SOCIETY The British Horse Society Reg Charity No. 210504 (SC038516 in Scotland) The BHS is a membership organisation.

Join today at bhs.org.uk 02476 840500 Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the BHS. Readers are advised to make appropriate enquiries and seek advice before spending any money or incurring any expense, or entering into a binding commitment in relation to an advertisement or featured product. The BHS shall not be liable for any loss or damage incurred or suffered as a result of his or her accepting or offering to accept an invitation contained within any advertisement or featured product in British Horse magazine. British Horse is a registered trademark of The British Horse Society. By submitting any picture to The British Horse Society it is assumed that permission is granted for the BHS to use this image in British Horse or any other BHS publicity material.

Average net circulation Jan-Dec 2019 92,704 copies per issue

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BHSNEWS

DIGITAL STABLE

NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE BRITISH HORSE SOCIETY

The Equine Register manages the CED and National ChipChecker for DEFRA. Their ‘Digital Stable’ is an online tool that allows you to: Manage your Equine Passports and information in one place Check your equine microchip details are correct Check the data held about you and your equine on the CED is accurate Quickly report your horse missing to national authorities Set statuses and alerts on the new National ChipChecker Check if a horse is legally for sale Visit Equineregister.co.uk

Microchipping law deadline is imminent New legislation means that all horses, ponies, donkeys and their hybrids in Great Britain must be microchipped.

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icrochipping was not previously mandatory for equines born before 30 June 2009, but the law has now changed and all owners must arrange for their equines to be microchipped.

The legislation will help to tackle horse theft and improve equine welfare and traceability. Failure to comply is an offence and could result in a fine.

Deadlines for having your horse microchipped are: England - 1 October 2020 Wales - 12 February 2021 Scotland - 28 March 2021 It is also important to immediately update your Passport Issuing Organisation with the microchip number so they can upload the data to the Central Equine Database (CED).

Volunteer awards

BHS CEO James Hick with President’s Award recipient Clare Aldridge

Our annual BHS Awards reward and recognise the fabulous achievements of our volunteers, supporters and partners. We are passionate about celebrating the impact that we can make, both as individuals and a community, and the BHS Awards are a great opportunity to ensure that volunteers receive the appreciation and recognition they deserve.

BHS Chair of Trustees, Tim Lord, said, “All our volunteers, affiliated groups and supporters play a vital role in ensuring the BHS is able to deliver on its work across safety, access, welfare, education and participation. The BHS Awards are

our way of celebrating those who have made an exceptional contribution to our charitable work over the past 12 months. We are hugely grateful to all those who dedicate their precious time to helping us in our mission to protect and promote the interests of all horses and those who care for them. Please help us recognise these amazing volunteers by nominating for the BHS Awards.”

Please get involved and nominate!

Nominations are open until 31 October 2020, and you can find a full list of BHS award categories at bhs.org.uk/our-charity/ our-awards

06 September 2020 bhs.org.uk

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The BHS in action NEWS

News in brief

3228 RESPONDENTS TOOK PART IN OUR RECENT TRANSPORT SURVEY

61%

6%

own a trailer

Volunteers’ Week is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering.

BHS staff came together – in virtual, socially distanced fashion!

– to create a video telling our BHS volunteers how important they are, and giving them heartfelt thanks from all of their friends and supporters for all the hours of work they devote to helping us to help horses. bhs.org.uk/thankyou

CHANNEL ATTEMPT RECOMMENCES Intrepid BHS employee Heather Clatworthy has a new date for her attempt at swimming the English Channel, after COVID-19 disrupted her original plans. Heather, a Senior Executive in our Access team, expects to be making her attempt between 8-15 September, just after we go to print for this issue, so we’ll bring you an update in our December issue. You can follow Heather’s progress and donate to support her efforts to raise money for the BHS Coronavirus appeal at bhs.org.uk/swim.

10%

borrow transport

THANKING OUR VOLUNTEERS

have experienced tyre issues

32%

71%

own a horsebox

said they check their horse’s weight before heading out on the road

Visit bhs.org.uk/transport for information on safe travelling

New Trustees join the BHS Board

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e are delighted to announce that following the election ballot open to all members of the Society, Sandra Harris has been elected to the BHS Board of Trustees as Specialist Trustee for Business with Digital Knowledge, bringing her wealth of business experience to the Society’s governance process.

A total of 1,750 individual BHS members voted, and Sandra was elected with 942 votes (53.8%). The voting process was organised by an independent third party, Mi-Voice.

Sandra has previously held leadership roles within Waitrose, Coca-Cola and Cadbury, and has been involved with a number of volunteering initiatives in her local community including setting up the Bonsall Bridleways group.

We have also warmly welcomed Lesley Donaldson to the BHS Board as the Specialist Trustee for Volunteering. Lesley was elected unopposed at the Election Board Meeting on 15 July 2020 and brings extensive volunteer experience and knowledge to the Board. Lesley is a member of the BHS Buckinghamshire Committee, having previously held the position of Chair. Also a member of a local Riding Club, Lesley has first-hand experience of the importance of volunteers in organising

and running local events.

For our third and final elected Trustee vacancy for 2020, we are very pleased that Ken Law has been re-elected for a second term as Specialist Trustee for Safety, having been elected unopposed.

Retiring Trustees Jane Domhill and Diane Tranter each completed their maximum 6-year tenure on the Board of Trustees and stood down from their positions at the Members’ Meeting on 15 July 2020. Jane has recently joined the Board of BHS Qualifications and will continue to contribute to the Society’s success via this new commitment. In recognition of Jane and Diane’s service to the Society, they have been made life members of the Society.

Our BHS Board of Trustees BHS Trustees are collectively responsible for helping to plan the charity’s strategic future, working with the BHS senior management team to set objectives, achieve performance targets and monitor adherence. For more information, please visit bhs.org.uk/trustees.

To contact any of the BHS Trustees, please contact the Chief Executive’s Office on 02476 840512 or email BHSChairman@ bhs.org.uk. bhs.org.uk September 2020 07

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02/09/2020 08:44

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The BHS in action NEWS

Sustainable Sleeve for British Horse he BHS is dedicated to ensuring that our environmental impactt remains as small as possible. British Horse is printed on n paper sourced from sustainable forests, with the Forest Stewardship p Council chain of custody label guaranteeing that the trees that are harvested towards the production of British Horse are replaced or allowed to regenerate naturally.

The polywrap mailing sleeve used to distribute British Horse is not currently biodegradable, but as an LDPE 4 plastic it is recyclable at large supermarkets that offer recycling facilities for carrier bags.

Some local councils are also beginning to collect carrier bags and other LDPE 4 packaging at the kerbside as part of

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household recycling schemes.

We know that readers want the least environmentally damaging form of magazine possible, and consequently, we are planning to move away from polywrap for British Horse early in 2021.

Visit bhs.org.uk/think-green

SADLY MISSED It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Mr Peter Fenwick OBE, an Honorary Life Member who was an incredible support to the BHS, in addition to serving as Chairman and securing financial stability for the Society. Mr Fenwick featured on the 1990 Birthday Honours as Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) as Chairman of The British Horse Society. Our heartfelt condolences are with the family and friends of Mr Fenwick during this very sad time.

HIGHWAY CODE REVIEW NEEDS EQUESTRIAN INPUT The BHS has been part of the Highway Code Stakeholders Focus Group to ensure that horse riders have been represented as vulnerable road users in the review of the Highway Code consultation. It’s encouraging news that the BHS ‘Dead Slow’ messaging about how to pass horses safely on the roads has been included.

The consultation closes on 27 October and it’s an opportunity for all equestrians to comment on the proposed changes to the Highway Code review. Hover your smartphone to open the consultation.

COVID-19 UPDATE

Images: Shutterstock

New safety video educates young drivers The BHS has produced an interactive road safety film after successfully securing a £40,000 road safety grant from the Police and Crime Commissioner for Warwickshire. The interactive film follows a young driver who is faced with a series of hazards along his journey to collect friends for a party, with the viewer able to identify

the potential risks they see him about to encounter. The scenarios presented in the film include approaching a horse rider on a single track, and highlight the risks faced by all vulnerable road users.

Want to test your hazard awareness skills? Visit whatsonyourhorizon.com/ index2.html

The unpredictability and uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic continues to present a significant challenge to the equestrian industry. The BHS is strongly sustaining our lobbying of Government on behalf of all our members and the wider industry, and we are also maintaining our frequent updates on evolving Government advice, together with a wide range of other support and guidance, which can be found on our COVID-19 hub, bhs.org.uk/COVID19. bhs.org.uk

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NEWS The BHS in action

New road ahead for Equine Grass Sickness new booklet has been published to bring together updated research on Equine Grass Sickness (EGS).

The BHS has worked with the Moredun Foundation, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Liverpool, and World Horse Welfare to produce a comprehensive update bringing decades of EGS research together, and pointing to a new interdisciplinary approach for the future.

One hundred years after the beginning of EGS research, the cause of this devastating disease remains elusive. There is no vaccine and around 80% of horses contracting the disease do not survive.

The disease has a strong association with geography, being more prevalent in the east side of the UK, with Aberdeenshire being the

A

BHS WELFARE TEAM DIG DEEP The small BHS Welfare team based at BHS Head Office and three external Field Officers are kept busy on phone and email throughout the year, assisting owners with advice about keeping their horses in the best of health, as well as dealing with specific welfare concerns.

The team’s tireless dedication and commitment to equine and owner wellbeing was highlighted when the COVID-19 lockdown began, and the calls for help began to flood in – just as the abrupt relocation to home working took place across the country.

At a time when most organisations were reducing their customer support, the BHS helpline service was rapidly extended to seven days a week to cope with this unprecedented demand, and our truly amazing Welfare team (bolstered by seconded staff from across the Society) really gave their all to ensure that owners were not left unsupported during this most difficult of times.

COVID-19-related calls have fallen, but the team are now seeing a significant increase in general welfare calls, as many owners begin to struggle with unexpected new personal circumstances. The Welfare team is supported by a fantastic network of volunteer Welfare Advisers across the UK, whose aim is to help support horse owners resolve any welfare issues.

If you are able to do so, please do consider supporting the ongoing work of the BHS Welfare team at bhs.org. uk/donate.

county suffering the most cases annually in the UK. The Moredun Foundation has been involved in EGS research over its entire history and is home to the Equine Grass Sickness Fund (EGSF). As reported in the June issue of British Horse, the BHS is working with Moredun and other partners to help raise funds for a full-time, threeyear Research Fellowship. The main aims of the Fellowship will be to set up a national database and sample biobank with the assistance of a UK-wide network of vet ambassadors and horse owners. This will assist greatly in research going forward and will be an important resource available to all EGS researchers.

The EGS booklet is available to download at bhs.org.uk/ grasssickness.

We are pleased to announce that our Coronavirus Appeal has raised over £60k so far to help care for the wonderful equines residing at BHS Approved Riding Schools.

Thanks to the generosity of members and supporters, the appeal has made a real difference to the wellbeing of horses in their care. Although lockdown has eased, the struggle to maintain high levels of care for thousands of horses has not gone away, and we will continue to promote 10

September 2020

the appeal for the foreseeable future.

Lemieux and Horse Health raised a truly fantastic £10k in their Mega-May Eventing Draw, and we were also delighted to welcome a £500 donation from Ingatestone and Blackmore Riding Club, who have been affiliated to the BHS since 1972, and are regular BRC Championship entrants.

Wellington

Riding’s annual Fun Ride and Pleasure Drive event raised a phenomenal £5,050 for our appeal, with over 250 riders enjoying the stunning scenery of Stratfield Saye Estate, and 20 carriages also being welcomed to the route for the first time – this addition was definitely a success.

Image: Lottie Stanyon / Creativemongrel.com

Donations Appeal

BHS Welfare helpline COVID-19 concerns Welfare concerns

600 500 400 300 200 100 0 March

April

May

June

July

bhs.org.uk

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02/09/2020 08:56

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C O RO N AV I RU S A P P E A L

Lockdown has eased.

Their struggle hasn’t.

Since the coronavirus outbreak began, generous BHS members and supporters have helped us raise over ÂŁ45,000 to support the thousands of horses at BHS Approved Riding Schools. Thank you so much for your support.

But the crisis is far from over.

Even with the lockdown easing, our schools are still struggling to pay the bills. Shelter, bedding and feed can cost up to ÂŁ40 a week for just one horse.

There’s no easy answer.

We have already been able to make a difference, but there are so many more horses that need our support.

WE URGENTLY NEED YOUR HELP To donate ÂŁ5, please text HORSE to 70507 today.

Or to give whatever you can, donate at bhs.org.uk/foodforhorses

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Donations NEWS

Approved Centres DISCUSS COVID-19 CRISIS COVID-19 continues to bring hard times, and many riding schools are still experiencing adversity. BHS Approved Centres talk to us about their financial predicament post-lockdown, and the ongoing difficulties in managing their businesses.

“

W

e were lucky enough to qualify for a Business Rates Relief grant very early on, which took away a lot of the stress and worry... for a few weeks, anyway. When we managed to switch off from the financial worry it was actually a really lovely time! The weather was great, and the day-to-day was fairly stress-free.

“The longer the lockdown went on, though, the more the stress crept back in, and it was then that we were grateful for the

“Candy is our free range pony who’s living her best life in retirement here at Anglesey Riding Centre. She was 39 years old this June.”

help from the BHS. They have been great at keeping us informed and helping us to navigate through the ‘dos and don’ts’ of reopening, and the hardship fund was a very timely injection of cash when it was needed.”

John, BHS Approved Anglesey Riding Centre T: 01248 430377 | angleseyridingcentre.co.uk

“Socially distanced Day Camp for liveries at Ryders Farm

“The BHS has been a lifeline throughout all this. They have kept us up to date as soon as they can, and the Approvals team deserve a medal!”

