Everything Horse magazine, July 2015

EVERYTHING HORSE MUST HAVES • THE LATEST NEWS • TRIED & TESTED July 2015

THE FREE EQUESTRIAN NEWS AND ARTICLE MAGAZINE

JULY 2015, ISSUE 22

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Trailblazers Championships 2015

Are you ready?

Suffer with nerves??

Gemma Tattersall is here to help us out

Find out what happened at ...

Bramham & Bolesworth

ZOOPHARMACOGNOSY

PARDON, WHAT? LEARN MORE ON HOW HORSES HELP HEAL THEMSELVES

MUST READ...

HORSE HEALTH

• Azoturia • Ulcers • Laminitis

July 2015 • Issue 22 • Everything Horse Magazine

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July 2015

EVERYTHING HORSE MAGAZINE

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Event reports

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Everything Horse UK Bringing the world of horse together Everything Horse Magazine - www.everythinghorsemagazine.co.uk 2 Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 22 • July 2015 You can also visit Everything Horse UK, our news and article website - www.everythinghorseuk.co.uk

W

elcome to the July issue of Everything Horse Magazine. Summer is finally here and we have a packed issue to help kick start your equestrian summer!

In Event News we have a full roundup of Bramham with our reporter Amy Bennett and all the news and results from Bolesworth International.

Daisy Jackson brings us her monthly British Dressage news reporting on the Somerford Premier League.

Whether you are a competitor or a leisure rider top eventer Gemma Tattersall gives us advice on how to cope with nerves and if you fancy getting involved in competition for the first time then Trailblazers Series is for you!

We learn more about this increasingly popular competition series that is suitable whatever your level or field of equestrianism.

Our July issue has a jam packed health section including articles on Azoturia and Gastric Ulcers; diagnosis, treatment and prevention of these conditions and we learn about the CARE about Laminitis Study and how you can get involved with your horses to help with research into preventing and treating this terrible disease.

World Horse Welfare bring us a first of its kind report into 'Health and Welfare of the European Equidae in 2015' and we learn all about Zoopharmacognosy, how horses can help heal themselves!

With all this and our usual Tried and

Editor: Jennifer McAloon jennifer@everythinghorseuk.co.uk Tested section , equestrian news and the latest equestrian products what better way to enjoy the sunshine than to chill out with a cold drink and this months issue of Everything Horse Magazine!

ENJOY !

News Team: Suzanne Ashton media@everythinghorseuk.co.uk

DISCLAIMER

Jennifer

Everything Horse UK Ltd endeavors to bring the reader accurate and up to date information from the equestrian industry. We may or may not agree with the information provided in this magazine, however we do aim to make sure it is relevant at the time of publishing. Images are provided by the content writers and Everything Horse UK Ltd will not be held liable for the use of images if copyright authentication has not been accurately sourced. Responsibility for Copyright authentication is left solely with the contributor. Should you have a dispute please contact Everything Horse UK, we will then be able to give details for the writer responsible for the issue of the images. Everything Horse UK Ltd strongly recommend you consult a qualified veterinary practitioner should you have any doubts over your horse’s health.

Report into Health and Welfare of the European Equidae in 2015 pg 38

July 2015 • Issue 22 • Everything Horse Magazine

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July 2015

Contents News

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. Event Report: Bramham International Horse Trials Amy Bennett brings all the action from this years event . Event Report: Bolesworth International Event report including individual class results and more

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. British Dressage: This month Daisy Jackson reports on Somerford Park Premier League Dressage

Front Cover: Showjumping at the Trailblazers Championships Image Credit Real Time Imaging

. Event News: The Royal County Berkshire Show Find out what the 2015 event has in store . Event News: The Liverpool International Horse show Bolesworth International Estate Director Nina Barbour announces plans for this new, exciting equestrian event scheduled to be taking place at the Liverpool Echo arena, January 2016 ... one not to miss out!

Lifestyle Feature

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. Joe Bates

on life, her team and this seasons horses ...

Horse Health

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. Laminitis Special This fabulous article focusses on the ongoing CARE programme and reports on a recent, successful case study.

Owners across the country are being encouraged to sign up now! Details on how to get in touch are included in the article

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. Zoopharmacognosy: Pardon, what?

Help your horse heal itself! Beth Chamberlin writes to tell us of the wonderful phenomenon that is Zoopharmacognosy, with a fascinating look into the difference between food and medicine for the horse

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. Azoturia in the Horse Mark Cubberley BVetMed Cert EM (IntMed) MRCVS, writes to inform us on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Azoturia in the horse

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T&T and Must haves ...

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. Gastric Ulcers Dengie nutritionist Katie Williams MSc (Dist) is back once again with a look into the cause of ulcers and how they are diagnosed, Katie has also included a selection of images from a dissection at a recent training day at Liphook Equine Hospital

. This month Harry Horse and our editor Jennifer have been trying out stable mirrors, boots and aprons .... yes aprons!

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. Ground breaking report on horse welfare World Horse Welfare have been hard at work raising awareness of welfare issues across the EU for Horses, Donkeys and mules by publishing a report; Removing the Blinkers

Riding

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. Get a grip of those nerves!

Gemma Tattersall gives great advice on how to cope with competition nerves!

. Must have items Shampoo, jackets and a calmer ideal for digestive upset caused when traveling the horse are just some of the items in this months must haves

Special Features

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. The Trailblazers Championships 2015; Now a household name, Trailblazer classes seem to be on the lips of every budding equestrian competitor up and down the country. Held over 10 days, the Championships are a great finish to an exciting season of showing, showjumping and dressage.

Read the article to find out more

Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 22 • July 2015

July 2015 • Issue 22 • Everything Horse Magazine

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July 2015 EVENT NEWS: Bramham Horse Trials

Brits Top the Table at Bramham!

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ramham Horse Trials has always been an action packed event, and this year proved no exception with three international event classes and a host of show jumping classes for spectators to enjoy. This year’s trio of British winners will certainly give the Team GB Eventing selectors a lot to think about before this year’s European Championships in Blair.

written by Amy Bennett Flora Flies in the CCI Wiltshire based rider Flora Harris further cemented her cracking season this year with a text book cross country round and a rare show jumping clear over Di Boddy’s technical course to remain on her leading dressage score of 36.8 penalties on board the stunning bay gelding Bayano. “I try to keep each phase a separate competition in my mind and

I’ve tried not to let being in the lead affect me,” she said of her pole position from day one, but the 27 year old kept a cool head and proved what a star she is going to be.

“It’s such a prestigious event, I feel a bit inexperienced to win it!” she remarked of her biggest ever success” The pair are perhaps a year too early to be proper championship team

Flora Harris (GBR) riding Batano Image credit Mike Bain Kitty King riding 10 year old Persimmon Image credit Mike Bain

contenders in my view, as Caroline Harris and Rebecca Salt’s promising young horse is only nine years old and lacks consistency and experience at the big events. However, Flora must certainly have given the selectors enough to scratch their heads about, and could possibly be in contention for one of the extra individual slots Team GB have as host nation, which would give the combination the much needed experience to stand themselves in good stead for the road to Rio next year.

The runner up in this class however looks to me as a certainty for squad contention, and if I were a gambling girl I would put my money on Kitty King and the 10 year old Persimmon to be included. The promising gelding has been quietly improving out of the limelight but I know just how much Kitty thinks of this horse and what he is capable of, “He’s been knocking on the door of a really good result,” she said of their second place, and she was equally pleased for her main rival in the competition, “I’m thrilled for Flora after her terrible week at Tattersalls [where Bayano had two run outs at a corner early on] where I won so I’m glad she’s 6

Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 22 • July 2015

gone well here.”

There were comments heard that Ian Starks’ infamous cross country course was somewhat softer this year in

“The runner up in this class however looks to me as a certainty for squad contention, and if I were a gambling girl I would put my money on Kitty King” Amy Bennett

comparison to previous tracks, with three quarters of the field jumping clear in the CCI class, but the ditches looked as big as they did last year (i.e. deeper than I am tall!) and the combinations equally as testing. However, for once the Yorkshire event was blessed with kinder weather which gave the course perfect footing, and therefore the ground was less tiring on horse’s legs and they didn’t

July 2015 • Issue 22 • Everything Horse Magazine

have to work so hard to complete.

“I’m happy with how it went,” Stark commented on the cross country, “I thought it was quite a tough track but it didn’t cause as much trouble as expected, although there were a few lucky escapes!”

Yorkshire’s Own Wins the CIC After years of trying, it was lovely to see local girl Nicola Wilson finally win an event here, and on her parents’ stunning WEG silver medallist mare Annie Clover she couldn’t have had a better partner.

After their performance at Kentucky four star this spring and now this result, if this combination don’t make the European squad I will eat my stirrups.

The pair rode to a dressage personal best of 37.4 and remained on that score throughout the weekend to take the top spot. “To win here at Bramham is really a dream come true,” Nicola commented of her win with her customary smile, “It’s something I’ve struggled to do but it’s nice to finally do it for us all! I have a lovely string of horses and the future is really exciting – I couldn’t be happier!”

Runner up Pippa Funnell summed up Nicola’s win as well as anyone could, 7

July 2015 Holly Woodhead (GBR) on DHI Lupison Image credit Mike Bain

Nicola Wilson (GBR) with Annie Clover Inset: Nicola Wilson with Mum after XC Image credits Tara Hector

“Nicola is a true professional in all three phases now, she’s got a great team of horses and she’s riding at the top of her game.”

CCI4* Eventer, Pippa Funnell

“Nicola is a true professional in all three phases now, she’s got a great team of horses and she’s riding at the top of her game.” Well said that lady! Pippa had led the dressage with the talented by sharp Billy The Biz but had four time penalties on the cross country course which cost her the top spot, a wise decision on the 10 year old with little experience under his belt having only been eventing since 2013. She also came within the top ten in the CCI with Sandman 7 and is really excited about the two horses futures “If I can get the mileage into them then these could be two of the best horses I have ever had.”

Woodhead Wins the U25 CCI Title Holly Woodhead, another Yorkshire born Brit, stormed to victory in the under 25 section riding DHI Lupison to win with 8

a massive margin of more than 11 penalties over nearest rival Dani Evans and a final score of 33. Twenty one year old Holly is slowly coming to the fore of the eventing scene and this marks her first three day win and was perfectly timed to celebrate the life of the horse’s owner - Holly’s grandfather, who sadly passed away the week before the event.