Hazel, BHS Approved Marros Riding Centre, Carmathenshire T: 01994 453777 | marros-farm.co.uk

Lifeline in lockdown

“We have never known anything but a busy yard here. Since our final lesson in March, our gates were closed to all except the liveries and the yard felt like a ghost town. It Frustrations and furloughs has been a very surreal time and there were “If I didn’t look at the bank balance I had a certainly moments when we were very lovely time during lockdown. I painted unsure of what the outcome would be. everything and did weed everything – but “The BHS has been amazing throughout, it has all grown back with a vengeance! from the initial response to the Government Then I was struggling to keep up with the announcements, to the personal advice messages, emails, updates, and which from the Approvals team when we have had country could do what, as well as getting queries and needed reassurance. The BHS all the risk assessments, signage and Approved Centre Facebook group has also routines sorted – I need another 3 months been a brilliant lifeline for us to share our off now! experience with other Centres and it has “We are busily getting our equines fit encouraged a real sense of community. We again, and we have re-started our Riding cannot thank the BHS enough for their Out Safely Challenge Awards, and Ride practical and financial support, which has Safe Assessment training. Sadly, we helped our yard and many others through couldn’t afford to offer training while we this challenging time. have been off, as everyone but me was “The ‘new normal’ is still not clear, but furloughed. The with the continued support part-time from the BHS and our wonderful furlough has been riders we are able to look great to get us forward to the future again!” back in the swing Louise, BHS Approved Ryders Farm To make a donation to support of things and get Equestrian Centre, Bolton riding centres with feed and used to the new T: 01617940058 | essential supplies, please visit procedures. rydersfarmequestriancentre.co.uk bhs.org.uk/foodforhorses

YOU CAN HELP

bhs.org.uk

13 Donations_September 2020_British Horse 13

September 2020

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02/09/2020 08:57

NEWS Road safety Dr Dee Pollard with her cob, Winston

BOOST FOR BHS ROAD SAFETY Improving safety for horse and rider on the road is a key objective for the BHS, and we are delighted to have received a substantial grant from the Department for Transport to fund a Horse Incident Reporting Awareness Study.

“

T

he BHS is proud of the work done to date to educate both the equestrian community and the general public about making the UK’s highways safer for horses and riders. However, there is a need for more insight,” explains BHS Director of Safety, Alan Hiscox. “We have made some great progress with our Dead Slow campaign messages, but still only around one in ten equine road incidents is reported to us. I would like to see this reach five in ten.”

The long-term measure of success, of course, is a reduction in incidents, and

14

September 2020

especially in rider and equine deaths. But, as Alan states, “First of all we have to gather more data. We need to make logging incidents simpler, as it is critical that we increase the level of incident reporting. We can act more effectively with better information: we have excellent examples of where we have identified accident hot spots and then successfully worked with the police and local authorities to run education initiatives and reduce speed limits.”

The Highway Code consultation to increase protection for vulnerable road users is encouraging news, but BHS annual incident statistics always make sad reading.

In the past twelve months, 87 horses have

Welcome to Dr Dee Dr Dee Pollard has been appointed to run the BHS road safety research project. A highly experienced data analyst and researcher, Dee has recently worked at the Animal Health Trust and is a keen horse rider.

August 2020: Dee’s first job has been to analyse all existing data and conduct a gap analysis to understand what information is missing, as well as key stakeholder discussions with BETA, RoSPA, Department of Transport, the Police and Road Safety UK. September/October 2020: Dee is now developing guidelines for focus groups, which will be held in different areas with a range of novice and experienced riders who use rural roads. Dee will explore the incidents they have experienced, and the factors they consider when deciding whether to report incidents to the BHS. March 2021: Analysis of focus group findings. Creation of an important questionnaire for as many riders as possible to complete – look out for it in British Horse and our social media channels.

May 2021: Collation of research results.

August 2021: Publication of the report with recommendations for changes to the BHS incident reporting process.

August 2024: Assessment of the BHS data, which will hopefully show a very significant increase in the reporting of incidents.

Image: Jon Stroud

Government funding

died in road traffic incidents.

“More needs to be done,” urges Alan. “A key priority is gathering more insight and data from riders and so I am very pleased that we have secured this government grant to fund a twelve-month research project.”

bhs.org.uk

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02/09/2020 08:58

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26/08/2020 16:00

FEATURES Highland Stud

Photography JIM CRICHTON

Breeding and bereavement at Balmoral

Set among the glorious heather-strewn highlands of Scotland, Balmoral Castle has been the Scottish holiday home of the Royal Family since 1852. BHS National Manager for Scotland Helene Mauchlen learns how this royal stud has introduced innovation, in spite of adversity and loss.

16 September 2020

bhs.org.uk

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Highland Stud FEATURES

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wned and funded by Her Majesty The Queen in a personal capacity, rather than as Sovereign, Balmoral is a working highland estate that provides employment and housing, as well as generating significant economic activity in the local area. The main land uses of the estate are deer stalking, grouse shooting, forestry and farming, and Highland ponies have been the main means of transporting deer and other game down from the hills for centuries.

The breed evolved in the 16th century as a traditional work pony and has seen action in the military, as well as their farm, forestry and sporting role. They were the mainstay of the croft: working all week, then pulling the family carriage to church on Sunday. Their gentle nature makes them a wonderful children’s pony, with the size and strength to carry an adult, and many Scottish trekking centres are supported by this wonderful breed.

The Balmoral stud was re-established in summer 2007, after Her Majesty had a vision of transforming the farm at Invergelder into a Highland Pony stud. Previous breeding stock had been dispersed from Balmoral, but the Highland Pony herd began to take shape, arriving from various venues in the north and south of the UK. Sylvia Ormiston, a BHS Stage 3 Coach, arrived as Stud Manager in July 2007, bringing with her many years of Highland Pony breeding experience from the Meggernie Estate in Glen Lyon, as well as production of Croila ponies. The Invergelder stables were re– purposed from Bagshot Park, another historical royal residence near Guildford in Surrey.

Attention to the smallest of details made them both practical and palatial for stallions and foals alike.

THE QUEEN IS INVOLVED IN EVERY DECISION WE MAKE WITH THE HERD A modern approach ‘Tradition is all’ on a Royal Scottish sporting estate, and this can present a challenge for matchmakers who are guided by their ‘sixth sense’ – a high level of emotional intelligence that steers them in their breeding work, bringing innovation to create improvement.

However, Her Majesty The Queen and Sylvia have enhanced the Balmoral herd with careful matchmaking at the same time as introducing modernisations to improve the ponies’ working lives.

Sylvia began organising the facilities needed for a working stud by putting a quality stamp on everything, from the safe and suitable fencing, practical field shelters (that allow her to see from all angles and at a distance when mares are foaling) to the carefully designed windbreaks that provide shelter from every direction when ponies are in larger groups.

These are vital in the north east where the weather can change so quickly.

So what was the royal stud’s philosophy for the breeding programme? The Highland Pony is on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s vulnerable watchlist, and it is important to maintain diversity. However, breeding with a tight line of mares allows one or two stallions to help influence a type and keep the important qualities required to produce a sensible and solid pony. Input from another family is easy to introduce without changing too many of the important strengths of the Highland Pony, thus keeping a ‘true to type’ pony that fits the breed standard. Correct conformation and temperament are so important for the job they do on the hills, as the pony must stand strong and trust its handler on the trickiest of ground. Likewise, the handler must trust their pony to quietly

bhs.org.uk

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FEATURES Highland Stud

Balmoral Mayfly (8) doing flat work with stud groom Kimberly Watson in a Micklem bridle in preparation for ridden classes next year. All the Balmoral ponies are ridden before they go to the hill.

and safely complete the task required.

“The Queen is involved in every decision we make with the herd and we understand how important it is to make the right choices for every generation,” explains Sylvia. “Some of the Highland Ponies you see around today have exceptionally busy brains, which can be excellent in the show ring, providing that extra sparkle to stand out for the judge – but this trait is not suitable for our hill work and is not standard for the breed. We try and breed the traits we want, then give them the right education and handling from the word go. That is why the staff here are carefully handpicked to suit our ponies’ upbringing.”

Sylvia tells me that the ponies are also shown “for the Queen’s pleasure,” and because she likes to take part. A prize is a bonus!” So, between foaling down, covering mares, managing grassland, backing and handling young stock, showing, and fitness work for the working ponies on the estate, the team are kept busy. At any time there can be between 35 and 45 equines on the estate, including Fell ponies and Haflingers who also work on the hill.

However, in the last three years their vision has been disrupted by the effects of Equine Grass Sickness (EGS).

THE BITTEREST BLOW CAME WHEN BOTH THE STUD’S YOUNG STALLIONS DIED WITHIN A FORTNIGHT OF EACH OTHER 18 September 2020

The grief of grass sickness Balmoral’s ten year breeding plan was shattered in 2017, and again in 2018, when EGS struck at Invergelder. Five foundation ponies were lost in quick succession, in an inexplicably cruel and random spate of the disease.

“First, in June 2017, it took Friendly, a sweet two-year-old filly. She was followed 24 hours later by her mother, Clunie, a seven-year-old mare who carried stags, panniers and the royal family, all with pride, in her short life,” Sylvia relates.

Clunie was rushed to the equine hospital at The University of Edinburgh Royal (Dick) Vet School – a 3.5-hour drive – as soon as she showed classical acute EGS symptoms: she was unable to swallow, with a distended stomach and heart rate of 100 beats per minute. “She spent a short time in the stocks before being put to sleep, enduring a stomach tube, needles and ultrasound in her last hour of life.”

It is hard for Sylvia to discuss these losses without feeling distressed – like so many EGS cases the world over, the disease strikes suddenly and seemingly indiscriminately, mercilessly robbing families of their treasured companions.

Later that year, Balmoral suffered the further death of Omar, a three-year-old gelding. Surely, they’d had their run of bad luck? Things often happen in threes.

The bitterest blow came late the

L-R Working pony groom Rebecca Cantwell, stud groom Kimberly Watson, and seasonal groom Mhairi McGregor

following spring, when both the stud’s young stallions, Balmoral Lord and Balmoral Hercules, died within a fortnight of each other. The stud was bereft; the breeding programme stalled, and the physical losses were unbearable.

Hunting for a cure “It was around then when I was casually

bhs.org.uk

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Highland Stud FEATURES

The British Horse Society has been highly privileged to have held the Patronage of Her Majesty the Queen since 1952, and the Vice Patronage of HRH the Princess Royal since 2017.

Our royal family’s lifelong love of equines gives the BHS a deeply valued level of support and a muchcherished relationship.

speaking to the Moredun Research Institute,” says Sylvia. “I explained that Clunie’s emergency trip to Edinburgh vet school was very expensive, and as their EGS fund no longer supported the care of ponies that arrive in a chronic state or carried out any research work once they’re put to sleep, then if we had any future cases I felt they would best be euthanised at home – but once they’ve gone to the incinerator, all the important pathology is lost forever. The Moredun then came up with the idea of an Equine Grass Sickness Fund ‘Biobank’. Biological samples from cases would be sent and stored at this facility where researchers can use them in the future.

“There is so much we need to know,” emphasises Sylvia. “We don’t even really know how many equines die of EGS each year because testing doesn’t always happen: did the pony die of atypical myopathy, colic or some other toxin problem? We need these samples from the gut, and the abattoirs and fallen stock collectors are now on side with this.

“Here at Balmoral we are prepared to help in any way we can to make progress towards a cure for this dreadful disease.

The day we lost Friendly it was bitterly cold having been warm for days before. She was one of five ponies in the field and the only one to succumb. Clunie was in a field of eleven ponies – and again, the only one affected.

We need to unravel the arbitrary nature of these attacks, and if we can make sure that no horse or pony dies in vain by recovering important data from each and every death for the Biobank, then this is a good place to start.”

The Balmoral stud does everything they can to avoid the disease. Every pony is fed something other than grass every day, and hay is always available to them. Pastures with smaller numbers are poo-picked daily and the bigger fields are cleaned with a cut and collect machine. Once the field is cleaned it is then rested for a minimum of

two weeks due to soil disturbance.

Hebridean Highland hero How did the breeding programme recover after the loss of the young stallions? With Her Majesty’s blessing Sylvia got out on the road to Islay to pick up ‘Sunny of Runivraid’ or ‘Mac’ (sire to her own Danny Boy of Croila), an 18-year-old pony going back to the Atholl lines, belonging to Angela Macleod who kindly let Balmoral lease him for a season. He was successfully tested for his fertility with exemplary results that would have put a young stallion to shame, and got a very creditable nine mares in foal. Balmoral have had a beautiful crop of cream dun foals this year and we do hope that Her Majesty loves a grey! Mac has certainly left his stamp, and bhs.org.uk

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Highland Stud FEATURES Balmoral Squire

as Sylvia says, “By keeping our brood mares tight to one or two boys we can then choose to diversify out when we need to, because we know exactly what we have.”

Three-year-old home-bred stallions Balmoral Major and Balmoral Squire have also had their first covering season with visiting mares.

Making a name When the foals are born, Sylvia gives them a provisional name to remind her of the date and time they arrived; there is usually a different naming theme each year. These names are then put to Her Majesty when she meets the foals for the first time and if the Queen likes the

TASTY TRAINING TECHNIQUES Six-year-old Angel (an aptly named pony from the year of the ‘biblical’ theme) is learning to carry the grouse baskets. Working pony groom and Ghillie* Rebecca Cantwell hoists hay nets in place of the pannier baskets during Angel’s initial training, to introduce an agreeable and appetising ‘wide load’ experience; the panniers are added later in the process, hidden behind the hay nets. * A Ghillie is a sporting

names then they will be left just so.

In 2018 the first foal was born during April when the Commonwealth Games were taking place in Australia. The Queen is Head of the Commonwealth, so Sylvia came up with the name Sport for the mouse dun colt. The next colt appeared an hour before his actual due date and so was pretty much ‘on target’; Sylvia named him Archer. The third colt was born when his sire, Balmoral Lord, had just died, and Balmoral Hercules was about to be put to sleep. He arrived on a beautiful morning and he was like a ray of sunshine in the darkness, so Sylvia named him Son Shine as he was the only son of Lord, and some of the games were being held on the

set off for the stalking season. The ponies learn how to step, not jump, over ditches, as this can alter their carrying load. There are six Balmoral ‘beats’ on the estate, which extends to around 65,000 acres, and dealing with soft ground, hard ground and the steep gradients up and down the highland valley, is all part of basic schooling for a hill pony. The ponies no longer wear hill shoes (shoes with heels) as studs are easy to fit if required and are much more comfortable long term.

Australian Sunshine Coast.

This year Sylvia has named all the cream dun foals after their father, Mac. The names, which have been approved by the Queen, are MacLeod colt, Mackenzie filly, MacGregor colt, MacBrodie filly, MacDougall colt and ‘Wee’ MacPhee filly, a petite first foal. All the cream dun ‘Macs’ will become grey coloured in time.

Taking joy in the job Sylvia’s final reflections concern the moments when she knows all her hard work towards producing a calm and exceptional temperament has paid off.

“We are delighted with our herd, and they are a pleasure to be around. To be able to safely walk among relaxed ponies with groups of visitors or family members is worth more than money itself. I do often have comments saying how well-mannered the ponies are, and when I hear this, I know my job is done!”

stable saddle, that fits snugly but not too tight.

She subsequently assisted in redesigning the deer saddles to introduce a much deeper hinged side panel and soft padding, allowing the saddle to hug the pony securely and comfortably, rather than sitting rigidly on top. These saddles are so stable a crupper is no longer required. The biggest stag taken off the hill by a pony at Balmoral weighed 20 stone and 12lbs, but they normally average around 14 stone.

attendant for guests on a

Modernising traditional tack

fishing, hunting or

Modernising tack is a preoccupation for Sylvia, who knows how hard days up on the hills are.

Early on she replaced the traditional narrow webbing deer saddle girths with her home invention of the ‘Balmoral Girth’ by stitching two girths together with webbing and introducing a rocker strap with two buckles alongside the cinch, creating a far more level and

deer stalking expedition.

Hill starts Working ponies must learn to ‘walk the hill’ before they start working with grouse panniers from the glorious 12th of August, or when they

Deer saddles: the rigid old design, and the better-fitting modern design (left)

bhs.org.uk

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Reaping the rewards The riding school that’s galloped towards a more efficient way of working with zero regrets

E

questrian Centres across the country have used lockdown to modernise their customer facing and back office systems using EC Pro, and are now reaping the rewards. They’re also hearing from riders who are thrilled to get back in the saddle in a safe, socially-distant, contactless and 100% more user-friendly way. The owner of one such business, Louise Fitton of Ryders Farm Equestrian near Bolton, was keen to tell us how the lives of her team and customers have been transformed with the installation of EC Pro. Here’s what she had to say…

Pre-lockdown we’d looked at the system and had a couple of demos. We’re a family-run business and though I was keen, my mum and grandparents have always been a bit more skeptical and concerned about learning the technology, not just for us but for our customers. When we closed on the 20th March, it was the right time to make the change.

Now that we’ve re-opened we have no regrets at all. We had a team meeting this week and everyone agreed that having EC Pro is as good as having an extra member of staff, probably more than one. It’s made

22

everything so much more efficient and changed the whole dynamic of our team, which is generally quite young but full of technophobes (which is quite common in our industry). It’s been amazing how just having the system in place has increased our staff’s confidence in other areas – they’re emailing us with information now rather than leaving notes in the office!

We’ve seen benefits from every aspect of the system, but the client booking part has revolutionised the way we work. We’ve been running for 25 years and some of our clients have been with us throughout. Part of the culture we didn’t enjoy, but had allowed to run with our old system, was that some clients were overly loyal to instructors or time slots and we found our cancellation system hard to enforce. EC Pro has actually encouraged these clients to try something new and they’ve fed back that they’ve enjoyed it.

The contactless element is a total lifesaver – we only used to accept cash and card and now every single client (of more than 500) is happily paying online for lessons and livery which we used to calculate in the most ridiculous way. They absolutely love it and my mum is in shock about how much they rave about it!

I’m so chuffed!

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ecpro.co.uk Call us on 01525 306 114 Email hello@ecpro.co.uk

June 2018 2020 September bhs.org.uk bhs.org.uk

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02/09/2020 12:42

EC Pro ADVERTORIAL

SILVERMERE Bringing in EC Pro has protected our cashflow, encouraged more bookings, and saved us precious time in the office on the phone.

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bhs.org.uk

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Rider interview Colic FEATURES

REACT NOW TO

BEAT COLIC

Colic refers to pain in the abdomen (belly) and can differ significantly in its severity. The British Horse Society and The University of Nottingham teamed up to create the REACT Now to Beat Colic campaign to help horse owners combat this life-threatening condition.

1 IN 3 emergency veterinary call outs

of horses with colic had recent changes in management. Do not make sudden changes to your horse’s diet. Ensure new feeds are introduced gradually over a minimum of 14 days.

£6,400

FREQUENCY OF TYPES OF COLIC

7%

gas/tympanic

If you notice any change in your horse’s behaviour or your horse is showing signs of distress, think REACT and contact your vet:

R E A C T

25%

no diagnosis

12%

diagnosed - other (including sand colic, grass sickness and enteritis/colitis)

25%

3%

spasmodic (unconfirmed)

large colon displacement (non-surgical)

CAUSES

Restless or agitated

10%

large colon impaction (non-surgical)

surgical and/or strangulating (small intestine)

7%

surgical and/or strangulating (large intestine)

Severity

surgical and/or strangulating (other)

SIGNS Most common owner-recognised signs of colic:

Lack of Appetite

Restlessness

DO NOT stop a horse with suspected colic from rolling. Rolling does NOT cause twists or torsions.

Attempting to lie down

Lethargy

%

%

Vets are the most trusted source of information for horse owners. 70 Vet REACT Colic Champions actively support and promote the REACT campaign to their clients.

All information is based on peer-reviewed published research, with thanks to the University of Nottingham’s colic team

Infographic_September 2020_British Horse 25

%

Displacement (movement from normal position) Strangulation (loss of blood supply) Enteritis (infection/inflammation) Ulceration Torsion (twisting)

Tired or lethargic

Herniated intestine (intestines migrate through hole within body)

Change in temperament

52 47 44 42 42 %

Tympanic colic (excessive gas formation) Intussusception (gut telescopes into itself)

Clinical changes Don’t force your horse to exercise but gentle walking for a maximum of 15-20 minutes if safe to do so, is ok.

Impaction/obstruction (blockage)

Ileus (no gut movement)

Abdominal pain

4%

There are lots of different conditions that cause colic: Spasmodic colic (too much gut movement)

Eating less or droppings reduced

7%

Image: Janet Douglas

47%

Colic is responsible for

The average cost of treatment in 2018 for colic surgery was

%

DIARY DATE

1 IN 10

colic cases will be critical – this means they require intensive care, surgery or euthanasia.

BHS Colic Awareness Week 2020 will be Monday 5 – Sunday 11 October Are you ready to REACT Now to Beat Colic?

Visit bhs.org.uk/colic for more information

bhs.org.uk April 2020 bhs.org.uk September

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02/09/2020 09:05

FEATURES Interview

Olympic

Odyssey

Tokyo 2020 postponement means riders and coaches are having to deal with delay.

Stephanie Bateman talks to British Equestrian Performance Director Richard Waygood MBE to find out how he’s preparing the team for peak performance.

T

HE Covid-19 pandemic has scuppered no end of equestrian events in 2020, and none more so than the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. Riders in the running for team selection often plan their careers solely around the Games, with a horse’s competitive career following a similar pathway. Every coaching session, competition, physio session and vet visit is carefully planned with the games in mind.

So, how does having an unexpected extra year to prepare affect those plans? Richard, aka Dickie, is pragmatic.

“As a team, we were really ready for the Games this summer, and postponing until 2021 will be a big challenge for some athletes because of the age of their horsepower whereas for others, it will give them more time to prepare and bring them into the mix,” says Dickie. “That will be the same in any sport.

“With any Games, you are basically working hard for four years to perform over three days, but before all of that, riders have to get themselves in a position to be selected. Each one will have a carefully thought-out plan that is worked backwards from the competition date,” Dickie explains.

Dickie Waygood with eventing team gold medallists Piggy French, Gemma Tattersall, Ros Canter and Tom McEwen at the FEI World Equestrian Games Tryon 2018

“The postponement means some will come into the race now and others will be on the edge, depending on where their horses are.

We’ve got the riders but it’s a matter of maintaining and keeping the horsepower, and it can all go in cycles. Like every nation, we are reliant on available horsepower at the time. It’s thrown plenty of challenges up, but we were ready to go, so I’d like to think we’ll be equally as ready to go next year.”

During lockdown, most riders have

SPOTLIGHT ON DICKIE WAYGOOD Dickie joined the Army in 1979. He was commissioned from the Ranks in 2000 and retired a Major in 2009, having held the prestigious role of Riding Master for seven years. He trained and choreographed the Household Cavalry Musical Ride and was the first serving officer to compete at Badminton for 23 years, finishing clear and inside the top 20. He was multiple winner of the Military

26

September 2020

Jumping Championships’ Queen’s and King’s Cups.

In 2009, he received an MBE from Her Majesty The Queen forr services to equestrianism.

Before becoming British Equestrian’s Eventing Performance Manager in 2016, and Performance

Director in 2019, D Dickie was previously Dressag Dressage Performance Manager, leading the British team to a victory at the Lo London 2012 Olympics. Under h his leadership, the dressage and eventing teams have aamassed an outstanding outst 23 championship cham medals.

bhs.org.uk

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02/09/2020 09:09

Interview FEATURES Dickie Waygood with Yeti at Hyde Park Barracks, prior to leading the Household Cavalry at the State Opening of Parliament 2009, his last official ceremonial act as Riding Master after 30 years of service.

IT’S THAT AGE-OLD ARGUMENT OF TALENT VERSUS CHARACTER better understanding of psychology and how to deal with disappointment and change. Every rider will do their own form of mental training and prep and have their own system. Some will use sport psychology, but many use their own system that works for them.

The support is there if required, though.”

Images: PA / Jon Stroud

Vision and philosophy

been lucky with their sporting discipline, as they’ve been able to isolate and work from home.

“Lockdown meant that they had a wonderful opportunity to work on their technical skills, strength and conditioning,” says Dickie. “Thanks to patient and understanding owners who have continued to support their riders, we are going to see some horses coming back out into competition hugely improved because their learning curve has been accelerated. I’m

seeing that in the horses I’m training now. In a lot of cases, coaches were able to still liaise with riders virtually and the riders had a chance to do their homework.”

Now more than ever, Dickie emphasises the importance of riders having back up plans and being able to deal with changes.

“The equine world is a robust bunch and you are only as good as your last fall,” muses Dickie. “We’re used to dealing with the highs and the lows… and there are often many more lows than highs. Riders now have a

The British Equestrian World Class Programme, funded by the Exchequer and the National Lottery through UK Sport, is designed to provide a structured pathway for athletes who demonstrate talent in the equestrian Olympic and Paralympic sports, offering the right support and environment to enable them to realise their medal winning potential.

Performance Managers lead each discipline, while Dickie, the Performance Director (and also Eventing Performance Manager) provides cross-discipline guidance, based around the principle of delivering a professional management team, veterinary support and education, coaching, and competition management.

So, what is Dickie’s vision for the World Class Programme?

“My vision is to create a programme that bhs.org.uk

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FEATURES Interview

Dickie accompanying Charlotte Dujardin away from the dressage arena at the Rio Olympic Games, where she and Valegro had just won individual freestyle gold.

supports the individuals on a bespoke basis,” he ROAD TO THE tells. “We are now OLYMPICS back in the middle The journey that a rider takes of an Olympic cycle, to reach a Games can be a long one, so it’s the wrong and their needs will change as they time to make any develop. The World Class Programme is big changes. structured as a three-stage pathway, Instead, it’s about underpinned by a Youth Squad philosophy and structure, that riders move through as realigning. There’s their career progresses: lots of stuff that the Podium – supporting combinations programme does self-confidence who have won senior championship really well. I’m and so my aim is medals and have a realistic chance of doing so again at the next Games. about enhancing about making what we do around people believe Podium Potential – identifying and the athletes on a in themselves,” developing combinations with the more bespoke basis he says. “The necessary attributes to achieve podium because they are all person that wins places at a future Games. very different.” is the person As Dickie relates, that believes Podium Potential Pathway – identifying, supporting and educating each discipline is they can. It’s younger athletes who demonstrate different, and riders that age-old performance capabilities that indicate need different argument of potential to progress up the pathway. support. talent versus “Their set ups at character. You Youth Squads – early identification of home are different. only need talent and providing support to develop Showjumpers are enough talent to performance foundation skills. often on the road for get the job done, weeks on end, so but without they won’t be at character home often. Dressage riders can work on you can’t perform on the field of play most of the technical skills at home under pressure.” because they don’t compete as regularly.