With a flawless cross country round maintaining her dressage lead, Holly then had a 2 pole advantage in the show jumping after Dani’s ride Smart Time had one down to put them in second place. But the combination didn’t need either as security and jumped the up-to-height track foot perfectly. “I’ll admit that yesterday I’d never felt so nervous, but today I was surprisingly calmer.

The horse jumped exceptionally and felt like he wasn’t going to touch a thing.” Holly said of her

Pippa Funnell (GBR) with Billy the Fizz Image credit Tara Hector Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 22 • July 2015

show jumping round on the stunning chestnut. “He tried his hardest and now we have our first three day win; I still can’t quite believe it and I think it will take a long while to sink in!”

Dani attributed her single fence down to rider error but was extremely pleased with the 11 year old gelding, “he’s been on it all week, which makes my job easier, and I couldn’t be happier with him. The show jump down was completely my fault but if it was going to be anyone to beat me, I couldn’t be happier that it was Holly!”

Holly is campaigning for a place in the British team for this year’s Young Rider European Championships

in Poland, and Dani is hopeful of an individual place at the Senior European Championships in Scotland. It’s a long shot in my opinion, given the performance of some of the more experienced Team GB riders and the talent of their mounts, but given that we are not trying to secure Olympic qualification here, it is still a possibility. But one thing is for sure…the pressure is on for one of those coveted 12 spots in Scotland!

Image right: Dani Evans (GBR) on Smart Time Image credit Mike Bain

July 2015 • Issue 22 • Everything Horse Magazine

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July 2015 EVENT ACTION: Bolesworth International CSI****

Robert Whitaker receives the award from Edward Lea of Equerry Horse Feeds.

Robert Whitaker Wins Exciting Equerry Competition at Bolesworth International

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ritish star Robert Whitaker carried his blistering form into day three of the Ashford Farm CSI**** Bolesworth International by winning another headline four-star class.

The 32-year-old Yorkshireman followed up his victory with Catwalk IV in Friday's (19th June) 1.55m competition by collecting his second successive £7,260 winner's purse, landing the 1.45m jump-off class, sponsored by Equerry Horse Feeds.

With Catwalk taking a breather ahead of contesting Sunday's Redrow Homes Grand Prix, Whitaker turned to the tried and tested 14-year-old bay stallion USA Today as his latest Bolesworth challenger.

And he did not disappoint, clocking 38.49 seconds to conquer a tight, twisting jumpoff course that generated mishaps for several of the 18 combinations that made it through round one.

Irish contender Captain Michael Kelly finished second on Drumiller Lough, just 17 hundredths of a second behind Whitaker, with another Irish duo - Edward Doyle and Mullaghdrin Touch the Stars - third, just in front of Jade Burgess and Severly Hille.

"The first round was quite tricky, but there were quite a few clears, and I had a good draw in the jump-off, which helped," said Whitaker, whose run of recent successes will 10

undoubtedly keep him firmly on the Great Britain selection radar ahead of the European Championships in Germany later this summer.

"If you are first to go in a jumpoff when there are so many clears, it's difficult. It just worked out well for me, really.

"There weren't too many clears in the jump-off - they were having a lot of faults everywhere - and it was taking a bit of jumping.

"I didn't make

a plan to go as quickly as I did, it just sort of worked out well. I can't complain.

"I think it suited him out there today.

There were a lot of tight turns, like from fence one to two, and he is so careful. He didn't play around, like he can do.

"He's 14 now, but he is really fit and healthy and has been second in good classes at St Gallen and Windsor recently."

Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 22 • July 2015

July 2015 • Issue 22 • Everything Horse Magazine

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July 2015 EVENT ACTION: Bolesworth International CSI****

Elvis Tops the Chart in First of it’s Kind, Bolesworth Elite Horse Auction

Rapid Renwick Blazes a Trail on Beluga Speed queen Laura Renwick enjoyed another dash to glory with Beluga as one of showjumping's most exciting combinations claimed a second victory at this year's Ashford Farm CSI**** Bolesworth International.

Essex-based Renwick won the show's opening four-star class aboard the 14-yearold bay mare on Thursday morning in the International Arena.

Saturday's action saw them in the Castle Arena, and they again did not disappoint, taking the 1.35m speed class, sponsored by Equiline, in emphatic fashion.

A time of 56.16 seconds saw them finish more than two seconds clear of a

Bolesworth's ground-breaking elite sport horse auction enjoyed a command performance under the Friday night floodlights at Bolesworth Castle amid unprecedented scenes in British equestrian sport.

It was the first time that an auction had been combined with an international showjumping show in the United Kingdom, with Ashford Farm CSI**** Bolesworth International owner Nina Barbour launching the unique concept of auctioning sport horse yearlings.

The 12 yearlings - all potential top sports horse prospects for showjumping - were selected from leading producers and breeders in the UK and mainland Europe, including Stal Hendrix, Ashford Farm Sport Horses/Eric Levallois, Harthill Stud, Billy Stud and Davenport Stables.

And the auction delivered a remarkable outcome, with total sales hitting £196,500 at an average per horse of £16,375.

Chestnut colt Elvis topped the chart through a successful bid of £30,500 as guests packed the Bolesworth VIP hospitality area, including top riders, breeders and customers.

Ashford Farm manager Enda

32-strong field, with James Smith and Cumina taking second place, followed by Belgium's Jos Verlooy in third on Clearwater 5 and Keith Shore fourth aboard Rubiroso JX. "She is so fast, and I know if I leave the jumps up she is going to be there or thereabouts. I am very lucky in that respect," Renwick said.

"She is not a slow horse, so she is always going to be in with a shout if the fences stay up.

"I was quite early to go, so that was nice. I could do my own thing and not worry too much about what everyone else was doing."

Carroll was closely involved in detailed preparations for the auction, and he hailed it as an outstanding success.

"We didn't know which way it was going to go, but it was just an outstanding evening," he said. "It doubled our expectations.

"We expected them to make good money, and we are thrilled they made the prices they made. Most importantly for us, there were great references for us from people Geir Gulliksen, John Hales and Daniel Bluman. This is how this auction is going to take off. Who we sell to is very important.

"For sure, this will continue. The vibe in the room was fantastic, and to have people like Paul Hendrix and Eric Levallois there was amazing.

An official preview parade took place earlier in the day, and excitement was high when the auction, sponsored by IFX International Foreign Exchange, began under the expert direction of auctioneer Andrew Nolan, of Goffs, in association with Wright Marshall.

Among the audience was Paul Hendrix, who runs the internationallyrenowned jumping and trading yard Stal Hendrix with his brother Emile in Holland, where their business of trading stable, stud, breeding, events and

training thrives. Their clients include the likes of Nick Skelton, Laura Kraut and Ian Millar.

Hendrix flew in from Holland especially for the auction, and he said: "This is a new thing that has been set up.

Nina is crossing borders with the show and Bolesworth, and with the sale of the yearlings.

"The way Nina has done it is the proper way to do it. A show like this one is one that people speak about on the continent. The concept is great, and the show has all the ability to go on and become a very big event."

Bolesworth Elite Auction Sale: Lot 1 - El Tigre (Ashford Farm/Eric Levallois) £23,000; Lot 2 - Elton (Ashford Farm/ Eric Levallois) £11,000; Lot 3 - Elvis (Ashford Farm/Eric Levallois) £30,500; Lot 4 - Eritela (Ashford Farm/ Eric Levallois) £12,000; Lot 5 - Billy Limoncello (Billy Stud) £18,000; Lot 6 - Billy Arctic (Billy Stud) £14,000; Lot 8 - One Attraction (Davenport Stables) £11,000; Lot 9 - Jackson V (Stal Hendrix) £11,000; Lot 10 - Jumping Jewel I (Stal Hendrix) £14,000; Lot 11 - Harthill Magician (Harthill Stud) £20,000; Lot 12 - Kilbracken Blue Jay (Harthill Stud) £21,000; Lot 13 - Harthill Imp (Harthill Stud) £11,000.

Chestnut colt Elvis topped the chart through a successful bid of £30,500!!

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Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 22 • July 2015

July 2015 • Issue 22 • Everything Horse Magazine

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July 2015 EVENT ACTION: Bolesworth International CSI****

Yasmin’s Redrow Grand Prix Success Yazmin Pinchen hailed "the biggest win of my career" after a superlative display saw her crowned Redrow Grand Prix champion at the Ashford Farm CSI**** Bolesworth International.

The 22-year-old Sussex rider delivered three clear rounds aboard the 12-yearold chestnut gelding Van De Vivaldi, which is owned by her mother Nancy, to power home and claim a £19,800 top prize.

Despite being the youngest rider among a 49-strong field, Pinchen displayed impressive composure as last to go in a four horse jump-off alongside Trevor Breen, John Whitaker and Keith Shore.

With the other riders having collected jump-off faults, Pinchen knew a clear round would be enough to claim one of British showjumping's most prestigious prizes, and she delivered in style.

And her career looks set to go from strength, with selection now confirmed in the Great Britain team that will contest next month's Nations Cup event in Falsterbo, Sweden.

Irish star Breen finished second on Oldtown KC, collecting £12,000, with Whitaker and Lord of Arabia third.

Shore and Mystic Hurricane finished fourth.

"John Renwick has been helping me, and he just said to stick to my plan and focus on going clear," said Pinchen.

"I have got a bit of an issue with my adrenalin taking over sometimes!

"Going last in the jump-off was the best thing ever. There was a lot more pressure, but I knew I just had to go clear.

"Luckily for me, I have had experience of jumping a few Global Champions Tour events, and it has given me more confidence. I know my horses can do it, it's just all down to me being positive.

"This is the biggest win of my career.

The horse is such a sweetheart, really. I have had him for a long time, and I have got a really good relationship with him.

"I just want to keep going and proving to everyone that I can do it. It is just about carrying on and being consistent."

Whitaker, 37 years Pinchen's senior, praised the skills of course builders Bob Ellis and Kelvin Bywater, whose track tested riders all the way through.

"The course caused its share of problems all the way around, which is good, and the sign of good coursebuilders. It was a tough test," he said.

There was also an impressive display

by Britain's world number one Scott Brash, who produced some majestic riding with Hello Forever to finish fifth, guiding the horse through two rounds of jumping with brilliant precision and accuracy.

But it was not to be for most of a starstudded international field, including defending Bolesworth grand prix champion William Whitaker or an inform Robert Whitaker, who had three fences down aboard Catwalk IV.

International Debut Delight for Nina Emery

Nina Emery completed the first international show of her career in style by securing the opening grand prix title on the final day of this year's Ashford Farm CSI**** Bolesworth International.

Emery, from Cannock in Staffordshire, guided 12-year-old bay mare Piana to victory in the amateur 1.20 metre grand prix, sponsored by Gain Horse Feeds.

It proved a dominant display, with the combination finishing 1.5 seconds clear of runner-up Joanne Whitaker and Contendro Star, while third place went to Bryony Holloway and Why Not. A total of 17 combinations made the jump-off from a 32-strong field, including Israeli rider Ariel Epstein, who secured a strong sixth-place finish with Corona.

Reflecting on a fine win in Bolesworth's International Arena, Emery said: "I have had the horse for six years. I bought her from France, and I have had her since she was at British Novice level, so I have brought her all the way through myself.

"She has been very consistent for me, and it is fantastic to win at what is the first international show I have ever been to.

"It's beautiful here, and the food was fantastic last night. I think I had too many puddings, though! I thought if I had any more, the horse would never carry me!

"You look around, and you just think 'where else in England can you go and jump somewhere like this?”

Great Win for James Smith Scotland's James Smith made it a case of third time lucky in the Ashford Farm CSI**** Bolesworth International as he captured the opening four-star class on a busy final day.

Smith had already claimed two second-placed finishes at Bolesworth on the 14-year-old grey mare Cumina, but he went one better in the 1.35m final, sponsored by EquiTrek, to edge a thrilling jump-off.

And Smith did it from first to go in the race against clock, posting a time of 36.50 seconds to collect a £2,970 top prize and edge in-form Brazilian Marlon Modolo Zanotelli and Cavalia into second spot, while Laura Renwick and Ulievka De Breve finished third.

"We've had Cumina for eight or nine years now, and she has always been a real winner. She always tries and tries," Smith said.

"I knew that all the guys following me in the jump-off were fast, so I tried to do everything I could.

"It's a great arena here, and the whole show - everything about it - is amazing. You never see an arena like that anywhere, really."

Smith called on all of Cumina's impressive jumping technique and speed across the ground to post an impressive victory.

"She is a very quick mare and she turns very well," he added. "She jumped superbly. Because she is small, she is always going for the distances, and she doesn't waste a lot of time”.

James Smith

Yasmin Pinchen riding Van De Vivaldi 14

Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 22 • July 2015

Gladiators Rock Bolesworth The Gladiators were on the march at Bolesworth Castle for the Saturday evenings performance - but it was contender Jemma Coburn who stopped them in their tracks.

The cult ITV series decamped to the Cheshire countryside for one night only in was their first-ever live outdoor performance.

And the IFX Bolesworth Gladiators Knockout certainly packed a punch as legendary referee John Anderson's battle-cry "Gladiator ready? Contender ready?" pierced the evening sky in front of a bumper crowd assembled around Bolesworth's International Arena.

The competition saw teams of showjumpers and contenders take on Gladiators like Ace, Doom, Amazon and Enigma across three Gladiators games - Dual, Zorb and The Eliminator - and it was Wirral-based Jemma who came out on top for Team Redrow alongside showjumper Jay Halim.

The contenders also included BBC Breakfast sports presenter Mike Bushell and dressage rider Nicolle Begovic, wife of Stoke City and Bosnia goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, and the audience revelled in what was another memorable

July 2015 • Issue 22 • Everything Horse Magazine

Bolesworth occasion.

John Anderson said: "I really enjoyed it. It was great fun, and a fantastic experience in terms of the arena. It was just magic.

"The audience was very appreciative, making a lot of noise, although probably not as much noise as I was making!

"That was our first-ever live outdoor effort, and certainly the first time with horses, so that was a new experience altogether. I thought it went very well."

Jemma, a showjumper who competes at international level, won a competition on Facebook to fill a role of Gladiator contender, and she added: "I had been on the treadmill in preparation for tonight, but I ride a lot as well.

"The crowd was amazing, absolutely fantastic, and I had the best partner ever in Jay." Jay, though, readily deflected any praise, stating: "It was a really good, fun competition. Jemma and I know each other really well, and it was thanks to Jemma's efforts that we won."

And one of the Gladiators team, Enigma, said: "That was brilliant tonight, and so good to get back into the arena. It was a really lovely atmosphere out there."

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July 2015 Advanced Medium. We are competing in our first Advanced on Sunday and aim to step up to PSG later in the year ready for the premier leagues in 2016.

We were the Petplan Novice Open Champions in 2013 and Elementary Open Champions in 2014 and qualified for the Nationals at Elementary Open in 2014 where we won the highest placed amateur owner/rider award. I have since decided to make a career in dressage and currently freelance train and ride and am hoping to do my training and judging qualifications. We also won the Advanced Mediums at the U25 High Profile at Keysoe.

I will be competing Winston at Hartpury Premier League in the Advanced Mediums and hopefully the Advanced. I was absolutely delighted with him at Somerford Premier League.

He has not long stepped up to the level and although there is lots to improve I always feel like he is trying his best for me. Winston and I have a very strong bond which I am sure helps us in the arena. He is a very affectionate horse who is like a big pet! I couldn’t believe how well we had done especially in the AM98 coming overall 3rd behind Paul Hayler and Laura Tomlinson on my little (15.3hh) home bred boy, it/ he is a dream come true. I also have his full sister who is now 5yr old and seems to be a promising prospect for the future. I train with Olivia Oakeley who I would like to thank for helping me at Somerford. I would like to thank my mum for everything she does for me, for believing in Winston and I and for making it all possible. And thank you to everyone who supports us and has been part of our journey so far. I am currently seeking sponsorship to help us on our next step of our journey and to be part of it. I hope to train Winston to Grand Prix but ultimately to enjoy and have fun on our journey together.’’

You can catch up on what Daisy has been doing via her website www.djdressage.co.uk

BRITISH DRESSAGE REPORT: Somerford Premier League Dressage

Crowd Pleasing Spectacular at Somerford Premier League

T

hree crowd pleasing and exciting days took place at Somerford Premier League where combinations new and old gave their all and produced fantastic results and great performances.

Taking the win for the FEI Young Rider Individual was Robyn Smith with her mother’s own Foold Uz who she bred 17yrs ago out of a Caletto mare with Fulton being his sire. After competing Spencer, as he is known at home, it became a bit much for Gail, Robyn’s mum so her daughter began riding and competing him. ‘‘In 2014 we were Scottish Champions at PSG and Inter 1. In Roosendaal, Holland this year we were best British combination in the team test achieving 9th on 67.719%. I train mainly with my mum along with Paul Hayler and Spencer Wilton. Spencer is an absolute star and tries his heart out for me every day. He loves work, especially when he gets to do his party tricks. I would love to do an inter 2 in competition with him and ride through a Grand Prix as it would be a real achievement for our family to have produced both parts of a Grand Prix combination. ’’ In the 5 year old Shearwater International Potential Dressage Horse, Darren Hicks showed off his ride Brandon, winning the class with 8.56 on Mimi Al Khalifa’s Stallion by Belissimo M. Brandon arrived with Darren Hicks and Spencer Wilton in November 2014 and since then has proven to be rather special, Darren said; ‘‘I have previously evented and still do but have stumbled over the dressage which I really enjoy. I ride all the young horses and love bringing them on and educating them, it’s so rewarding. I hope to be able to take Brandon to the young horse championships and be competitive. He is a true professional in the ring.’’

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written by Daisy Jackson With a big score of 73.92% Lindsay Hancock won the Medium Restricted with Barachiel. When catching up with Lindsay I got a little insight into her career so far and a bit on what to expect in the future; ‘‘I started my dressage career at the age of 17 on a 15.2hh show pony stallion who was sent up to me by his owners in Cornwall to compete in dressage.

After years of success with him and as he turned 21 it was time for him to return to Cornwall to retire. At this point I had the dressage bug! I sat down with my mum and dad and explained I wanted to do it seriously and may be one day, if I was good enough, as a profession. My mum and dad agreed to support me with dad stating that it was either a new kitchen for the house or a horse. So my mum set out in search for a horse with the ability that would hopefully one day take me all the way.

A hard task, but one she most definitely accomplished! Finding Barrachiel (stable name – Bacchus, or better known to most as HRH!) at Wikefield Farm, Leeds, West Yorkshire. He was bred by Barbara Harrison-Bland, his sire Gribaldi and his dam Diva both in their time had been established Grand Prix dressage horses.

We purchased Bacchus as a yearling from Barbara and in a way took a gamble as I had never brought on a horse before from such a young age.

I had to be patient but when the time came I backed him myself with a little help from a friend who pointed me in the right direction. The ground work and the crucial ‘first getting on stage’ was done by me with encouragement from my brother Neil. We did not rush the process and have taken our time with him as the goal is for him to make Grand Prix.

We have had lots of success together, many wins up and down the country from his Novice years right through to

Medium/Advanced Medium which are the levels he is competing at to date and at home working towards PSG. We have represented the Northern Region and England for the past three consecutive years being successful as an individual and as team members. We have been placed at regional championships in the top ten but unfortunately to date haven’t grasped that golden ticket for the nationals! – Again another one of our goals for the future (hopefully the near future). Our biggest achievement to date is winning our first Premier League at Medium and coming 6th in the Advanced Medium at Somerford Park.

We are now looking to perfect ourselves at Advanced Medium and aiming to do the Area Festivals at Advanced Medium and a PSG test by the end of 2015.

I could not have achieved what I have to date and of course any achievements in the future without the help of my very supportive family and also sponsors: Jons Tack Shack who has supplied me for over a year with competition and riding wear for myself and my horses; Helen Thornton of Equine Sports Therapy EST; Nikki Smith of Devine Equine; and Marilyn Stowe of Stowe Family Law LLP who has been extremely supportive, allowing me extra time off work for training and competing, as well supporting me financially with entry fees to major competitions. I cannot thank them enough.”

Gemma Abram and Spitfire aka Winston took two wins at Somerford in both the Advanced Medium Restricted and Breedon Aggregate Advanced Medium with 69.08% and 67.84%. After her wins I caught up with Gemma who said; ‘‘We bred him ourselves and I have handled him through the futurity series where he gained higher first premiums, to breaking him in to having produced him to now successfully competing

Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 22 • July 2015

Images: Top: The photo is courtesy of Kevin Sparrow Photography and was taken at Keysoe PL this year where Robyn Smith won the individual on 72.11%.