Dickie also feels strongly that riders Event riders are regularly up at 3am to must have ownership over themselves, drive to an event, then head home the underscoring that the only thing he feels same day, before returning to the same a coach can control when a horse canters event a day later. Not many para riders down the centre line or out of the start have a business around equestrianism and box, is their own emotion. “At that time, many only campaign one horse rather it’s over to the rider, so we have to develop than a whole string. So: each programme is a system that empowers the riders and very different, with divergent gives them confidence to make decisions. requirements and it’s about being agile We don’t want people riding by numbers; enough to understand that.” they need to have the confidence to make When it comes to his coaching decisions when it goes wrong. By the very philosophy, Dickie is a huge believer in the nature of elite sport, top athletes are risk power of self-confidence, and what he can takers, but they mustn’t be cavalier. They do to help that flourish. should try to take out as many variables “Anything we do in life is affected by our as they can while being consistent.”

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September 2020

Career highs and lows Dickie’s role is the pinnacle of equestrian ambition for many coaches, and he acknowledges that his earliest ambitions were to follow this career pathway.

“When I joined the army, I didn’t really know about horses, but the moment I went on my riding course, I decided I wanted to become a riding instructor and the moment I became a riding instructor, I thought I wanted to be a riding master, and then on my journey to becoming a riding master I decided I wanted to manage a British team,” he remembers.

His personal highlights include winning Her Majesty the Queen’s Challenge Cup for Services Team Jumping Competition at Royal Windsor, riding in front of the Queen on the Queen’s own horse, Peter Pan, and completing his first Badminton clear and in the top 20. When it comes to medals, Dickie’s high spot was being part of the team at his first Olympic Games in 2012 and coming away with a team and individual gold and individual bronze, “when the sport had never seen medals of any colour.”

The inevitable career lows that come to every equestrian are much less of a focus.

“There’s been so many low points in my career with horses that I’ve had to come back from, but I have a good filter system and I find it hard to remember them,” he explains. “I can block them out quite well.”

It is this positive mindset and practical approach that has seen such success from Dickie, and long may it continue.

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FEATURES Cost cutting

and y t n i a t uncer lfare team t n a c i f t signi The BHS We ring this h g u o r c has b rse owners. ve money du lfare. i m e d al pan to many ho r how to sa horse’s we b o l g e Th o ur S fo iety y x P I g n a T n i g s N i in E budget their TOP T out comprom t h sugges ult time, wit diff ic

S E C R U O S E R HORSES R O F

1

PLAN, PLAN, PLAN!

It’s vital to look ahead and budget effectively for your horse’s needs.

Remember that care costs increase in the winter, so be prepared for this. Ideally, put a little away every month to help you manage if an unforeseen circumstance arises. Not facing up to looming difficulties can greatly reduce the options available to you once the problem has become too overwhelming to ignore.

2

COST SHAVINGS

3

FEED FOR NEED

There are many bedding products on the market, so do your research into the best options for you and your horse. You might also consider rubber matting to help you get the most out of your top layer of organic bedding material (a must-have!) but this does involve an initial investment.

Careful removal of droppings and wet material will make best use of your bedding as well as protecting against ill health.

Many leisure and low-level competition horses do very well on a high forage, low sugar and starch diet, so consider if your horse’s bucket feed might be reduced. It’s worth speaking with a

30

September 2020

bhs.org.uk

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Cost cutting FEATURES

nutritionist to help create the most cost-effective feeding plan. Remember it’s important to gradually change your horse’s routine and diet over a minimum of 10-14 days to help reduce the risk of colic.

Regularly score your horse’s body condition to monitor weight fluctuations. Visit bhs.org. uk/fatscoring for more information.

4

TAKE COVER!

Third party liability cover is highly advisable for all equestrians, as injury claims have been known to run into tens of millions of pounds; BHS Gold membership provides you with £30 million of public liability cover* for any horse you own or ride. If you have additional insurance, you could consider adjusting the level of cover, particularly if you aren’t competing currently - but make sure you maintain the level of cover you need. If you’re not insured against veterinary fees you must be confident that you can pay unexpected bills. (* Terms and conditions apply)

5

PLUMP UP THE PIGGY BANK

Images: Alamy / Shutterstock

Resistance isn’t futile! Try to avoid adding unnecessary items to your online basket… although we know it’s hard.

Internet shopping is tempting many of us currently, as we’re spending more time at home. Control your impulse buys by leaving items in your basket for a day or so – do you still really want them? What you already own can often be repaired, and there is good quality pre-loved equipment out there, too. If you’re not competing currently, why not set aside the money you’d normally spend on entries for a time when you might really need it?

6

STAGGERING COSTS

Isn’t it funny how large annual bills all seem to come at the same time! It might be possible to stagger payments – so they don’t stagger you! Monthly Direct Debit is a good way to smooth out your expenditure so that you don’t have to penny-pinch through the end of an expensive month.

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SHARE THE MARE

If money, time or personal circumstances are becoming a worry, you could look at working livery or sharing your horse. Signing an agreement and setting expectations with a sharer is important for you both, and we advise having your agreement checked by a qualified legal advisor.

BHS Gold members have access to free legal advice as part of their membership – the contact number is on the back of your membership card.

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TOP TEAMWORK

CUT COSTS, NOT CARE Some short-term savings might affect the quality of your horse’s welfare and turn out to be false economies. We don’t recommend attempting to save on:

Veterinary care Don’t be tempted to diagnose or treat conditions yourself: always seek veterinary

Even following the COVID-19 outbreak, clubbing together to save money, fuel, and time is still possible with care. Consider starting a WhatsApp chat with your yard buddies to discuss opportunities for reduced rates on bulk supplies of feed, forage and bedding, or group visits by vets, farriers, and other professionals. You could also share daily duties to reduce time and fuel costs.

guidance when there’s a problem. Prevention

9

regular foot hygiene regime, even if your

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Livery is a significant cost, and doing more yourself, even on a temporary basis, is likely to help your budget. If suitable for your horse, it might be worth looking for a grass livery or renting a field in the longer term, which can be even cheaper if it is shared. You will need to consider if this meets your needs for water supply, electricity, shelter, secure fencing, storage, grazing and grass quality.

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YOU CAN HAVE TOO MANY SHOES

Discuss shoeing options with your farrier. Depending on their current workload or health status, you may find your horse doesn’t need to have a full set, but potentially front shoes only.

If there’s not much wear on them, your farrier may be able to refit them.

is better and cheaper than cure, so stick with your targeted worming programme, tetanus and equine influenza vaccinations (follow your vet’s advice regarding any additional vaccinations) and dental checks. Take advantage of any free visit days by your practice.

Hoof care Do not delay trimming, and keep to a horse is unshod. Taking shoes off without consulting your farrier or vet could also lead to lameness and expense.

Professional services Do not use a cheaper, unqualified person to do a professional’s job.

Repairs Repairing damaged property and equipment is vital to safeguard your horse’s safety and security.

The BHS Welfare Helpline service offers advice and support for anyone who cares for a horse. You can contact us on 02476 840517 (calls may be recorded for monitoring purposes) or welfare@ bhs.org.uk.

bhs.org.uk

30-31 cost cutting_September 2020_British Horse 31

September 2020

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Rider interview FEATURES

E

Q

K UIC -FIR

& Stephanie Bateman catches up with international showjumper William Whitaker First memory of horses?

It was our Christmas treat every year as children to go to Olympia and watch my uncles compete.

Funniest thing a competitor has ever done?

My brother once went to a show and forgot all his tack.

Proudest equestrian moment?

Winning the World Cup at Olympia.

Images: Shutterstock / Jon Stroud

If you were a horse, orse, ld what type would y? you be and why?

I’d be a Shetland Pony. ony. y They get away with h everything just because they are small and cute.

What advice would you give ng someone starting er? an equine career?

You never stop learning ning with horses. Hard work,

dedication and patience is the key.

What’s your favourite TV programme?

up a solid team of horses and owners.

What’s your most treasured Christmas tradition?

Church in the morning then home at full speed to open our presents before a huge Christmas dinner.

My favourite series ever is Breaking Bad.

What’s your favourite tipple and food?

Tell us about your worst behaved horse or pony?

I’m a devil for a cup of Yorkshire Tea and a box of Celebrations.

I had a good horse a couple of years ago called Fandango and when he’d had enough in the field, he used to jump the gate and take himself back to the stable.

How do yo you unwind aafter a stressfu day? stressful Good m meal with the family, fam fire on and watch some T TV.

What are your hopes for 20 2020?

I have jjust moved back to a UK base, so my a aim this year is to t build

What are the worst and best things about the equestrian industry?

The worst thing is that certain parts of the industry are getting increasingly expensive. The best thing is working outside with horses, doing something you love.

What would you never do?

Send food back in a restaurant.

What’s unique about you?

I have a lot of perseverance.

life yet?

Putting my clothes in the wash basket.

What’s your biggest competition regret?

I try not to look back. If I make a mistake, learn from it and move on.

Alive, dead, real or fictional – who would you most like to meet, and why?

I am a big sports fan. I would love to get a group of the ‘Greatest of All Time’ of different sports together to discuss their journeys to the top. I would invite Tiger Woods, Rory McElroy, Roger Federer, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Alan Shearer, AP McCoy and Michael Jordan… I could go on forever!

Who is your non-horsey hero?

What haven’t you got the hang of in

My Dad. bhs.org.uk

44 Quickfire_September 2020_British Horse 33

September 2020

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26/08/2020 10:42

Fighting Crime FEATURES

COMBATING EQUINE CRIME Ensuring that horses and tack are kept safe is a top priority for every owner. Stephanie Bateman discovers the most effective ways to keep your property secure.

Images: Alamy

M

any horse owners will have seen their Facebook flooded with shared posts warning of a local tack room break in, with expensive saddlery and equipment taken. Rural crime is sometimes difficult to prevent, but how can you set about protecting yourself from theft?

“The safety of your tack really comes down to the security of the tack room, and the responsibility of all those using it,” says Oonagh Meyer, BHS Head of Approvals. “As a minimum, we would

expect a tack room to be dry and lockable.

Other things to consider when choosing a yard might be: do the staff or the proprietor live on site? Are there security cameras, good lighting and additional alarm systems? All of these add another level of security.”

“Individual owners might often choose to keep their tack in their car,” Oonagh explains. “It’s worth checking both your home and car insurance policies, as your tack and equipment may be classed as sports equipment and be covered.

“Jumps, wings and poles, electric fencing units, quad bikes and trailers are

SECURITY TIPS Don’t share photos showing tack room location or contents on social media – for instance, when advertising your yard Use internally caged secure containers as opposed to wooden sheds for storage Ensure any livery contract is clear regarding liabilities for stolen/ damaged goods Permanently mark and photograph valuable equipment such as show jumps and other easily movable items Ensure your yard’s security arrangements meet any stipulations of your insurance policies Limit key allocation to essential need only, or utilise changeable codes/ combination locks

bhs.org.uk

Crime_September 2020_British Horse 35

September 2020

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Fighting Crime FEATURES

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER! Local equestrian-based Facebook groups are a great way of sharing information. It’s also worth joining your local Horse Watch group, who can provide you with yard signage and provide regular newsletters with up-to-date information of what’s going on in your area. Local police forces have a dedicated rural/equine team and social media presence – visit police.uk for details of your local policing team.

all unfortunately prone to theft. Locks, tag trackers, clamps and hitch locks can be effective at securing trailers, and some people put their postcode on the roof of the trailer so it can be seen from an aerial view if stolen. Prominently marking your horse’s rugs with your postcode may also deter theft. Look out for local groups like Horse Watch holding tack and equipment marking sessions, and make sure you have accurate descriptions and recent photos of everything, so that if it is stolen all the details can be easily provided to police.”

Preventing equine theft Equine crime is now one of the six rural crime policing priorities for the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC). Devonshire Constabulary’s PC Kerry Whitting, a rural crime officer, explains how to reduce your chances of having your horse stolen.

“Firstly, consider freeze marking as well as microchipping,” she says. “The visual mark will act as a deterrent to would-be

thieves. Make sure that you store your horse’s passport and documentation away from the yard so you don’t risk losing them in a theft also. In addition, take a clear set of photographs of your horse in both summer and winter, as this will aid identification.”

Kerry also stresses that it’s important to be as secure as you can, too.

“Ensure your perimeter is strong.

For example, field and yard fences need to be solid to prevent access.

Make sure hedges have no gaps or weak spots, and secure gates with chains and padlocks. Gate

hinges can be welded to prevent them being lifted off.

Also, consider a visual deterrent by placing security signage in a prominent place.”

So, what do you do if you see something or someone suspicious?

Although less urgent matters can be reported on 101, Kerry emphasises that if a crime is in progress or there is a need for urgent police attendance, then horse owners should not hesitate to call 999. “Be as accurate with the reporting details as you possibly can,” adds Kerry. “For example, describe the exact location of the incident, using landmarks to assist - consider using the ‘What3Words’ app. Get detailed descriptions of offenders and note the colour, make and model of any vehicles, and most importantly, the number plate if possible. If anyone is on the move, get a direction of travel. All of this will be vital information to officers who attend.”

To report a stolen or missing horse, contact your local police force and immediately post on your local equestrian Facebook page to get the word out.

MICROCHIPPING Microchipping greatly increases the chances of a horse being reunited with their owner if they are stolen, and it is also a permanent link between your equine and its paper passport. If your equine has already been microchipped, make sure its details are correctly recorded on the Central Equine Database, by accessing the Digital Stable. See our news feature on page 6 for more details and national microchipping deadlines.

bhs.org.uk

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FEATURES Careers

Live what

you love The equestrian industry is rich with exciting careers that are all united by an innate love of horses. Just imagine working in an environment where everyone around you shares the same equine enthusiasm, and you can talk about horses all day long.