Middle: Lindsay Hancock and Barachiel.

Bottom: Gemma Abram and Spitfire.

Graham Gannon Photography – taken at Somerford Premier League this year.

July 2015 • Issue 22 • Everything Horse Magazine

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July 2015 Shetlands, Showjumping and Showing all to be seen at this years Royal County Berkshire Show, 19th - 20th September 2015

DATES FOR THE DIARY: The Royal County Berkshire Show

T

The Royal County Berkshire Show, 19th - 20th September 2015

his year’s Royal County of Berkshire Show (19th – 20th September 2015) returns with even more equestrian action and entertainment than ever before!

For the first time this year, the show will host the Shetland Pony Grand National, with a series of races over the weekend to wow the crowds, as well as their exciting qualifier for Olympia Horse Show on the Sunday. Another first for the equestrian timetable are the Senior Showing & Dressage classes, which are open to veteran horses and ponies accumulating in championships for both in-hand and ridden.

In the private driving classes, the show is proud to present an Osborne Refrigeration Qualifier this year and a Ladies Only Coaching class, making this a first for a UK county show. A highlight for Native fans is the introduction of lead rein, first ridden and ridden 18

Tickets for the Royal County Berkshire Show in August’s Everything Horse magazine

with a total of £7,500 prize money at stake, is set to be highly contested.

Add to the mix 2,000 top livestock; thrilling displays from quad bike stuntman, the Kangaroo Kid; tractor rides; mini farm for the children; an army zone with an inflatable assault course; and hundreds of shopping stands – and you have horses, horse power and the countryside all in one place.

TICKET INFORMATION

showing classes for Mountain and Moorlands.

In the show-jumping arena, the International Stairway Competition returns as the very first qualifier for the series which now, in its seventh year and

2015 ticket prices (purchase before 1st August): Adult £15.00, Child (5-16 years) £5.00 and Concession (60+) £13.00 Tickets purchased between 1st August and 18th September: Adult £16.00, Child £5.00 and Concession £13.00. Tickets can also be purchased on the gate. www.berkshireshow.co.uk

Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 22 • July 2015

July 2015 • Issue 22 • Everything Horse Magazine

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July 2015

DATES FOR THE DIARY: The Liverpool International Horse Show

New Equestrian Event: The Liverpool International Horse Show,1st - 3rd January 2016

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new, world class sporting event to be held in Liverpool will kick off the sporting and Olympic year of 2016. The Liverpool International Horse Show will be staged at the Liverpool Echo Arena on January 1st, 2nd and 3rd on the city’s historic waterfront.

The event is being organised by equestrian promoter Nina Barbour, from the prestigious Bolesworth International, in Cheshire. The Liverpool International Horse Show will build on the city’s equestrian and entertainment heritage by combining top class showjumping and entertainment.

Barbour said: ‘We want to bring equestrian sport to the heart of the city. We see this as our Olympic legacy. I watched the equestrian events in the heart of London at the 2012 Olympics and I wanted to bring that kind of world class sport to the north west of England.

‘Liverpool is world famous for its sporting and entertainment heritage and we want to put the city on the map as a centre of excellence for showjumping. We’re really proud to be working with such a go-ahead city and we hope we’ll become a key feature of Liverpool’s sporting and entertainment calendar.’

London 2012 Olympic showjumping gold medallist, Liverpool-born Peter Charles, who launched the new show by clearing the London Olympics ‘Abbey Road’ showjumping fence on the Liverpool waterfront said: ‘Liverpool’s famous for Beatlemania and we hope to bring a bit of Horsemania to the city.

‘The Liverpool International Horse Show will be the hottest event for the world’s best showjumpers who are all preparing for the Rio Olympics. I’m a Liverpool football fan so I know how much this city loves world class sport. I can’t wait to perform in front of a Merseyside crowd in such a spectacular setting.’

Iain Graham, chief executive of British Showjumping, added: ‘British Showjumping is delighted that Britain has a new, world class showjumping event. The Liverpool International Horse Show will be a terrific start to the Olympic year as our riders prepare for Rio 2016. To have showjumping in the heart of the city of Liverpool will bring our sport to a new generation of equestrian fans and promote our sport in the north west of England.’

The Liverpool International Horse Show will have its own ‘Grand National’ of Shetland ponies and a spectacular

display by six shire horses who will thunder across the arena. Musical connections with the city will be highlighted with a performance by the Bootleg Beatles.

The Horse Show will be the centrepiece of the New Year celebrations in the city and is likely to attract thousands of visitors and tourists. Joe Anderson, the Mayor of Liverpool, said: ‘I’m absolutely delighted that Liverpool is to stage a brand new, world class sports event. The city has a proud sporting heritage and to see the world’s best riders in action on the Liverpool dockside will confirm our status as one of the leading global sports cities. It will be a great start to the New Year and the event will contribute a huge amount to the city’s economy.’

The event will also include VIP hospitality packages and exclusive viewing boxes with fine dining and excellent views of all the action. And for spending that Christmas gift money, there will be a huge shopping village selling a range of goods from all things equestrian to designer fashion, gifts, jewellery and exclusive clothing.

For further information visit www.echoarena.com

“‘I’m absolutely delighted that Liverpool is to stage a brand new, world class sports event. The city has a proud sporting heritage and to see the world’s best riders in action on the Liverpool dockside will confirm our status as one of the leading global sports cities. It will be a great start to the New Year”

Ian Graham, chief executive of British Showjumping 20

Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 22 • July 2015

July 2015 • Issue 22 • Everything Horse Magazine

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EQUESTRIAN NEWS

EVERYTHING HORSE MAGAZINE

#ehuknews

Pony Club says Thank You for Thousands of Valuable Volunteering Years!

The Pony Club kicked off Volunteers’ Week, held June 1-7th to mark the contribution made by millions of volunteers across the UK, with its annual Cubitt Award ceremony.

The annual awards are held in honour of volunteers who have given in excess of 20 years to The Pony Club, and take their name from the late Hon Guy Cubitt, who was Chairman of The Pony Club for 25 years and President from 1970 – 1979.

2015 saw 68 volunteers awarded the Cubitt certificate and badge, alongside 10 awardees who also received their Cubitt Bar for more than 30 years service, and a further four for an extraordinary 40

years or more of service!

The 2015 awardees had given an incredible amount to The Pony Club, with over 1700 years of volunteering between them and with one particularly notable contribution coming from husband and wife Sylvia and John Foster and their daughter Susan Tomlinson from the Meynell Hunt Branch in Staffordshire; who between them represented over 60 years of incredible volunteering service!

Following lunch, the ceremony got underway and awardees were presented with their Cubitt Award by Mary Tuckett, Chairman of The Pony Club,

Newland House School donates £6k to charity Newland House School in Twickenham has presented the local children’s charity - The Horse Rangers Association - at Hampton Court, with a cheque for £6000.

Newland House encourages pupils to become actively engaged in supporting charitable causes. Each year, the Head Boy and Head Girl nominate a local organisation for parents, staff and pupils to support. This year, they nominated The Horse Rangers Association for its work for special needs children in the local community.

Many of the children at the school are familiar with the HRA’s general activities but would not necessarily be aware of the life-enriching riding sessions it provides for special needs children.

A group of Year 8 boys visited the 22

HRA stables to see the work of the Horse Rangers at first hand, meet the staff and of course, the horses. The students were able to understand, more fully, the work of the charity and it made their donation both meaningful and tangible.

Col. Geoffrey Godbold (OBE), Director at the HRA has confirmed the funds will be used to provide essential equipment to support the Riding for Disabled programme for its two squadrons of special needs Rangers.

The Head Boy, Tommy Offer & Head Girl, Catrin Mills presented him with the cheque to which his response was “I must say I was speechless when I saw the amount as I had assumed that it would be for a few hundred pounds not this amazing amount”.

who commented “Volunteers’ Week is a fantastic opportunity for The Pony Club to extend its gratitude to the thousands of volunteers who give up their time to help the next generation of young equestrians learn and develop. The Cubitt Awards are just one way for The Pony Club to say ‘thank you’ to some of its most exceptional volunteers, but we also have lots of activities lined up for the week to reach as many of our volunteers as possible, no matter what role they play for our organisation.”

The Cubitt Award ceremony also saw the launch of the new Pony Club Volunteer Badge, available to all Pony Club volunteers as something they can wear and be proud of! The Volunteer Badge is supported by International Event Rider and former Pony Club Member Zara Phillips, who comments “Volunteers come from all walks of life, from the young instructor helping at their first stable management rally to the long serving camp organiser. As a former Member I have great memories of taking part in all Pony Club activities - thank you, to all the Volunteers who give their time to make the learning, friendship and fun that The Pony Club offers, possible”.

Pony Club volunteers are encouraged to apply for the Volunteer Badge online at www.pcuk.org, where further information about volunteering with The Pony Club can also be found.

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Equestrian Blogging Network Haynet Launch Book Store Haynet have collaborated with Kenilworth Press offering equestrian books for sale through the online social blogging site. Kenilworth, the official publisher of the British Horse Society books publish a selection of equestrian titles focussing on many of the sports disciplines as well as topics covering horse health and care.

If you choose to buy through Haynet they will be offering site members 25% off purchases! Simply quote HAYNET2015 at the checkout.

For more information please visit http://www.hay-net.co.uk/equestrianbookstore

Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 22 • July 2015

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July 2015

Get a grip of those

NERVES

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ider nerves affect the majority of us at some point in our lives, however how do the top riders cope with competing at international level?

Courtesy of Childéric Saddles, we caught up with top event rider Gemma Tattersall for her advice on beating nerves: “In the run up to an event, try to improve on you and your horse’s performance but be realistic and don’t push yourself or your horse, beyond your capabilities. You do need to do your homework and of course concentrate on the weaker areas, but don’t forget to make a mental note also of all the good things!

You need to look at what exactly you are nervous of and why in order to address it. If you are nervous because you don’t feel ready to be competing at that level, then don’t! Just because everyone else at the yard thinks you should be competing higher, it doesn’t mean you have to! It is better to get your confidence at a lower level then gradually build up than have all your confidence wiped out in one disastrous outing. You do need to push yourself forward, but I cannot recommend enough getting a good instructor and one you can trust to help guide you up through the levels.