Y

our office is the great outdoors, surrounded by fabulous views and wonderful British wildlife, and you’ll experience every season in all its glory. (Or you might decide to take your world-leading and globally recognised BHS qualifications abroad to work?) No two days are ever the same, and there is always something new to learn – in fact, you’ll never stop learning about what you love. Working alongside horses every day must surely be one of the most rewarding career paths in the world, and across every career, regardless of role, we’re all working for the same goal: to improve the health and welfare of horses.

The BHS Career Pathways There are so many places that your BHS qualifications can take you – the opportunities are endless!

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September 2020

Whatever your professional aspirations with horses, the BHS Career Pathways are designed to offer you the opportunity to learn practical, real-world skills that will enable you to progress your career and reach your goals, all with the love of horses at the heart. The structured learning platform will support you to gain the skills and knowledge you need, from entry level right up to BHS Fellowship.

Your BHS Career Pathway qualifications will be the stamp of approval that employers are looking for, as well as inspiring a practice of life-long learning. We’re here to guide, advise and support you through every stage of your career journey. Visit bhs.org.uk/pathways

Stud Work Professional

MOUNTED FORCES Former Equine Manager for Great Manchester Mounted Police, Mima Manning is a BHS Performance Coach (BHSI) who trained at Talland.

Her BHS qualifications have enabled her to work with horses all around the world

Equine Nutritionist

Not sure? Volunteer!

Volunteering or career shadowing is a great way to find out about the industry, demonstrate your equestrian commitment, have fun, make new friends and enhance your CV. The BHS provides many flexible volunteering opportunities across the UK and Ireland, from regular monthly activities to helping at one-off events. You’ll also be supporting the UK’s largest equestrian charity to improve equine welfare, extend equestrian access and promote safer riding. To find out if we can help you achieve your dreams while helping us to achieve ours, contact volunteer@bhs.org. uk or 02476 840538.

bhs.org.uk

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02/09/2020 09:41

Careers FEATURES Horse Trainer

Equine Dental Technician

Saddle Fitter

Equine Centre Manager

Racing Industry Professional

PROFESSIONAL COACH Ros Canter took team and individual gold at the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon. Ros is a BHS Stage 4 Senior Coach, and is trained by BHS Fellow Caroline Moore and British Equestrian Eventing High Performance Coach and BHS Fellow, Chris Bartle.

Your BHS Career Pathway is the perfect foundation

Farrier

PROFESSIONAL RIDER Dressage legend and Olympic Gold Medalist, BHS Fellow Carl Hester MBE trained for his BHS qualifications at The Fortune Centre for Riding Therapy, a BHS Approved Centre in Dorset. At the 1992 Barcelona Olympics he was the youngest British rider to ever compete at a Games.

Professional Groom

Ride Leader – Trekking

Veterinary Surgeon

BENCH SADDLER Award-winning Master Saddler Helen Reader combines her passion with riding and competing with her saddlery work.

Helen wants to provide a holistic approach, so before she took up her Saddlery training she completed her Stage 3 Coach qualifications at BHS Approved Berkshire College of Agriculture Equestrian Centre.

Helen has also been part of the working group who has developed the new Society of Master Saddlers ‘Bridle Fitting & Measuring’ Qualification, alongside City & Guilds.

bhs.org.uk

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FEATURES Interview

Jonty competing Ringwood LB at Barbury Castle International Horse Trials 2016

Jonty Evans is famous for his indomitable mindset and resilience, as well as his Olympic-level talent.

Jonty gives Ellie Kelly an insight into his approach to competition, and his journey back to eventing.

J

onty Evans has been in the equestrian spotlight with more frequency than most. His thrilling success with Irish Sport Horse Cooley Rorkes Drift, (aka ‘Art’) at the Rio Olympic Games, where he finished ninth in Individual Eventing, nearly resulted in Art, who was not owned

by Jonty, being sold. The prospect of the separation of this superb combination awakened a spirited response from the equestrian community, and after a hugely successful crowdfunding campaign Jonty secured Art, who became known as ‘the people’s horse’.

Then, in June 2018, Jonty’s life changed, in one terrible moment, and his future suddenly looked bleak. Going cross country at Tattersalls International, Jonty fell three fences from home and suffered a traumatic brain injury that left him in a coma for six weeks.

Testament to his dedication, passion, and strength of mind, Jonty set about re-learning to talk and walk, and has rebuilt his life and eventing career in

&

COURAGE CONFIDENCE 40 September 2020 bhs.org.uk

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Interview FE FFEATURES AT TUR UREES

Jonty and Cooley Rorkes Drift ride cross country at 2017 Badminton Horse Trials

Images: Libby Law Photography / Jon Stroud / Ellie Kelly

Jonty and Art at home, August 2020

record time. Incredibly, he was back eventing just over a year later with his beloved horse Art, and even completed the Great North Run 15 months after the accident. Following his incredible journey has felt uplifting to many, but Jonty is characteristically self-deprecating.

“I don’t see myself as an inspiration. But I do love that I can be of some help to people. I’ve definitely suffered from ‘imposter syndrome’ since I have been back eventing. I’ve questioned, ‘what am I doing here? I am gradually building that kind of confidence back, by keeping everything in perspective. I was jumping around Dauntsey the other day and on the cross country I was coming away from fences thinking how simple and effortless it felt. It would be easy for me to think ‘well, so it should: I am on an Olympic horse!’ But in fact, I was thinking ‘that felt great and easy… and how the hell did that happen?’ The realisation that I had made such progress was awesome. All Art did was do what I asked of him, but the big thing was the fact that I could ride him and steer him. Finishing just felt amazing.”

Mind management Jonty has consulted with sports psychologists throughout his career, and credits them with helping his performance enormously.

PEOPLE SAY I AM DETERMINED. I DON’T THINK I AM “I have worked with Charlie Unwin and have also done a lot of work with Niamh Fitzpatrick. Niamh helped me right the way through the Rio Olympic Games, and the proof was in the result. Rehearsal is a big thing to help confidence and it’s really helped me. It’s about rehearsing how you want to be - therefore no negative language should be allowed to come out of your mouth. You must put across what you would like to see.

“I am really into visualisation of even the smallest detail. At the Olympic Games, by the time I competed, I felt that I had already been in the arena. Niamh made me tell her what the sand was like, what the crowd was like, the jumps, even the temperature - every single detail, so I could feel like I had been there. In my mind, I had ridden all three phases already, so I just went in and did it again. I think if you can apply that to whatever issue you have - whether

it’s driving a car, getting on a horse you are scared of, riding over a small log or competing at an event - it will really help you focus on the job rather than the fear.

“However, I don’t agree with mindless positivity or blind optimism; the aim is neutrality and focusing on doing the job in hand. The only elements which that management technique doesn’t account for are instinct and ‘spur of the moment’ actions. But if you are instinctive you are probably confident anyway, and if you are well prepared and focused, you will be confident and it’s easier to be instinctive.

“I don’t have a problem with confidence in terms of actually riding; I am definitely not frightened at all, but I would still advise the same technique I use for someone who lacks that confidence. For instance, I am not nervous about the jumping itself, but I bhs.org.uk

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FEATURES Interview

Jonty and Cooly Rorkes Drift at Chatsworth Horse Trials 2014 Riding cross country at the Rio Olympic Games 2016

Olympic course in Rio bang on the time I was going to be riding. You can’t expect to do that every time but try to imagine where the sun and shadows might be and where the crowds will be.”

Life after limbo

do feel nervous about getting it totally wrong, so it’s the same issue in many ways.”

Practical and precise There are practical advantages to Jonty’s technique of imagining everything exactly how it will be, as well as delivering a mental edge.

“Walk your exact line from fence to fence, precisely as you intend to ride it. This helps with the visualisation, but it also means you know what ground you are riding on and you will notice the lumps and bumps.

Your course walks should go into your plan.

“Sometimes it is not always possible to walk a show jumping course before you ride it. Don’t panic, but familiarise yourself with the course by watching others and perhaps ask a rider you trust about the course. There should also be a course map so you can check distances.

Remember, though: you should know your horse better than anyone else.

“When I am at a bigger competition, I try to walk courses at roughly the time I am going to ride them, so that I know where the sun might be. I walked the 42

September 2020

Such a well-loved rider as Jonty naturally came under intense scrutiny from his well-wishers when he first made a return to competitive riding, and this was initially a problem – but Jonty is renowned for finding a way around his difficulties.

“Initially I was so aware of people watching me. I took that negatively and felt some fear. Then my psychologist Niamh said to me, ‘they are coming to watch you because they are so amazed that you can do it.’ It took a minute for that to sink in, but I realised that she was right.

The onlookers were there for support.

They were not there to see me make a fool of myself - and they didn’t care if I did. So now I’m not bothered.

“Also, a turning point for me was understanding that if you are aware of people watching, you are not focusing. I realised that I wasn’t giving enough application to what I was doing. When you really focus on what you are doing you should not even see the people around.

That built confidence for me.

“The biggest issue for me now is the way my body responds; my level of control is changing all the time as I have good days and bad. Before the accident, I had a level of consistency and could make daily

improvements in the training of a horse, or myself. Now, sometimes I am shocked at how easy I find something one day… and the next, I can make a silly mistake. That is really frustrating, but I hope this will improve over time.

“I am taking things in small stages and only focusing on getting it good at that level, before moving on to the next level.

Before my accident I always had a plan that I stuck to, that involved thinking ahead all the time. My new aim is to get competent at each level before I think about what I want to do next. Now, when I go to an event at that level, I want to come away feeling great, having nailed all three phases.”

Looking forward “I need to be aware of the accident, and how I am, and come to terms with that. I really struggled with the fact it would never be the same and that I couldn’t be competitive like I was. I couldn’t ‘accept’ to begin with, because I thought ‘accept’ meant ‘give up’. But it does not stop me trying to improve. People say I am determined. I don’t think I am, but I do have an imprint and that is what I am doing. I have been giving motivational talks and I am more than happy to do what I can to help other people, because such a lot of people helped me.”

Jonty’s final reflections speak to his natural born horsemanship and the true love of equines that has shaped his entire life.

“I don’t get on the horse because someone else wants me to - and there may be some who would rather I didn’t. It’s me that still wants to do it.”

bhs.org.uk

Jonty Evans_September 2020_British Horse 42

02/09/2020 09:43

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26/08/2020 10:44

FEATURES Day in the life

Photography HAMPSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE

Day in the life LARGE ANIMAL RESCUE SPECIALIST Large Animal Rescue Specialist and Tactical Advisor Anton Phillips of the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service discusses the challenges of rescuing horses and what owners should do in an emergency.

including Australia, France, Norway, and The Spanish Riding School in Vienna.

We attend around 300 to 400 animal rescue cases a year. Of those, 100 to 150 are horse rescues, including transport incidents where horses fall over in the box, put their feet through the floor, get over the breast bar into the living quarters, as well as other incidents such as falling into bogs and ditches… and, believe it or not, a great many swimming pools.

We have life-like horse mannequins to practise with, and the equipment we use has developed hugely over the years; it’s all quick-release.

Everybody in our team is part-time, so we’re all on a pager and everyone is available 24 hours a day. We have a team big enough to do eight days on and eight days off, so

5 Rescue from the mud of three year old mare Romie

I

started my career as a firefighter in 1976 and started focusing on animal rescue in 1995 after a fellow firefighter was injured during a rescue. At the time, we were highly trained in every aspect of fire and rescue work – except for animal rescue. So, I decided something needed to change.

We proceeded to give many of our animal rescue procedures a big shake up and structured it so that every member of the team knows what to do. Since 2003, we’ve

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run national and international courses for other fire and rescue services, and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service are now the leading service in the country for technical large animal rescue. We continually work with veterinary Universities around the country, and when we develop a new rescue technique, we consult with our vet partners about the new procedure before rolling the method out to the wider Fire and Rescue Service. I also train people from all over the world,

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September 2020

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bhs.org.uk

44-46 Day in the life_September 2020_British Horse 44

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26/08/2020 10:45

FEATURES Day in the life

HFRS’ training mannequin in horsebox

when the pager operates, we respond immediately. I call the horse’s owner straightaway to offer advice while I’m on my way to the scene. I want as much detail as possible from them and ask that the vet is called immediately. The vet’s role is to triage, and to sedate the horse if necessary, as the horse mustn’t panic if my team and I are to stay safe. A sedated horse will also be less likely to remember the distress of the incident afterwards.

Everyone at the scene has done at least a basic level of animal handling and understands the procedures fully. The nearest station will mobilise a fire appliance for human safety, and we also have an animal rescue team, a team leader and a tactical advisor – that’s me. My role is to assess the situation and oversee the rescue from start to finish.

A lot of my role is people management, as I’ve seen some risky behaviour and injuries resulting when owners try to rescue their trapped horse without specialist knowledge or training. The owner can help us best by organising a safe nearby destination for their horse to recover immediately afterwards, where they can be closely observed and cared for. After a rescue there is paperwork to do in the form of an incident report form, and an animal rescue one which is completed so that everyone knows what’s happened and what resources were used.

ANTON’S TOP TIPS FOR OWNERS In the event of an emergency, call the emergency services and your vet straightaway.

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Most importantly: back off from your horse and be quiet. The temptation for a horse owner to get stuck in is huge, but the best thing for your horse is to keep their adrenaline levels low and let us do our job ASAP. Install the ‘what3words’ app on your phone to help the emergency services locate you.

We need an honest situation report from you about your horse: if they are known to kick or bite, tell us! Is it a mare or stallion? Young or old? What sort of temperament?

Where is the safest destination to take the horse to after rescue for observation? I can then clear the route back there.

Maintenance is everything! Horse accidents are often a result of a human failing – a broken fence, a rotten horsebox floor or a field gate left open.

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I’VE SEEN INJURIES RESULTING FROM PEOPLE TRYING TO RESCUE A TRAPPED HORSE WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE OR TRAINING Working as a firefighter, every day is different. I can go two weeks with nothing and the next week I’ll have three incidents on the trot. One day I can be rescuing a cat in a tree and the next I’m pulling a horse out of a ditch, but I love the variety.

Supporting crews from Dorset & Wiltshire and Bath with the successful rescue of Archy from a ditch

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bhs.org.uk

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HEALTH & CARE Ulcers

A

wareness of equine gastric ulcers has increased as veterinary research has uncovered more about this debilitating condition.

Hitherto, diagnosis and treatment of ulcers has focused mostly on the upper, ‘squamous’ part of the horse’s stomach. However, a recent expert panel highlighted that ulcers affecting the lower, ‘glandular’ section of stomach constitute a distinct and different disease.

“The feeding strategies used for managing squamous ulcers, such as ensuring access to a high-fibre diet ad lib, will do nothing to reduce the risk of, or treat, glandular disease,” says vet Ben Sykes, Associate Professor in Equine Internal Medicine at Massey University, New Zealand, and Honorary Lecturer at the University of Liverpool, Veterinary Postgraduate Unit. “We have mostly ‘managed out’ squamous disease with feeding and management changes, although it is still common in racehorses - but glandular disease needs further research.”

Unlike squamous ulcers, that are caused by the splashing of stomach acids on the sensitive upper squamous stomach lining, the causes for glandular ulcers remain unclear. “We know that it’s an inflammatory gastritis, but we don’t understand the disease process. One theory is that there’s a failure in normal defence mechanisms against the acid, but we’re not yet sure why that happens,” says Ben.

Feeling the burn “What we do understand from studies are the risk factors associated with both squamous and glandular disease,” explains Ben. “With squamous disease: during a horse’s exercise, acid splashes up onto the squamous mucosa, so the longer spent exercising, the more damage occurs. It is an accumulative effect, so over a course of a week, the total number of minutes you spend exercising at trot or above will contribute to the risk of squamous disease.

For glandular disease: the risk factor is still exercise but it’s the number of days spent exercising that matter. In one study, showjumping horses exercised six or seven days a week were found to be approximately three and a half times more likely to have glandular disease than horses exercising five 48

September 2020

Spotlight on

ULCERS

Discoveries about gastric ulcers have gained pace in recent years. Stephanie Bateman explores the new research indicating that ulcer location is important to understanding the disease.

bhs.org.uk

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Ulcers HEALTH & CARE

days or fewer. A similar study looking at racehorses working five days or more, versus those on four or fewer, found an approximately ten-fold increase in the risk of glandular disease.”

The studies concluded that rest days are important. “In horses prone to glandular disease, the current recommendation is that they should have a minimum of two - ideally three – weekly rest days,” advises Ben. “My recommendation is ideally one day on and one day off during training, which should focus on quality not quantity.”

Stress testing Ben cautions that owners should still scope their horses if ulcers are suspected, as it’s important

OPTIMISING OUTCOMES

Image: Alamy

Images: Alamy / Shutterstock

BHS Approved Moorcroft Rehabilitation Centre in West Sussex have many horses arrive suffering from squamous ulcers, but chief executive Mary Frances knows how to bring about a success story.

“We remove any stress from their routine and turn them out with ad-lib access to a high-quality forage. They see the vet and physio to sort out any pain issues, and get their teeth checked.”

Charlie on arrival

to know which disease you are dealing with. “Stress doesn’t directly cause squamous disease, but it is associated with glandular disease,” Ben states.

“Horses with glandular ulcers have a more pronounced response to stress testing, so management includes giving them rest days and trying to reduce their daily stress, including allowing co-grooming without rugs.”

The drug omeprazole is used to treat both types of disease, working to block acid production and allowing healing to occur. A drug called sucralfate is also used alongside omeprazole specifically for treating glandular ulcers.

“Charlie is a lovely Thoroughbred that arrived here sore, lame, and undernourished,” explains Mary. “He was diagnosed with back pain, a front limb lameness and stomach ulcers. He had no appetite, box walked and was a very unhappy horse.

“To begin with, Charlie fence-walked relentlessly causing further weight loss, so standing in with hay was a much better option for him initially. He had lots of vet intervention and some physiotherapy, and when the pain in his back subsided

his facial expressions changed, and he began to eat his high fibre diet and thrive.

“After a few weeks’ rest, I started long-reining Charlie in walk to stretch his improving back, and slowly he developed muscle. He began to enjoy time in the field, which was vital as he needed the health benefits of spring grass in his stomach. He is now in full health and enjoying life as a ridden horse in his new home.”

Charlie long-reining, looking much improved

CAUSATION OF SQUAMOUS ULCERS OESOPHAGUS

SQUAMOUS MUCOSA MARGO PLICATUS

GLANDULAR MUCOSA

Although the disease process of glandular ulcers remains unclear at present, the causes of squamous ulcers are better established: The pH (chemical scale of acidity to alkalinity) of a horse’s gastric acid naturally varies: fluid sitting towards the bottom of the stomach is strongly acid, but the upper fluid levels are closer to a neutral pH. The equine stomach evolved for grazing, and the constant chewing produces alkaline saliva, which provides a chemical buffer to acid.

Chewed roughage also provides a physical barrier against acid. Long interruptions to grazing means that the stomach may not contain enough roughage to help protect against damage.

Exercise increases acid production and disrupts the normal layering of stomach acid, splashing the stronger acid from the bottom of the stomach upwards onto the sensitive squamous mucosa.

Study Statistics More than 80% of Thoroughbred racehorses and endurance horses are likely to suffer from squamous ulcers.

Glandular ulcers affect 30-50% of the domestic horse population, with an environmentally stressed horse at higher risk, even in low-level work.

Studied horses with stereotypies were more likely to have squamous ulcers yet, ironically, in one study, horses displaying aggression towards humans were less likely to have squamous ulcers.* *Sykes, B.W., M. Bowen, J.L. Habershon-Butcher, et al.

Management factors and clinical implications of glandular and squamous gastric disease in horses.

Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine Jan 2019

bhs.org.uk

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How to... HEALTH & CARE

Study shape You may need a different girth fitted when your horse changes shape due to weight gain or loss, maturity, or recovery from remedial care.

Changing training type or intensity can also change their posture and muscling. It is worth talking to your saddle fitter to understand and perhaps try different types of girth, and you may find that your horse has their own preference of one well-fitting girth over another.

Get into the groove Stand to the side of your horse, and imagine a line falling straight down from behind their shoulder to the girth groove. The angle of this line may suggest which girth design to select.

Ideally the girth straps of your saddle will drop straight down toward the girth groove. A shaped or curved girth (also called forward / anatomical / half-moon) can work well for horses with large or set back shoulders or a forward girth groove (which can alter shape and position as the horse changes), and they allow plenty of space around the elbow.

Saddle balance

ow to‌ Hcheck the fit of your girth The fit of the girth is key in achieving good saddle fit. The length, material, and design all contribute to a comfortable horse who can move freely, and a saddle that is secure for both horse and rider.

Your saddle fitter may recommend using particular girth straps or an asymmetrical arrangement. These fitting choices will be made based on the conformation of your horse, movement patterns of the horse or rider, and the design of the saddle and girth strap placement, and will need to be reassessed after a time.

Girthing challenges Excess loose skin behind the elbow, especially on a thinskinned horse, can be problematic. Great care must be taken to prevent girth rubbing and sore spots. Consult your Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddle Fitter for advice.

bhs.org.uk

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Is your farrier registered?

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How to... HEALTH & CARE

Girth length A standard length (long) girth should run from around the middle hole of your girth straps on both sides of the saddle, and you must ensure that the entirety of the buckle sits on top of the sweat flap to protect the horse.

With dressage (short) girths, smaller does not imply better. Ensure that the girth is long enough for the buckles to sit well above the elbow, closer to the bottom of your saddle pad, so they do not impede the comfort of your horse when moving freely and correctly. Localised pressure underneath the girth, and especially buckles, may change depending on the design of the girth and the conformation of your horse. Be prepared, if possible, to try different lengths of girth to find one that best fits your horse, and which they find most comfortable.

Top Tip: If you already have a standard or long girth and need to judge the length of girth for a dressage or event saddle, subtract 20” – if your horse wears a 48” girth with their GP saddle, 28” is a good place to start when trying dressage girths.

Design and materials Try to understand the reasoning behind new designs.

Look for peer-reviewed research, and for a development process that involved horses. The more shaped the design, the more likely it is that you will need to have the girth fitted with the saddle, and to check the fit regularly, just as you do with the saddle.

If using such a design, make sure that the central section is shaped correctly for your horse. A broader design that sits comfortably on a horse with a wide chest may cause discomfort for a horse who is narrower in front.

Some horses appreciate sheepskin or foam padding, but, as with all girths, make sure that there is support behind the padding, against the horse.

Pressure may be localised under a webbing core and could cause discomfort.

Likewise, make sure that there is protection for the horse behind the buckles on a short or dressage girth.

Wear, tear and stretch Elastic in a girth should be symmetrical – either at both ends or in the middle – and if used should be strong. If it is saggy, baggy, and easy to stretch, it is time for repair or a new girth.

Some find that a non-elasticated girth offers more stability, especially with round horses. Check for cracked and sharp edges on synthetic girths.

Leather and stitching may wear or break.

Images: David Betteridge

Girthing up correctly

THANKS TO Victoria Delasalle and the Society of Master Saddlers.

Visit mastersaddlers.co.uk

Girthing up should be a gradual process as you get ready to ride. Feel gently under the edges of the girth to ensure that there are no wrinkles, and then walk your horse to the mounting block before performing a pre-mounting check. Check again once mounted, and after a short walk.

Never overtighten a girth. If you feel you must use every ounce of your strength to do up the girth to prevent the saddle moving, either the girth or saddle do not fit, or there are issues with the horse or rider that need addressing before saddle and girth fit is reassessed.

bhs.org.uk

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Product Advice HEALTH & CARE

Healthy

digestion Many horses suffer with gastric health issues, and incorporating a gut health supplement can help to support normal gut function and digestion.

DODSON & HORRELL DIGESTIVE SUPPORT

Image: Jon Stroud

THE HORSE BUCKET The Horse Bucket is a fine powder supplement formulated to optimise equine hindgut function, including Actisaf live yeast and Safmannan premium yeast fraction.

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Live Actisaf yeast probiotic supports hindgut health and fibre fermentation while MOS and FOS prebiotics help support a normal balance of micro-organisms within the digestive system.

1.5kg, £17.00 dodsonandhorrell.com

CAVALOR GASTRO AID Cavalor has developed a paste which can be administered directly into the mouth of the horse. The fact that this product is a paste, causes a quicker absorption of the nutrients. £57.00 for 6 tubes £9.50 per tube cavalordirect.co.uk bhs.org.uk

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HEALTH & CARE Product Advice

TOPSPEC DIGESTIVE AID TopSpec Digestive Aid contains vitamin B12 and high levels of a pure, protected probiotic yeast and a prebiotic MOS. Effects on the digestive system and appetite will start to show within two days but maximum effects on appetite from the ingredients that work within the body will be seen within three weeks.

3kg, £30.50 topspec.com

NEW NETTEX ECALM

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A non-magnesium, natural calmer developed by veterinary surgeons and scientists with proven results. Its prebiotic-like functionality has been shown to influence the horse’s gut microbiome, which supports calmness and gut functionality.

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With fibre sources that are high in Beta-Glucans, Soothe & Gain contains antacids, magnesium carbonate and calcium carbonate, to help buffer the acid contents of the equine stomach, along with a probiotic and a blend of prebiotics to help support healthy digestion.

15kg, Guide price £11.14 - £14.14 dependent on location allenandpage.com

ECLIPSE RECOVERY A tonic feed based on wild flower meadow forages and horseradish to support the gut and immune system.

Eclipse Recovery is rich in natural minerals and aids recovery.

5kg , £29.95 simplesystem.co.uk

DENGIE HEALTHY TUMMY In-Feed Formula which supplies prebiotics to promote a healthy microbial population that’s vital for fibre digestion and gut health.

Free from molasses, straw and preservatives. Approved by BETA for horse and ponies prone to Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome.

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NEW TURMERITCH™ Diamond V “XP” in TurmerItch™ supports gut health, acts as a prebiotic and encourages optimal hindgut fermentation. Other key ingredients include Neem, Red Bush Tea and Chamomile, to help provide relief from itching and soothe the skin by promoting a healthy skin and coat. It also contains Turmeric and Micronised Linseed to help produce a high shine to the horse’s coat.

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bhs.org.uk

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s s a l c r e t s Ma Masterclass TRAINING

Written by STEPHANIE BATEMAN Photography DAVID BETTERIDGE

with Corinne Bracken

Corinne uses a variety of training exercises to help three very different horse and rider combinations to develop their jumping techniques.

Using a standard 20 x 60m sand and rubber base arena, Corinne demonstrates how basic show jumping equipment allows coaching at all levels. Her Masterclass riders range from a young Pony Club participant, to a potential 2021 Olympian, and a top amateur competitor.

Corinne Corinne has produced horses for over 20 years, from Novice to International level, and is a UKCC level 4 coach in addition to holding a Post Graduate Diploma in Professional Practice in Sports Coaching. She was Chef d’Equipe for the Children, Junior and Young Riders Showjumping squads from 2009 to 2014. Corinne manages the Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence programme, which is tailored around the equestrian Olympic disciplines and run in partnership with British Eventing, British Dressage and British Showjumping, to support and develop young, talented riders. She is equestrian High Performance Manager for Hong Kong, looking after the Showjumping and Para Dressage teams, and divides her time between the UK, Europe and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Riding Schools, which are BHS Approved.

bhs.org.uk

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TRAINING Masterclass

Class one RETAINING THE RHYTHM

Corinne dons a mask for close up contact and tack adjustment.