If you are nervous because you have had a bad fall, then go back to basics and build up slowly. If your horse was naughty at say a ditch and you fell off, then ask your instructor to school your horse over ditches in order to regain confidence and be armed with the tools to help you tackle this situation should he or she try to put a stop in again.

Preparing for an event in terms of practical, will also give you one less thing to worry about. For example making sure all of your riding stuff is ready and clean so you don’t have a last minute panic is not only sensible but can also be quite therapeutic and empowering, because you are doing something

positive and taking positive action to ensure things run smoothly on the day.

Running though your test mentally, walking your courses (Both show jumping & cross country) in your mind and making sure you know them inside out is something which I find really helps. Once you have done this distract yourself with something such as a good book or a game on your phone so you don’t keep going over and over it.

Making sure that you have a clear plan for your warm up can also help focus the mind. Concentrate on riding and warming up to the best of your ability rather than worrying about the actual competition.

If nerves are really affecting your riding and competing then maybe consider getting some help. Working with a sports physiologist or life coach could help you re-focus and dispel nerves. Even at the top, riders can have confidence crisis’s so don’t feel like you are alone” Visit www.childericsaddles.co.uk to learn more about Gemma’s sponsors.

With special thanks to Gemma Tattersall.

Learning to cope with

Competition Nerves

with top event rider, Gemma Tatterall Gemma Tattersall at WEG Image credit Libby Law Photography

Image credit David Miller 24

Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 22 • July 2015

July 2015 • Issue 22 • Everything Horse Magazine

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July 2015

HORSE HEALTH: Laminitis

Creating Awareness and Reporting Evidence (CARE) about Laminitis Case Study: Leonora and Guinness

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quine laminitis is a serious and debilitating disease which can lead to long-term lameness and pathological changes in the foot. Multiple factors interact to cause the disease and once clinical signs of pain and lameness have been noticed, damage to internal foot structures will have already begun. A knowledge gap still exists regarding the true frequency of the disease in Britain, as well as how to best prevent it.

To this end the Animal Health Trust, in collaboration with the Royal Veterinary College and Rossdales Equine Hospital, and generously funded by World Horse Welfare, has launched a study to investigate the frequency of laminitis and factors both increasing and

decreasing its risk, in order to provide owners with evidence-based guidelines to reduce the impact of the condition nationwide.

Owners of horses Owners of horses who have who have previously previously had laminitis once, multiple times or never at had laminitis once, all are encouraged to sign multiple times or never at up to the CARE about Laminitis study, taking part all are encouraged to sign in a regular submission of up to the CARE about information regarding their horse’s management and health, Laminitis study as well as an opportunity to track www.careaboutlaminitis.org.uk their horse’s weight and condition.

To date, owners of nearly 1000 horses and ponies have signed up to support the critical research, but the charity is in need of many more to achieve its aims.

Case Study: Leonora and Guinness

and brought him in. “It was awful, he doesn’t tolerate box rest well. Seeing the animal I love in pain was truly miserable.” Thankfully for Guinness, x-rays revealed that only minimal changes had occurred inside the foot, but the experience was one that Leonora doesn’t want to repeat.

With the reasons for Guinness developing laminitis unclear, Leonora wants to find an answer for why horses develop this condition to avoid any recurrence. The CARE about Laminitis study seeks to establish the risk factors for laminitis in order to provide guidance and advice on how to prevent the disease. “I think the study is a great initiative and I’m wholeheartedly behind it; gaining more information to be able

One such owner taking part in the CARE about Laminitis study is Leonora.

When Leonora’s cob Guinness was struck with the disease in 2010, she was devastated. “He developed it completely out of the blue,” said Leonora. “I was bringing him in from the field and he was very slow, reluctant to walk on the hard ground and shifting his weight from one front foot to the other. I was fairly sure it was laminitis, so I called the vet that day. And I was right – it was laminitis.”

Instructed to put Guinness on box rest, Leonora followed the vet’s advice

“

I think the study is a great initiative and I’m wholeheartedly behind it; gaining more information to be able to prevent laminitis can only be a good thing!

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“

to prevent laminitis can only be a good thing!

“Judging from my experience, I don’t think any horse is exempt from getting laminitis. The study is very straightforward, you get into a routine of providing the information and the researchers are incredibly supportive.

If everybody gets involved, we’re a step closer to beating laminitis and reaching a future where no horse has to suffer from this dreadful disease.”

If you’re a horse owner, the Animal Health Trust urges you to sign up to the CARE about Laminitis study. We want to understand laminitis and educate owners on how best to prevent it, but we can’t do that without your help. Every horse and pony in Britain is eligible to take part in the study – an animal that has never had laminitis is just as necessary to the research as one that has.

VISIT www.careaboutlaminitis.org.uk TO SIGN UP TODAY!

Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 22 • July 2015

Image: Guinness

FIVE

1

reasons why you should join the CARE about Laminitis study...

Directly contribute to research into this debilitating disease Regularly volunteering a small amount of your time to update us on your horse will potentially help to improve the health and welfare of all horses and ponies – even if they have never had laminitis!

2

Monitor your horse’s weight and condition Monitoring the weight and condition of our animals is an important aspect of being a horse owner, whether the goal is weight loss, maintenance or gain. It can be difficult to detect gradual changes when estimating by eye alone, but we provide step-by-step instructions on how to consistently

estimate weight and condition.

Entering your information into our online weight tracker allows you to track estimated weight over time and identify any fluctuations.

3

Get to know your horse (even) better; The regular routine of updating your horse’s questionnaire allows you to evaluate subtle changes in their routine and how these vary over time. Your latest information is saved, so if updated regularly, your questionnaire is a handy reminder for events such as the farrier, your worming routine and when you started feeding certain supplements.

You can log in any time to review and edit it.

July 2015 • Issue 22 • Everything Horse Magazine

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Join the CARE community Connect with people all over Britain who are also part of the study.

We have an excellent members-only Facebook group that is extremely supportive and also allows you to be the first to find out the latest study news.

5

Win great prizes; There are exclusive chances to win prizes, such as discount vouchers for various equestrian stores or free places at equine skills courses to further your knowledge. The more you participate in the study, the greater your chance of winning!

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Horse Health: Equine Pharmacognosy

HORSE HEALTH: Zoopharmacognosy

Zoopharmacognosy Help your horse to heal itself written by Beth Chamberlin

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he sense of smell to the animal kingdom plays such an important role, not only as a way to communicate and identify others of the same or different species, but also to play a vital role in how they relate to medicinal plants.

Since the dawn of time animals have evolved an innate ability in which they are able to self-select medicines that nature has provided for survival. This behaviour of animals seeking medicinal plants for health benefits is known as Zoopharmacognosy.

Wild animals are able to seek out medicinal plants at the first signs of poor health, but because our domesticated animals rarely have the opportunity to forage on a wide variety of medicinal plants, more challenging health problems often occur. Applied Zoopharmacognosy takes nature’s medicine kit to them, allowing the animal to express its innate ability to self-medicate by offering a wide range of plant compounds such as essential

oils, macerated oils, dried herbs, powders, clays and algae. Animals with the same symptoms may choose to select a different remedy which is why this approach highlights the fact that this is individualized medicine.

What is the difference between food and a medicine?

Plants provide two main resources to animals. Firstly they provide a food source which provides direct energy from fats, carbohydrates and proteins needed to maintain life and growth.

A plant also provides medicinal compounds which when not needed, can be detrimental, the body then has to rid itself of the toxin. Animals have developed specialized detoxifying enzymes in order to do this. The complex relationship between plants and animals has enabled animals to acquire a taste for a plant containing a particular compound that is needed, whilst for a healthy animal it would be deterred by its bitterness and perhaps

putrid smell. The theory suggests that a plant’s pleasantness of taste and smell can change depending on the state of the animals’ health and this is how the animal can dose itself. Once the animal has resolved its health problem, taste and smell preferences should revert back to normal. A commonly asked question is why the animal is

“Wild animals are able to seek out medicinal plants at the first signs of poor health, but because our domesticated animals rarely have the opportunity to forage on a wide variety of medicinal plants, more challenging health problems often occur”

selecting a plant extract that it has never encountered during its life for health benefits. Plants contain many chemical constituents that are shared by different plant species across the globe and, through the relationship that has evolved, animals are able to detect therapeutic compounds within plants rather than the plant as a whole.

For example Linalool, the principle constituent in Lavender, can be found in over 200 species of plant throughout the world. Based on these principles it is advised not to add medicinal compounds to feed as, if not needed, the animal has no control over its dose and it may cause adverse effects.

Equine pharmacognosy specializes in self-medication with equines and provides a holistic approach to horse health. During a consultation, reading an animal’s body language in response to an extract offered is key to determining whether or not it has been selected. It is important that animals are allowed to walk away from a remedy that is not needed as that ensures that it is not forced upon them. Each animal is different in its response to an extract and may only show subtle signs of

Image: Self medication may be in the form of ingestion or inhalation

interest when an extract is needed.

Depending on the issue facing the animal, remedies may have differing routes into the body. Self-medication may be in the form of ingestion, inhalation, including the flehmens response (curling of upper lip) which is the use of the vomeronasal organ and applied topically. Once the condition has cleared or improved

the animal will normally reject the plant extracts that have previously been selected. The process of animals using plant extracts to self –medicate is not only an extension of nutrition but is a homeostatic behaviour and environmental enrichment.

Beth Chamberlin www.equinepharmacognosy.co.uk

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Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 22 • July 2015

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July 2015 • Issue 22 • Everything Horse Magazine

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July 2015

HORSE HEALTH: Azoturia

Azoturia in the Horse

a

a

Diagnoses, treatment and prevention written by Mark Cubberley BVetMed Cert EM (IntMed) MRCVS

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zoturia, also commonly known as Equine Rhabdomyolysis syndrome (ERS) is a problem caused by a disruption to normal muscle fibre function and structure in horses. It is also commonly referred to ‘set-fast’ or ‘tying-up’. It can be likened to muscle cramps in people but the consequences and action required for Azoturia are often a bit more severe.

The problem will often appear as mild to severe muscle pain, especially in the hind quarters and back. During an Azoturia episode, these muscles and structures become highly inflamed and stiff, resulting in pain and tension, often causing the horse to become reluctant to move or even agitated or aggressive.