Keeping the rhythm and balance between jumps

Pip Reed Pip (14) enjoys hacking and competing in a variety of disciplines including eventing at BE70/80 level. She is currently studying for her BHS Stage 2 Ride assessment, and her ambition is to coach. Pip’s beloved pony Teddy is a 16-year-old Dartmoor whom she enjoys doing a ‘bit of everything’ with.

“We’ve been working on moving him on after a jump because he can be lazy,” says Pip. “I’d like to work on counting strides between jumps.”

Maintaining a forward momentum Remaining straight when riding away from a fence

September 2020

he stretches h h the h outside id off hi his b body.” d ” Pip moves up into canter, where Corinne wants to work on rhythm, correct lead and suppleness. “We’re starting to get more connection, too.”

Pip makes a change of rein through trot, with Corinne advising her to sit nice and tall, with a relaxed knee and lower leg resting on Teddy’s side. “The lower leg is so important when it comes to jumping.”

Pip comes back to walk before starting polework over three poles on both reins.

“Start by trotting a circle and then come over the poles,” says Corinne. “This is about being able to trot over the centre of poles and keep your balance and rhythm.”

Rider profile

Aims of exercise

60

Corinne works with a wide variety of clients from young riders to international competitors, but the foundations are always the same. “My philosophy on youth is that while they must be safe and have fun, the basics have to be instilled for them to rely on later in their career,” she says. “I like them to know what a rhythm is and how to balance, so we’ll work on those today.”

“Our warm up covers the scales of training so includes rhythm, relaxation and contact,” explains Corinne. “What you are looking for in the walk is rhythm and not rushing.” After a warm up that includes changes of rein and allows Teddy to stretch, Pip moves up into trot.

“We need Teddy working across the ground and pushing from those back legs,” says Corinne. “What we want is a little bit of stretch and bend around the corner, so

bhs.org.uk

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Masterclass TRAINING

Video

e artphon our sm y d r n e a v o ip H hP to watc rides t s ir camera e h t ork on Teddy w

Coach notes Particularly with inexperienced riders, I ask lots of questions to get feedback and increase learning retention.

Use an open question to clarify learning. Even at a young age, it’s important riders understand why they are doing something.

Encourage the rider to tune in every time they ride to how their horses feel – they could be lame or stiff or uncomfortable.

Pip rides a serpentine loop up the arena incorporating two sets of trotting poles, and Corinne asks how Pip felt it went. “The rhythm was really good because I pushed him on after the poles,” says Pip. “I also kept him between my hand and leg to maintain the straightness.” Corinne asks Pip to ride over two poles, five strides apart. “Start on the left rein, and as soon as you’ve made your turn, get straight and ride straight when you land from the second pole. We’ll count the strides between the poles which helps keep the rhythm. If we stay in the same rhythm, we should be able to get the same number of strides again.” After Pip has ridden down the poles a few times, she rides down another set laid out with a slightly different number of strides.

Pip rides over a pole to a single upright fence, counting the strides to help keep the rhythm, and then moves up into canter before riding over two poles with seven strides between them, with Corinne asking her to open up the canter along the long side.

Lastly, the pair ride the same course but

instead of a pole on the floor, there is a jump.

“When we go into a jump position, you should land and keep your eye on the next jump as you come back into the upright position,” says Corinne. “Ride to the middle of the pole and hold him straight using leg to hand.”

Pip keeps Teddy straight and his open canter means he maintains the energy.

Corinne is quick to praise the pair’s performance. “These last few fences were straight, rhythmical, had energy, and he was taking you to the fence. By you keeping him straight, that allowed you to get a better stride and a better distance.”

To finish the session, Pip gives Teddy a stretch. “Even at this age, I educate riders to stretch their pony when they have finished,” says Corinne.

bhs.org.uk

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TRAINING Masterclass

Aims of exercise Introduce a new horse and rider combination Collect the canter in a big striding horse Introduce a new combination to jumping fences

Class two BUILDING A BOND Rider profile Annie Ho International event rider Annie is part of The Hong Kong Equestrian Performance Plan and is funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Annie competed at the Asian Games in 2018 and is now focused on qualifyingg for the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo. Annie is a BHS Stage Four Senior Coach and is shortly to take her Stage Five Performance Coach (BHSI) Ride assessment. The Britishh Horse team wish you the very best of luck, Annie!

Jockey Club Caballo is a 17-year-old 16.3hh warmblood stallion who has jumped international Grands Prix with Hong Kongese Olympian Patrick Lam..

He has recently arrived in the UK to enjoy a gentler pace of life as a schoolmaster.

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September 2020

“The aim of this session is to demonstrate how we introduce a brand new horse and rider combination to jumping jumps,” says Corinne.

“We’ve bought Caballo over from Austria to help our Hong Kong event riders develop their showjumping phase. This is Caballo and Annie’s first ride together, so we’ll do some lateral work to help Annie work out how he ticks.”

After a walk, trot and stretch, Annie takes Caballo up the gears and discovers his big, powerful canter stride. “Annie isn’t used to a horse with a big movement, so she needs help keeping him in an outline,” says Corinne.

“Come on a circle and sharpen him up in the walk. Then go walk to canter on the circle to engage his hindleg, keeping hold of the outside rein to keep him straight. Ask him to sit on his outside hindleg to keep his balance and then you can keep him rounder.”

Annie uses lots of walk to canter transitions as well as shoulderfore. Corinne then asks her to drop back to trot and ride a d serpentine through the poles, “to s give you a feeling of which buttons g to t press. It’s also getting him more on o the aids.”

Annie has a walk before riding over o two poles in trot. “Being a new

bhs.org.uk

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Masterclass TRAINING

Video

e artphon our sm d Hover y atch Annie an w o e t c n ra e e u seq cam ride the Caballo

horse and rider combo, combo we’re e’re slowing slo ing everything down so that Annie feels in control,” explains Corinne, turning the first pole into a small upright and asking Annie to trot over the upright and allow Caballo to canter over the pole. She then turns the second pole into an upright, too.

“When you land, sit still and get the connection,” Corinne says. “He’s used to jumping much bigger than this, so he won’t back off, and we don’t want him to make up more distance. We’re controlling it by trotting in, and we’re training Annie’s eye to learn the distance this horse takes to a fence by having a set distance in the middle. That also allows me to use bigger fences, so she gets used to the power without her having to find her own distance to the jump.”

Corinne changes the second upright to an oxer.

She wants a quicker reaction from Annie, so incorporates a further two uprights with one

stride in between.

“Annie still has to be straight and keep the rhythm. When Caballo came in, he had a little rub on the first fence, but the reaction n was sharp in the middle of th the jjump and he jumped out over the second part clean.”

The session finishes by Corinne reminding Annie that she needs to put Caballo ‘back together’ after a jump, but is very pleased with their first session together. “I want Annie to enjoy her showjumping and the only way I can Horses must use their do that is to put her on a horse that gives her bodies in the air correctly, confidence over a jump.” and to do that they must “Now this horse is soft, his way of going has jump width and not height. changed. He is using himself correctly which When using poles on the is what we need to make correct muscle.” ground, they are either kept in place with sand or placed in a block – they are never loose.

Coach notes

bhs.org.uk

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TRAINING Masterclass

Video

Hover y our sm artp to watc h Beren hone camera ic jump th e and Charlie e exerc ise

Aims of exercise Work on the suppleness to improve jumping Improve the horse’s balance after a fence Develop rideability in straight and curved lines

Class three SUPPLENESS AND SHAPE To begin the session, Corinne asks Berenice to walk the distances between the fences, as “Berenice needs to get the feeling of walking a distance and then riding that distance. It doesn’t matter if it walks long or short. What matters is that she can relate that to her horse.”

Berenice uses a set of trot poles to warm Charlie up and get him soft and flexible.

“You can add in a yield to the leg as well.

We use yield to the leg rather than leg yield because he is just moving away from the leg. He can lower the head and neck, but he must keep the activity in the hind leg.”

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Berenice also adds some transitions into her work, as Corinne explains that the goal is to develop rideability in the straight line and the curve, but that is lost when he gets long in the frame. “When you go into canter, focus on the hindleg, because if you have the hindleg, you’ve always got the control.”

Corinne advises Berenice to look up and sit tall, maintaining the rhythm in the canter. “As you’re going around the corners, make sure you are getting the bend laterally through the horse’s ribcage so the whole horse bends around your

bhs.org.uk

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Masterclass TRAINING

inside leg. If you need to straighten your horse, bring the shoulder to the inside, positioning the inside hind leg between the front legs for a slight shoulder-fore.”

After a canter on both reins, Charlie has a breather while Corinne talks about checking the gears in canter. “We’ll need those gears when we start jumping bigger fences. We’re going to engage the outside hind leg, so build the canter along the long side, then sit up tall, ride a circle and bring him back into a collected canter. On that circle: halt and rein back at A, before walking forward and going

Coach notes Horses learn by repetition so keeping to a specific warm up routine means that a horse knows he is being mentally and physically prepared for work.

I always keep the ground lines out because it helps with the jumping technique by not allowing the horse to get too close.

Rider profile

back into canter.”

Corinne then introduces a turning exercise. “We’ll jump the green oxer and then ride the bending line to the grey oxer. We’ve got him flexible and maintained the flexibility around the corner, but now we want to make sure we also have the rhythm and stride length.”

Berenice then jumps the blue upright and takes five strides down to the purple oxer.

“Make sure that you’ve got him sitting back at the second part and not just jumping forward as he can make up a lot of ground between fences,” says Corinne. “Come through with a little less hand in the middle so you’re not picking him up at the fence.”

The pair have a walk to catch their breath as Corinne discusses incorporating a number of different fences on different angles to wrap up the session. “We’re mixing up fence sizes to try and keep the control. When Berenice jumps the purple oxer, she is on a long, committed distance from the previous fence.”

“We wanted to keep his frame in the right shape and work on the balance, and that’s exactly what we’ve done,” says Corinne. “The more we use exercises like this with Charlie, the stronger and more on the aids he’ll be in the ring.”

Berenice Laurent French amateur international showjumper F Berenice is a full-time student at the London B School S of Economics, and has been based in the t UK and training with Corinne for the last seven years. Berenice has s owned TJ Dynamic, aka o Charlie, her 10-year-old AES C Grateful thanks to gelding, since he was seven. g Suffield Farm livery “I’ve jumped up to 1.45m “ and Hong Kong Jockey on o him,” says Berenice. “My Club for their kind loan goal g with Charlie is to ride a of facilities and horses. two-star Grand Prix.” t bhs.org.uk

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The

COACH THOUGHT Training

British Horse Society The BHS Fellows and Instructors Association supports professional development for senior BHS coaches and offers outstanding training to all. We focus on new veterinary and scientific advances, and thought leadership, including advanced rider and coach psychology. Visit fandiassociation.org.uk

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COACHING Coaching clients with disabilities and challenges to their wellbeing requires great adaptability. Mark Cunliffe, Performance Coach (BHSI) and RDA Advanced Coach, discusses innovation and inspiration.

T

he motto of Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) is ‘It’s what you CAN do that counts’. An inclusive coach has the knowledge, skills and behaviours to positively and effectively coach people who have individual and differing needs.

It’s our job to look for the abilities our riders have and work to enhance these, rather than focusing on what limiting factors there are, no matter whether they be disabled or non-disabled athletes.

Over the last 20+ years I have worked with my wife Becky Monk, also a Performance Coach (BHSI), to coach riders with various disabilities, both visible and invisible; taking riders from grassroots RDA to international Paradressage competitions. The interesting and stimulating part of working with people with disabilities is having to think outside the box and be creative with

66

September 2020

lesson plans and solutions to obstacles. The environment that we create is that of acceptance and safety for our riders and athletes.

We do not make assumptions about their capabilities. It will sound really straightforward, but communication is the key for the participant and their support team to feel valued, engaged and empowered.

I was recently working with one of my visually impaired clients on centre lines. Having discussed in a previous training session about the feedback she was getting from the reins, we had decided to use a pair of continental reins, for her to judge if they were equal. This made her centre line better, but she still tended to lose straightness, with her left shoulder position preceding her. While discussing the rider’s shoulder position, I learnt from her that guide dogs are usually trained to lead from the left.

Nikki Watson with her RDA National Championships 2019 trophy for the TVI (Totally Visually Impaired) walk and trot test

This is where coaches must think outside the box, and I changed the rider’s reins for a bar rein, which we would normally use with a hemiplegic rider, amputee or someone born with a limb malformation. In this case, using the bar rein in her right hand gave the rider the proprioception of her right shoulder coming forward, creating a greater symmetry in her shoulders. This made a huge improvement to her straightness, and when she returned to continental reins, she was able to continue to work What’s the best piece of advice with the feeling of you’ve been given? her shoulder Clive Milkins, the paradressage position to maintain trainer, told me ‘You can’t change improvement down things from the outside’. This made me take a much more proactive the centre line. approach to RDA coaching, and I Therefore, I am a became a member of the RDA great believer in National Coaching Committee. experimentation. As Who’s your equestrian hero? a team we have to All the horses that work to improve communicate, the lives of our RDA participants. actively listen and They change lives more than any coach can. value each other’s input and points of Where did you train for your view. At the end of BHS Qualifications? the day: we are all Lakefield Equestrian Centre, with my wife Becky Monk BHSI, Ingestre with working to the same Tim Downes FBHS and Rob Lovatt goal - just not on the FBHS, and Talland with Pammy same path.

Hutton FBHS.

aching CoPROFILE

bhs.org.uk

66 coach thought_September 2020_British Horse 66

02/09/2020 09:53

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28/05/2020 10:57 15:09 26/08/2020

@leviwilliamhunt

News in brief LIFESTYLE

Little RECIPE

Rider recipe International dressage rider Levi Hunt lets us in on his favourite recipe.

“My favourite dish at any time of year is a stir fry – it has the ability to make me believe I can cook! I mix and match salmon or chicken with Udon noodles along with any vegetables I can find in the kitchen and then pour on a delicious ginger sauce. I also love to throw in mango on the side alongside a fresh salad.”

Ingredients 1 garlic clove 1 small onion Mangetouts 1 red bell pepper 1 green bell pepper 100g chicken or salmon (or 100g of any meat you have) 2 tbsp sunflower or rapeseed oil 2 x150g packs of straight to wok Udon noodles 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds 1 sachet of Yo! ginger and garlic stir fry sauce Method: 1. Peel and crush the garlic, slice the onion, and top and tail the mangetouts.

Deseed the peppers and cut into strips.

Slice the meat or salmon.

2. Place a large frying pan over a medium heat for 2-3 minutes before adding the oil.

3. Increase the heat, add the meat, and fry for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the garlic, onion and mangetouts and cook for 2 minutes, stirring until coloured but not softened. Add the peppers until golden, then add the noodles. Stir-fry everything for 3 more minutes, until ntil the noodles are soft.

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HYGIENE Fast Aid for hands Containing 70% Isopropyl Alcohol, these disinfectant sachet wipes effectively kill enveloped viruses, including COVID-19, and are ideal for wiping down shared equipment. They could prove especially useful during the winter months on yards with no running hot water. robinsonhealthcare.com

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seen on their free app, Mammal Mapper. You can n upload sighting details, droppings, or other signs of a mammal’s presence. Search h for ‘Mammal Mapper’ in Appp Store or Google Play.

National Mammal Week 2020 takes place 23 October-1 November.

Visit mammal.org.uk to find d out more. bhs.org.uk

69 Nibs_September 2020_British Horse 69

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bhs.org.uk

02/09/2020 09:56

Courses CAREERS

HORSES FOR COURSES Our world-leading BHS qualifications are the ideal way to spring-board your career, offering a structured platform to learn practical skills. BHS Approved Centre Colleges can help you to progress your ambitions within the equestrian industry.

FURTHER/HIGHER EDUCATION BHS Approved Training and Assessment Centre

Moreton Morrell College Further Education If you have a passion for horses our further education courses could provide you with the start you need for your equine career. We have a wealth of experience spanning 70 years in the equine industry and offer diplomas at Levels 2 and 3 in Horse Care and Horse/Equine Management, as well as one of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s few courses that prepares for Farriery apprenticeships.

Higher Education Moreton Morrell College is part of WCG (formerly Warwickshire College Group) and sits on an expansive 750-acre countryside

campus with a working farm and specialist equine facilities including a Hydrotherapy Centre. We offer Honours degree courses in Equine

Science, Equine Performance Coaching, and Equine Therapy & Rehabilitation, some of which you can also study at Foundation degree level or part-time from home. wcg.ac.uk/moreton

BHS Approved Training and Assessment Centre

Sparsholt College Develop your equine skills and specialise in rider and horse performance with courses from post-16 to postgraduate. Sparsholt College and University Centre Sparsholt students benefit from fantastic facilities on our 450 acre campus including the Sir Mark Todd Rider Performance Studio which houses a state-of the-art Racewood Eventing

The Open College of Equine Studies

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We are unique in combining distance learning with practical study options at our purpose-built facilities near Newmarket. Our students are fully supported by qualified industry professional tutors. Our courses cover a range of subjects from entry level Basic Stable Management for newcomers, to established vocational

courses in Equine Veterinary Nursing and Equine Physiotherapy for those who plan to make horses their career. Approved by the RCVS, City and Guilds, BHS, BTEC and Pearson. equinestudies.co.uk

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Careers_September 2020_British Horse 73

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Membership news YOUR BHS

MEMBERSHIPNEWS Please keep us up to date with any change of contact details on 02476 840506 or membership@bhs.org.uk

We have improved the system for paying by credit or debit card when calling BHS HQ. You will be asked to enter your own card number, expiry date and CVV code via your own telephone key pad.

This ensures greater security for you and the BHS regarding your card payments.

INSURANCE

BHS Legal Helpline The BHS Gold member legal helpline has seen 170% increase in purchase disputes in the last 12 months. The legal team explain how they helped BHS member Anna.

Image: Alamy

A

nna bought a pony described as ‘bomb proof’ from a trader for her daughter. The trader specifically said that he would make a great ‘first pony’ for a child and was very happy being boxed. The pony passed the vetting and although her daughter did not ride the pony prior to purchase, Anna did see a video of him being ridden and all seemed normal. However, the pony was so difficult to load at collection that he had to be sedated to travel. The seller was not present and the person at the yard could not explain the behaviour. The pony’s behaviour continued to deteriorate; he bucked, reared, and spooked at the slightest thing and was generally unsettled. After three weeks there was no change, and it was clear to Anna he was not safe for a child to ride and completely unsuitable as a first pony, but the trader wasn’t taking her calls.

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 applies to buying horses from a trader. Under this Act, goods must

be of a satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described. The Legal Helpline explained Anna’s rights to her and helped her word a letter explaining the issues and demanding a full refund. The trader realised from the letter that Anna was asserting her statutory right to a refund, repaid her, and arranged for the return of the pony.

Had Anna purchased the pony from a private seller the Consumer Rights Act would not have applied.

However, whilst she would have had reduced rights, she may still have some protection under the law of misrepresentation.

Purchase disputes are common and using an appropriate contract can help protect your interests. Call the BHS Gold member legal advice helpline to access the online legal document ‘Agreement for the Sale of a Horse or Pony’ and take legal advice on your situation. This is a FREE service for BHS Gold members. The helpline number is on your BHS membership card.

Gold Member Insurance Frequently asked questions from BHS members

Q

My business is breeding and selling horses – does my BHS Gold membership insurance cover me?

A The BHS Gold membership policy has a business activities exclusion, so dealing of horses is not covered under the public liability cover. However, in some circumstances, when the intention is to keep the horse for recreational purposes, breeding horses is covered. Please contact SEIB to discuss your individual circumstances.

Q

I ride horses for a living – am I covered by my BHS Gold membership?

A If you’re being paid to ride, you won’t be covered by the BHS public liability cover and will require a separate commercial policy. Providing there is a clear divide between paid and any unpaid recreational activities, such as hacking your own horses, you’ll be covered

by BHS public liability cover whilst riding for pleasure. bhs.org.uk

75 membership_September 2020_British Horse 75

September 2020

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REGIONAL News

REGIONAL ROUND-UP THE BIG BHS PHOTO SHOW Keep your eyes peeled in our next issue for the winners of our fun regional photo competition! We were delighted to receive over 3800 online entries across 10 classes, and we’re currently busy judging the finalists. The photo competition was free to enter, but if you would like to make a donation to the BHS Coronavirus appeal to support struggling riding schools through the pandemic, please visit bhs.org.uk/foodforhorses.

76

CHANNEL ISLANDS

EAST MIDLANDS

bhs.org.uk/Channelislands @BHSWales Kathryn.Stewart@bhs.org.uk

bhs.org.uk/Eastmidlands @BHSEastMidlands Sally.Andrews@bhs.org.uk

WALES

EAST

SOUTH WEST

bhs.org.uk/Wales @BHS Wales Kathryn.Stewart@bhs.org.uk

bhs.org.uk/East @bhseastofengland Janet.Holmes@bhs.org.uk

bhs.org.uk/Southwest @bhssouthwestregion Julie.Garbutt@bhs.org.uk

NORTH WEST

SCOTLAND

WEST MIDLANDS

YORKSHIRE

SOUTH EAST

bhs.org.uk/Northwest @bhsnorthwest Lyndsay.Dring@bhs.org.uk

bhs.org.uk/Scotland @TheBritishHorseSocietyScotland Julie.Hanna@bhs.org.uk

bhs.org.uk/Westmidlands @BHSWestMidlands Andrea.Jackman@bhs.org.uk

bhs.org.uk/Yorkshire @bhsyorkshire Amy.Clements@bhs.org.uk

bhs.org.uk/Southeast @BHS London & South East Georgina.Walters@bhs.org.uk

SOUTH

NORTHERN IRELAND & ROI

bhs.org.uk/South @BHSSouth Hannah.Marsh@bhs.org.uk

bhs.org.uk/Ireland @TheBritishHorseSocietyIreland Susan.Spratt@bhs.org.uk

LONDON

NORTH

bhs.org.uk/London @BHS London & South East Georgina.Walters@bhs.org.uk

bhs.org.uk/North @BHSNorthRegion Claire.Maddison@bhs.org.uk

September 2020

Get yourself connected Make sure you keep up to date with all your local BHS news and events online. Scan the QR code with your smart phone camera, and it will link straight to the regional or national webpage. Regional Facebook pages are also a great way to feel connected to other riders in your area, so make sure you visit and ‘like’ your local page.

bhs.org.uk

76 Regional_September 2020_British Horse 76

02/09/2020 10:00

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Letters, tweets, polls from your BHS

STAR LETTER Virtual victories I read with interest your STAR article in the June edition LETTER of British Horse WINS A ‘Switching Channels’; PRIZE rider training has had to adapt during the pandemic from on the ground to remote ‘virtual’ contact between coach and rider using computer technology. As a dressage rider I am delighted that competitions have been provided in which the judge has been able to assess the test by means of a video transmitted from the competitor’s phone. I can honestly say that these competitions have kept my mare and I focused on our training throughout the last four months ‘locked down’ at home. With feedback and training tips sent by electronic media along

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with our marked test sheet, we have improved our marks and progressed to the next test level.

Far from being bored, I have spent hours training and practising. I have also had plenty of mental stimulation learning all the different tests we have entered. Watching my videos back I have been able to identify areas for improvement in my riding and accuracy in the test. I have been able to check my horse’s way of going, ensuring that all is as it should be in the various gaits.

This is a medium I hope will be sustained even when the pandemic is over. It can benefit riders in many different situations and so make the sport more accessible and inclusive: there are riders who live far from competition venues or who are reluctant to travel during inclement weather such as high winds and snow; some horses do not travel well or settle easily at a competition venue; many riders don’t have transport or perhaps do not drive.

I have attached a photo of my rosette hanger with rosettes dating from April this year. When I have been placed in a virtual competition, I have simply attached an equivalent rosette won pre-pandemic. So far this year: quite a number!

HELEN ANN CONNOLLY

Sky-high praise A letter of thanks for all the useful articles on laminitis and hoof health!

Reading the BHS magazine with my morning coffee has become routine for many years. Having a pony with laminitis is definitely not an easy job, but with great farrier support and many helpful articles in the BHS magazines on how to manage laminitis, she has been doing great for a while. Keeping her

@britishhorse

TWITTER @britishhorse

EMAIL editor@bhs.org.uk

FACEBOOK TheBritishHorseSociety

weight and sugar intake down, making sure she gets steady exercise 4-5 times a week, and having happy hoof feed as a treat every evening seems to be doing the trick.

As stated in your latest magazine, ‘No Foot, No Horse’ so thank you very much from myself and my pony Sky for all the articles that have helped keep her fit, healthy and feeling great!

FFION HARRIS

Let sleeping horses lie Thank you for the article ‘Can’t Get No Sleep’ by Stephanie Bateman. Since many years ago finding my big Irish Draft fast asleep and snoring one morning, I have had an interest in horse’s sleep patterns. I left him sleeping and when he did eventually wake, I just sat down with him for ages as he fully woke up! So it was interesting to see this article on sleep in British Horse magazine, particularly the paragraph mentioning the importance of friendly horse company.

My next horse, now no longer with us, was particularly careful about finding secure sleep spots, her tell-tale signs of not getting proper sleep being a clean coat or rug when she should, at least, have had mud or grass stains on her. Being a grey you could also walk her favourite field spots to see the flattened spots and hair where she had been sleeping.

This was important information to me, because from time to time she would not feel comfortable with her field companions and I would suspect she was not lying down.

At those times I would move her to her own fenced-off area for the night where she could feel secure enough to have a proper lie down sleep.

PETE FRY bhs.org.uk

72 Mailbox_September 2020_British Horse 77

September 2020

77

02/09/2020 09:57

RIDING HOLIDAYS

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ARTHRITIS

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TACKROOM TEST

TACK ROOM TEST Can you tell your Byways from your Bridleways?

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1

5

2

6

3

7

4

8

When is the ‘cut-off’ date for recording historical bridleways in England with your local authority?

A 1 April 2022 B 1 January 2026 C 1 January 2031 What colour waymark disc would you expect to find on a bridleway?

A Yellow B Purple C Blue Where are you allowed to drive a horse & carriage?

A Byway Open to All Traffic B Public Footpath C Public Bridleway What is the symbol for a public bridleway on an OS Explorer Map (1:25,000 scale)?

A Short red dashes B Solid green circles

Where is The British Horse Society Ireland’s Toll Ride situated?

A Armagh B Greyabbey C Downpatrick According to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, where do access rights not apply?

A Country parks B Beaches and coastline C Gardens What can horse riders do in Scotland when exercising their horse across open ground that is not theirs?

A Churn up the surface B Lunge your horse C Enjoy a canter where the going is good

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C Long green dashes

What are equestrian road crossings commonly known as?

A Zebra crossing B Pegasus crossing C Unicorn crossing

September 2020

bhs.org.uk

82 Tack room_September 2020_British Horse 82

Answers: 1b, 2c, 3a, 4c, 5b, 6b, 7c, 8c

82

02/09/2020 10:00

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