Diagnoses Diagnosing Azoturia and noticing the signs can depend on the severity of the case. Less severe cases can be seen as slight stiffness in the horse, with a reluctance to move fast. In more severe cases the horse may also begin to sweat, nervously, paw the ground, have a high heart rate, muscle tremors, breath more deeply and rapidly and be reluctant to move at all. Urine discolouration is also common in horses with Azoturia; their urine may become brown or slightly red or even nearly black depending on the severity of the case. Either way, this is caused by the release of myoglobin in the damaged muscle fibres which is passed in the urine, changing its colour.

Most cases of Azoturia are seen during or after exercise, hence the likeness to muscle cramps. But it can also be recognised as a recurring problem in some horses, with some being more prone to episodes. For the most part, Azoturia is more common in horses that have had a break in exercise for as 30

little as a single day, and then returned to exercise, with Azoturia occurring during the return to exercise.

Whilst the single root cause of Azoturia isn’t entirely clear, the symptoms for the most part will be similar and the treatments will be too.

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Treatment The treatment required for an Azoturia episode will also depend on Most cases of Azoturia are seen the severity of the during or after exercise, hence the case, with most cases requiring likeness to muscle cramps veterinary attention.

Initial treatment of Azoturia often involves the use of antihorse can return to work. These blood inflammatory agents in an attempt to samples also help the vets determine the reduce the swelling and stiffness of the severity of the episode by measuring horse, as well as to reduce pain so that whether the horse has an elevation in the horse may be able to relax. This is certain enzymes which are released due also done to try and limit the release to muscle damage. of myoglobin. Excessive myoglobin can cause bad damage to the kidneys, Avoiding Azoturia which can be made even worse if the Prevention is often the best cure, since 1 horse is already dehydrated because of in 5 horses will suffer from an Azoturia sweating through exercise. It is essential attack at least once during their life. for the horse to maintain hydration by While the condition is more commonly either continuing to drink or receiving seen in arabs or racehorses, it is not intravenous fluid therapy. It is also limited to these groups and therefore important to ensure that the horse Azoturia should be on the radar of is continuing to pass urine to ensure every conscious horse owner. Allowing normal kidney function. a horse plenty of time to warm up and Other than treating these symptoms, cool down properly before any strenuous a vet treating Azoturia will also often exercise, especially after a day off, is take blood samples at regular intervals always a good start. This will gradually in order to gauge how quickly and if the increase the blood supply to the muscles horse is recovering and eventually and slowly build up the normal muscle this will allow the vet to say when the Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 22 • July 2015

July 2015 • Issue 22 • Everything Horse Magazine

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July 2015

EVERYTHING HORSE MAGAZINE

Urine discolouration is also common in horses with Azoturia; their urine may become brown or slightly red or even nearly black depending on the severity of the case

Prevention is often the best cure, since 1 in 5 horses will suffer from an Azoturia attack at least once during their life. While the condition is more commonly seen in Arabs or racehorses, it is not limited to these groups and therefore Azoturia should be on the radar of every conscious horse owner. metabolism.

As well as this, allowing the horse to keep to a routine to keep stress levels low is always a good place to start. Often an over excited or stressed horse will cause damage to their muscles. Mares that are in season are known to be at a higher risk of an episode of Azoturia. Some forms of it have an inherited or genetic disposition as well so care should be taken when breeding from a horse that has suffered episodes.

Maintaining a consistent diet is vital, making any changes to a horse’s diet gradually and staying alert to any negative changes which may appear due to a different diet so the problems can be avoided. Also, keeping balanced levels of electrolytes which aid muscle metabolism, as well as high levels of dietary fibre and fat, while keeping levels of sugar and starch low all help to keep a horse ready for exercise and able to avoid problems. Other than these, knowing if a horse is acting out of behaviour and being acutely aware of any slight changes to a horse’s behaviour can help spot the warning signs or the symptoms of Azoturia.

With special thanks to

Mark Cubberley BVetMed Cert EM (IntMed) MRCVS Scott Dunn’s Equine Clinic 32

Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 22 • July 2015

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Event reports

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33

Horse Health: Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome

HORSE HEALTH: Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome

Dengie senior nutritionist Katie Williams, MSc (Dist), looks at the issue of EQUINE GASTRIC ULCER SYNDROME and ways to help reduce the risk of this painful condition.

E

quine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is often thought of as a new disease to affect horses but, in reality, it’s probably been around for a long time – it’s just that now, it is easier for us to see the problem!

As an increasing number of equine veterinary practices are investing in endoscopes long enough to view the

Reducing the risks Feed is a key factor in helping to cut the risk of your horse or pony developing gastric ulcers. Always provide plenty of fibre and as little cereal-based feed as possible. However, not all fibre is the same. An independent study carried out at Texas A&M University has shown that alfalfa plays an important part in reducing ulcers – even greater than turning a horse out to pasture.

MORE Fibre LESS Starch This is because of alfalfa’s high levels of naturally occurring calcium and amino acids – which are not present in grass.

It is also interesting to note that a study carried out by researchers in France showed that supplementing the diet with a prebiotic known as FOS increased the number of acid-utilising bacteria in the stomach. Using feeds or supplements that contain this could provide another way to help reduce the risk of developing ulcers.

In addition, offering a small amount of fibre, such as a couple of handfuls 30 to 60 minutes before exercise, provides a barrier to the acid to stop it splashing around. Providing more fibre and less starch in the bucket feed should also help to reduce acidity levels in the gut.

34

horse’s stomach, the extent of the gastric ulcer problem is becoming apparent.

Rewind the clock to the 1990s, and the level of gastric ulcers among racehorses was reported at more than 90 per cent. Today, studies show that it’s not just racehorses that are suffering from this painful condition.

One report has revealed that 93 per

cent of endurance horses taking part in rides of 90 to 160km had gastric ulcers, while work in the US has reported gastric ulcers as the most frequent nutrition-related problem for event horses. But the problem isn’t limited to competition horses – those ridden for leisure have shown incidence levels at around 40 per cent.

What causes ulcers?

There is no one simple answer because there appears to be a wide range of contributing factors. These include:

> Girthing pain. > Variable appetite. > Poor performance. > Change in behaviour and attitude. > Lying down more than usual. > Teeth grinding. > Poor coat condition. > Recurring mild colic that seems to resolve itself. > Weight loss or failure to maintain condition. > Starting to eat a bucket feed, then stopping. > Starting or worsening of wind-sucking and/or cribbing.

How are gastric ulcers diagnosed?

The only conclusive way to confirm whether your horse or pony is suffering from gastric ulcers is with a gastroscopy. This involves a 3-metre-long flexible video endoscope being passed up the horse’s nostrils and down into the stomach to allow a full examination. It is carried out under sedation and is usually well tolerated.

The horse is generally fasted for about 16 hours before this.

“

“

Gastric Ulcers

What are the symptoms?

Gastric ulcers generally cause relatively low-grade pain, so symptoms often appear vague. They include:

The only conclusive way to confirm whether your horse or pony is suffering from gastric ulcers is with a gastroscopy

Low-fibre diets: Fibre takes much longer to chew than cereal feeds and the chewing generates more saliva, which contains bicarbonate that, in turn, helps to regulate acidity in the stomach. Good doers on a calorie-controlled diet are just as susceptible as racehorses to ulcers because they have too little fibre in their diet.

Diagnosis by Gastroscopy Gastroscopy is a process carried out by veterinary surgeons to diagnose equine gastric ulcers.

Today’s endoscopes measure about 1cm in diameter and are long enough to explore the horse’s entire stomach with ease. To ensure that the examination is carried out as sensitively and safely as possible, the horse is sedated and led into a confined area where it is attended by nursing staff and supported throughout the procedure. As the endoscope is manoeuvred gently around the stomach, images are transferred to a screen, allowing the vet to check carefully for ulcers or any other problems.

High-cereal diets: A study conducted in Denmark showed that exceeding 2g per kg body weight of starch per day or 1g per kg body weight per meal were two of the most significant factors linked to gastric ulcers. For a 500kg horse, this equates to 1kg of starch per day or 500g per meal. If a mix contains 20 per cent starch, feeding 2.5kg would provide 500g – the maximum suggested for one meal.

High-speed or intense exercise: It is thought that moving at speed can push the acidic stomach contents into the region of the stomach vulnerable to ulcers. Fibre in the stomach can act as a barrier to the acid, stopping it from splashing around and damaging the stomach lining.

Stress: Even horses living at grass can have ulcers, so stress is clearly a significant contributing factor.

Images Top: Scoping Ralph Bottom: Nantwich Partner Alisdair Topp

Image credit: Mike Bain

Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 22 • July 2015

July 2015 • Issue 22 • Everything Horse Magazine

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Horse Health: Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome Dissection A small ulcer can be seen in this horse stomach that was dissected during a Dengie retailer training day at Liphook Equine Hospital, in Surrey. Ulcers occur in the squamous mucosa region of the stomach, which offers weak defence against acid. Gastric ulcers are graded/scored. Grade 1 shows some reddening, Grade 2 features small single or multiple ulcers, Grade 3 sees a horse with large single or multiple ulcers and Grade 4 features extensive and deep ulceration.

Image: Chew time, a high-fibre diet can play an important role in helping to defend the horse’s stomach from acid splash. Fibre feed and forage takes much longer to chew than cereals, resulting in a greater production of saliva with resultant bicarbonate, which helps to regulate acidity.

Images: Right: A small ulcer Bottom Right: Close up of the ulcer Below: The ulcer

Here at Everything Horse we recommend Dengie Health Tummy for EGUS Dengie Healthy Tummy is a highfibre feed that takes longer to chew than cereal-based feeds – chewing increases saliva production, the horse’s own defence against excessive acidity.

Healthy Tummy is a complete fibre feed and can be fed alone without the need for additional feed or supplements, as long as the recommended levels are given.

For those preparing for and taking part in competition, it can be fed alongside mixes and cubes to help counteract the effects of cerealbased feeds.

This high-calorie feed with an energy level equivalent to a competition mix or cube has about 10 times less starch. It features high-specification vitamins and 36

Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 22 • July 2015

July 2015 • Issue 22 • Everything Horse Magazine

minerals, including B vitamins and biotin for improved hoof condition. It also has a light coating of oil, for slow-release energy and exceptional coat shine.

Nutritionally complete, the feed includes the latest ingredients known to promote optimum digestive health: alfalfa, which is naturally low in sugar and starch, Protexin In-Feed Formula, with prebiotics and live yeast to encourage good bacteria in the gut to flourish, and a herbal blend that are believed to be powerful antioxidants and they also make the feed taste really good. Available in 15kg bales, with an RRP of £11.59.

Contact 0845 345 5115 for your nearest stockist.

37

World Horse Welfare: Removing the Blinkers Racehorse training

WORLD HORSE WELFARE: Removing the Blinkers

“We are talking about a relatively small population of seven million animals – but one that generates at least €100 billion to the EU”

Ground-breaking report on the health and welfare of EU horses, donkeys and mules

W

orld Horse Welfare and lobbying consortium Eurogroup for Animals are proud to publish ‘Removing the Blinkers: The health and welfare of European equidae in 2015’, the first ever report to investigate the scale of the horse sector in Europe, legislation affecting it and the key health and welfare challenges of the EU’s equids. During the European Parliament Intergroup for Animal Welfare and Conservation in Strasbourg the two organisations presented the findings of the report, which among other recommendations calls for species-specific legislation to protect horses, donkeys and mules who so often fall between the cracks of legislation designed for farm or companion animals.

In the UK, there is already confusion around the legal status of equidae.

For the most part they are culturally regarded as sport, leisure or pet animals

rather than food-producing ones and in general this is how they are treated in law. However they may also be classified as farm animals in certain circumstances, related to their use – a situation which is reflected across other member states.

Equids are uniquely versatile and fulfil roles as leisure and companion animals; working animals in tourism, forestry, agriculture and food production; as well as animals used for therapy and training and elite athletes in sports. Industries reliant on and built around them generate more than 100 billion Euros to the economy. More than any other species they can change roles and may have many different owners in the course of their relatively long lives. But there are still many unanswered questions related to equids such as: How many equids are there in the EU? What are they used for?

Are existing laws sufficient to protect them? What contribution do equids make to society and what are the main

health and welfare problems in the EU equine population? The European Commission and the established European Commission Equine Steering Committee recognises this and identified five areas of specific concern to look into: (i) Identification and registration, (ii) Welfare at transport, (iii) Welfare at slaughter, (iv) Responsible ownership and (v) Rural development.

This report is the first attempt to look at these concerns and to map out the sector, laws and health and welfare problems of Europe’s equine sector. The report poses a lot of questions due to the lack of data on equids but it also provides clear recommendations as to how these very adaptable animals can be better protected for the good of animal health and welfare and also the European economy.

Roly Owers, CEO of World Horse Welfare commented; “This report provides a long overdue insight into the EU’s equine sector, and the

The report can be downloaded via http://www. worldhorsewelfare. org/Removing-theBlinkers 38

Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 22 • July 2015

Roly Owers, CEO of World Horse Welfare

A horse being used for equine therapy

welfare challenges our horses face.

We are talking about a relatively small population of seven million animals – but one that generates at least €100 billion to the EU, often in rural areas where we are in dire need of more growth and development. We cannot allow this sector to continue being ignored at European level, either in terms of the health and welfare issues, or in terms of securing a sound future for a sector that has traditionally been one of the prides of Europe, that is proving to be such a valuable export industry and that is still so relevant to European society today.”

Reineke Hameleers, Director of Eurogroup for Animals continued; “We see through this report that there is a real need for better and harmonised protection of equids through speciesspecific legislation as well as nonlegislative guidance on responsible ownership. We will use this research as an important conversation opener with all EU stakeholders, and it will form the basis of our policy agenda for at least the next five years. Now is the time for the European Commission to take action and launch the first proper impact assessment of any future legislation affecting equines and start addressing the concerns raised.”

World Horse Welfare and Eurogroup for Animals were delighted with the strong support they received for this work and its recommendations during today´s Intergroup session, and urge all MEPs not only to call for species specific legislation but also to support the forthcoming Own Initiative Report on responsible equine ownership by MEP Julie Girling.

The report can be downloaded via: http://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/ Removing-the-Blinkers

Equids are uniquely versatile and fulfil roles as leisure and companion animals; working animals in tourism, forestry, agriculture and food production; as well as animals used for therapy and training and elite athletes in sports.

Working donkey, Romania

July 2015 • Issue 22 • Everything Horse Magazine

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July 2015

W

Jo Bates

ith a secret tipple of gin and grapefruit to fall back on those really tough days, Jo Bates laughs when we ask her what makes her smile the most.

The reply: “Getting the best tune out of a horse I can and turning horses round that have issues and problems that others have failed to understand.”

As determined and keen to succeed in the ever competitive world of showing, Jo and her daughter Holly combine each others’ skills at their Banbury yard.

As the 2015 season gets underway the stables are once again full with a team of nine horses - seven for showing and two for dressage - which is set to keep this happy-go-lucky duo busy over the forthcoming months.

Their knowledge when it comes to feeding, turnout and production is matched by their understanding of the importance of correct tack and the need for show saddles to be supremely comfortable for both themselves and

judges.

Sponsored by Black Country Saddles, Jo says she wouldn’t ride in anything else and keeps one thought in her head when trying a saddle…

“Without doubt the secret of a good saddle for showing is that when you sit on it for the first time it should be fabulously comfortable and after that you should never think about it again.

“A saddle should mould around the horse and provide a very close contact that allows you to sit into the horse and really feel it’s movement and what is going on underneath you.”

With her all-time favourite show being Royal Windsor, Jo can’t praise this

“Whether riding in the main arena or judging, there is just something very special about Royal Windsor, the atmosphere is incredible. I would encourage everyone to compete there to experience the magic”

prestigious venue highly enough when talking about its many assets and plus points.

“Whether riding in the main arena or judging, there is just something very special about Royal Windsor, the atmosphere is incredible. I would encourage everyone to compete there to experience the magic” she laughs.

Recalling her many wins over the years, it is her Supreme Championship win at the Royal International Horse

Picture Perfect!

One thing you can rely on Jo Bates for is an honest answer and an honest view on your horse and your own ability – and that’s what so many people like about her! That she also tries her heart out to understand a horse and get to the bottom of any problems they have, also makes her stand out as a superb horsewoman who remains passionate about her chosen craft. Read on to find out more...

Holly with Dorando and Cambridge 40

Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 22 • July 2015

July 2015 • Issue 22 • Everything Horse Magazine

41

Do you Dream of Show on the Small Riding Horse – Broadstone Dee – that remains a highpoint of her career.

“She was just so very special,” says Jo, “I loved every bone in her body and she was without doubt my horse of a lifetime.

“Awesome would be the word to describe her. We had a very special bond

that I will remember forever.”

Thinking about the future, she is keen for daughter Holly - making a name for herself in the world of dressage - to take on more responsibility on the yard while Jo sees herself focusing her efforts increasingly on teaching.

“I just love teaching and get so much back when I see horses and riders

improve and progress to the next level,” says Jo. “It means so much to me and is really satisfying. Competing, riding and searching for the next superstar remains as exciting as ever and I still have that competitive streak in me and want to win.”

a Quiet Life?

July 2015

Great Ideas!

Elim-a-Net

Constant stabling can lead to our equines becoming restless, anxious, or dejected, particularly as the weather warms up. Elim-a-Net from Parell Products provides the perfect solution to the conundrum. The unique design of the Elim-a-Net utilises an Inner Net design that alters the size and shape of the holes in the haynet, helping to ensure forage is available for longer, allowing our horses to trickle feed and slow down their eating pattern. This keeps our equines occupied and content in the stable allowing them to have constant access to forage; without having to overfeed.

Dougie aged 23

• A complete fibre feed.

Image: Jo Bates

With a host of new rides for 2015 Jo is looking forward to getting the team out to the shows.

The team includes: Sinnbad – owned by Serena Leckie - is in his first year showing, the brown gelding will compete in the Retrained Racehorse classes and will be ridden by both Jo and Serena throughout the season.

Dowhills Snow Patrol – a Coloured Non-Native owned by Jessica Williams - another to be shown by owner and producer, Jo previously produced a Small Hack for Jessica who has always been so supportive of the team.

42

Prices start at £10.99 For more information and to find your local stockist visit www.parellproducts.com

Volatis Oriana – another Coloured Non-Native, known as Nana is owned by Lucy Bridgewater who took second with Jo at the BSPS Winter Championships.

Galifrey – owned by Lady Benton Jones - is a Coloured Sport Horse that will be ridden by her grandson Alex and Jo herself.

Buriana Cashel – owned by Eileen Jenkins - has returned to the yard for Holly to show as an Intermediate for the season.

Dorando – owned by Ali Fernyhough - is a five-year-old aimed at young dressage horses classes after an excellent 2014 season when just four.

Cambridge – is competing at Advanced Medium level with Holly who is back in the saddle after recovering from a broken leg.

Lowmoor Arctic Venture – a Heavyweight Show Hunter owned by Ann Drabble. This six-year-old bay gelding joined Jo in February and started the season well qualifying for the Royal International Horse Show on his first time out. A first ever heavyweight for Jo to produce and show, he has already become a favourite on the yard.

• Contains a broad spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement.

• Suitable for horses and ponies prone to nervousness or excitability.

Like HorseHage & Mollichaff on Facebook

Daldorn Lara’s Theme – a Large Riding Horse is also owned by Jo’s long term owner and very good friend, Lady Benton Jones.

Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 22 • July 2015

NEW! The Freedom Feeder

• With camomile, magnesium, lemon balm and mint.

BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN MARK WESTAWAY AND SON MANUFACTURERS OF HORSE FORAGE

MARK WESTAWAY & SON LOVE LANE FARM, MARLDON, PAIGNTON, DEVON, TQ3 1SP TEL: 01803 527257 www.horsehage.co.uk

Ensuring your horse has plenty of roughage in his diet is key to a healthy digestive system. This new hay net, available exclusively through premium retailers Shadow Horse here in the UK, offers horse owners and livery yard managers a great solution to consistent trickle feeding.

The net has the capability of holding over 24hrs worth of hay and is made from a soft but highly durable nylon weave rope, which because of it’s flexibility makes it slightly more difficult for the horse to grab it with his teeth and rip holes to an attempt to gain greater access to the hay.

RRP: £55 Also available in standard size.

For further information: www. shadowhorse. co.uk

Trailblazers Championships 2015

2015

Trailblazers Championships

Are you ready?

are a 10 day equestrian extravaganza featuring showing, dressage, combined training and show jumping finals. With on-site camping and stabling, flags, flowers and a fantastic atmosphere, it’s an amazing opportunity to experience a big-show atmosphere.

Trailblazers provides an opportunity for riders to compete at a level they are comfortable with; competitors can enter with the aim of reaching the

10 DAY Equestrian Extravaganza!

Showjumping at the Trailblazers Championships. Credit Real Time Imaging

Jane Tregurth and Beant competing in dressage 2014 (5) Credit Real Time Imaging 44

T

he Trailblazers series is for seniors and juniors with classes in dressage, showjumping, combined training and showing. The series consists of first and second round competitions which take place at 65 equestrian venues across the country and culminates at the prestigious SEIB Trailblazers Championships held at Stoneleigh Park, 17 to 26 July 2015.

The SEIB Trailblazers Championships

Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 22 • July 2015

July 2015 • Issue 22 • Everything Horse Magazine

Championships or just take part to gain experience and confidence. With no registration fee for horse or rider and realistic entry fees, the Trailblazers series is growing in popularity. We spoke to three Trailblazers riders to find out why they would recommend other riders give the series a go.

Jane Tregurth, from Themes Valley, is competing in the championships for the second time on Beant the Friesian.

Jane works as a police officer for Thames Valley police and rides Beant, known as Will at home, for her friend Kathy, “Wills is partially sighted but that has never prevented him in doing anything!” says Jane.

Jane has a real passion for dressage, “I began schooling Wills to help Kathy due to her work commitments and competing him progressed from there.

Last March we came second in our prelim class with the added bonus of qualifying for second rounds.” Jane tells us. The Trailblazers championships was a realistic goal for Jane, “What really attracted me to the series was that it was aimed at amateurs; I would love to affiliate but with that comes a lot of cost.”

Jane and Wills have qualified for Novice and Elementary this year, “Trailblazers has spurred me on to progress in competitive dressage and so far I have been successful in this goal” Jane tells us, “To have the chance to compete at a large championships with all the trimmings, spurred me on.”

Jane is looking forward to returning to Stoneleigh this summer “I made a number of friends through the finals last year and look forward to catching up with them again this year.”

Sarah Winnett is competing in the Trailblazers Championships for the fourth time this year. Sarah has qualified for the senior prelim dressage on her gelding Blightsome Vant Broekend, known as Thornton at home, “I never imagined that I would be competing at a three day championship show!” Sarah tells us, “It has definitely improved both mine and Thornton’s confidence and we look forward to it every year.”

Sarah has owned 14 year old, ex45

Trailblazers Championships 2015

Emma Lambley and Millie competing in the dressage phase of Combined Training. Credit Real Time Imaging

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police horse, Thorton, for three years, “I remember watching a friend compete at Trailblazers many years ago and decided there and then that I wanted to do that one day” Sarah tells us, “As soon as Thornton arrived on the yard the Trailblazer’s final was our goal!”

“For somebody like me who is just your average rider Trailblazers gives me the unique opportunity to experience the thrill of competing at a national championship show.” Sarah, who is a Doctor, explains, “My favourite part is the mounted prize giving, the atmosphere is great and the lap of honour is great fun.” Sarah is looking forward to this year’s Championships, “The whole showground has a wonderful atmosphere. It really feels like a summer holiday, especially if the sun is shining!”

Emma Lambley, from Rotherham, has been competing in Trailblazers Championships on her mare Millie for many years. They compete in the Combined Training classes, “I love 46

Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 22 • July 2015

the fact that Trailblazers gives me the opportunity to compete in combined training classes as this is something that is not offered by many championship shows” Jane explains.

Millie is Emma’s first horse and she has owned her for ten years, “When I first bought her we initially focused on in-hand and ridden showing and we successfully competed in coloured horse classes. I became interested in combined training about five years ago.”

Emma decided to take part in Trailblazers as a friend had competed in the Trailblazers show jumping classes and encouraged her to take part. “The fact that there are so many approved competition centres means that it is accessible” says Emma, “I love the fact that the qualification process gives me something to focus on and work towards, with the Trailblazers Final being the highlight of my year!”

This year Emma will be competing in two combined training classes - Prelim

July 2015 • Issue 22 • Everything Horse Magazine

and 65cm and the Novice and 75cm, Emma tells us “Trailblazers has helped me to progress with my riding and to set myself the challenge of progressing up the classes. I would never have thought that we would have been able to try Novice level dressage, but the Trailblazers series provided me with the motivation to work towards achieving my goal.”

Emma is looking forward to attending the Championships again, “I love the whole atmosphere of the show.

It is a great weekend with family and friends. Everyone who competes at the final is extremely friendly and it is great going back each year and seeing familiar faces.”

The finals take place 17th to 26th July, 2015. For more details, dates and venues visit our website www.trailblazerschampionships.com.

Follow us on Facebook, www.facebook. com/Trailblazers-Championships 47

Tried & Tested

Tried & Tested

with Everything Horse magazine Editor, Jennifer McAloon

Each month, along with the help of my ex racehorse Harry and Paddy the pony, I will be trialling some of the newest and most innovative products to the equine market. As both a professional and a horse owner you can be assured that all products will be given a stringent test and an honest review. After all we at Everything Horse know the horse is everything! arry Meet H

Stables Mirrors, Aprons and Boots ...

Mirrors for Training Stable Mirror This safe acrylic mirror measures 3ft by 2ft and is designed to be used in the stable and attached to the wall at head height. The horse sees the reflection as company, rather than himself which can be valuable for horses who suffer with anxiety and stress in the stable. The use of a stable mirror can also help reduce

stress related behaviours such as crib biting and weaving.

I was especially interested in trying this product as my ex racehorse Harry does suffer with anxiety when stabled.

As is quite common in ex racehorses he doesn't like being alone and when stabled will constantly box walk and poo everywhere! He lives out as he finds this less stressful but there are times in the day when he needs to be in a stable and if something was to happen where he was ill or injured and needed to be stabled this would be a real worry for me.

It took Harry a little while to notice the mirror but once he did he was fascinated!

He stood for ages just looking at his reflection and blowing on the mirror. Initially

he looked a little confused but after a short while he settled and went to eat some hay. Once his hay had been eaten instead of his usual box walking and going to the front of the stable to call to his friends he went back to the mirror!

Even in just a short time of using the mirror I have found he is much more relaxed when being in and I'm sure the mirror would prove invaluable if he needed to be stabled for a length of time.

It was easy to affix and keep clean and in my opinion a reasonable price for peace of mind and a happier more relaxed horse.

Harry Horse Rating

RRP - £31.99 Available online from www.mirrorsfortraining.co.uk or call 01902 791207 for more details

“It took Harry a little while to notice the mirror but once he did he was fascinated! He stood for ages just looking at his reflection and blowing on the mirror” Do you have a product you would like Everything Horse magazine editor, Jennifer to review?? If so please email jennifer@everythinghorseuk.co.uk for more information.

Please book in early to avoid disappointment!

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Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 22 • July 2015

Tuffa Morgan Zip fronted boots Popular with Tuffa's sponsored riders, the Morgan boot offers excellent comfort and fantastic style. The boot is zip fronted and made using the highest quality analine leather with a 'Tuffa Grip' hard wearing rubber sole. It can be teamed with their 'Lipizzaner' gaiter to give the finished appearance of an elegant long boot.

I was very impressed with this boot.

From day one they were comfortable to wear, none of the usual breaking in of a new boot was needed and the leather was soft and flexible. I wore them on the yard and for riding as well as every day walking and found they really held up.

The sole is hard wearing and solid, and the zip is very robust. They were lovely to ride in teamed with gaiters and also

Clever Henry Apron Clever Henry is the latest product from the MagicBrush company. It is designed to be worn to protect your clothing whilst grooming, essential on a show day!! There are a variety of different size pockets to store everything you need

looked incredibly smart. They are perfect for every day schooling and also smart enough to be worn in the show ring. They came up like new after a quick saddle soap so were easy to maintain. If you want an all round boot that you can wear both on the yard and in the ring then look no further. They are reasonable priced, elegant and versatile and I would thoroughly recommend them.

Rider Rating Sizes – 3 – 12 Colours – Black or Brown RRP - £69.99 Available from www.tuffaboots.com

to hand. The smaller pockets at the top are ideal for plaiting bands and thread so they are easy to find and the bigger pockets are perfect for mane comb, hoof pick and there’s even a specially designed pocket for your MagicBrush.

There is also a well placed and secure mobile phone pocket. The apron has a two layer design that folds apart when you crouch down to see to feet and legs so your clean white breeches are protected! A last minute touch up with hoof oil is often when the inevitable happens, not what you need just before you enter the ring so this product is ideal for that.

The Clever Henry is indeed a very clever design and will add a touch of glamour to the yard. It comes in a variety of colours and has an adjustable neck strap with three different double button fittings to suit every size and the tie around the waist can be tied accordingly at the front or back.

I found it a very useful product, the material and fixings are

July 2015 • Issue 22 • Everything Horse Magazine

hard-wearing and robust. It is stylish and convenient however price wise it is more of a luxury product. The colours are bright and trendy and a far cry from the trusted green or navy overalls.

The pockets are well placed and useful and combined with the bright design the Clever Henry apron is perfect for the modern and fashion conscious equestrian.

Rider Rating Sizes – S/M and M/L RRP - £39.95 Available from selected retail stores www.magicbrush.com

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July 2015

Dazzle and shine

Dressage Deluxe sparkle browbands with Swarovski crystal, £48.00 www.dressagedeluxe.co.uk

Treat your feet!

Available via Carrots online store. Priced from £11.50 www.carrotsequestrian.co.uk

The Equetech Kenton Deluxe Tweed Riding Jacket.

Available in Sizes 8 - 24, prices start at £125.50 www.equetech.com

Must have Items

Stock up on ‘horsey’ must haves this summer with these little delights...

Vits & Mins FRESH AS A DAISY ...

well the horse at least

Equimins Purple shampoo made with lavender essential oils, £6.85 www.equimins.com

Maximise digestion in times of stress Ideal for use when travelling helping maximise digestion to prevent stomach upset, £12.50 www.equimins.com

General purpose supplement ideal when grazing is poor or minimal, £10.15 for 1.5kg www.nettexequine.com

With all this

shopping

you’ll need a bag!

Cotton rich bag from Moorland rider, £5.50 www.moorlandrider.co.uk

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Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 22 • July 2015

July 2015 • Issue 22 • Everything Horse Magazine

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Everything Horse UK Bringing the world of horse together Everything Horse Magazine - www.everythinghorsemagazine.co.uk You can also visit Everything Horse UK, our news and article website - www.everythinghorseuk.co.uk 52

Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 22 • July 2015