Everything horse uk magazine, march 2015 3

EVERYTHINGHORSE

Dealing With An Abcess •What’s New Down The Yard• Must Have Buys

WELCOME TO MARCH’S MAGAZINE

Choosing the CORRECT Mare

UK

Help Make ‘Horse Travel’ Safe

Get Fit & Flexible

THE FREE EQUESTRIAN NEWS AND ARTICLE MAGAZINE

NEW Three part Breeding feature:

TOP TIPS FOR

TURNOUT with Robert Walker

March 2015 • Issue 18 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

MARCH 2015, ISSUE 18

WITH THE PONY CLUB

Laminitis 1

Get your fields ready

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MAGAZINE MARCH 2015

Everything Horse UK Magazine Everything Horse UK Magazine is a free monthly publication featuring the latest equestrian news, rider features and health articles. The magazine is available in print and as a digital publication. Check out our Facebook and Twitter pages for more information.

Contact Information

General Enquiries contact@everythinghorseuk.co.uk

F

inally, the winter is almost over and you can almost feel spring in the air. It won’t be long before the spring grass is through and the trees will be full of leaves once again.

The foaling season is now well underway, you may now be starting to contemplate breeding from your own mare at some point in the future. We have a fantastic three part Breeding feature starting in this month’s magazine, which covers the basics of breeding responsibly and choosing the correct mare and stallion. We are delighted to have Lara Dyson from Dyson Stallions on board to write the series for us.

As with foaling, the showing season is starting once again. Producer, Robert Walker, is back with his final instalment, this month focussing on Top Tips for Turnout. We've also been in touch with another experienced hand in the showing circuit, Sarah Tattersall.

Sarah has been kind enough to share her top tips and has allowed us to use several of her own images to accompany the article.

A new traveling with horses survey has been launched to help the necessary agencies gain a better understanding of travelling with horses on the road. Anyone who has been involved in an incident, no matter how minor in the last 5 years is being encouraged to complete the short survey online.

Over recent years, our own fitness as riders has come under scrutiny. The Pony Club have kindly put together some exercises that will help you get in shape and improve your balance in the saddle.

Hilary Wakefield, BHSAI, INT T has also given us her thoughts on the topic.

Hoof abscesses are an all too common problem that can affect all horses and ponies no matter what the breed or discipline. Robinson animalhealthcare have put together a short informative article including their best tips on how to poultice effectively.

We have some great ticket give-aways coming up on the website and our social media pages over the coming months, next month also sees the launch of our new ‘Tried and Tested’ section in the magazine.

Look forward to seeing you again next month.

Suzanne

Editor Jennifer McAloon jennifer@everythinghorseuk.co.uk Advertising/Marketing advertising@everythinghorseuk.co.uk News Team Suzanne Ashton media@everythinghorseuk.co.uk

DISCLAIMER

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.

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We also love Twitter! Follow us on @everythinghors be careful NOT to add the e to horse as you won’t find us...

With the spring grass almost at foot, Kate Douglas-Dala is on hand giving advice on how to best prepare our fields to minimise the risk of laminitis. Kate looks at land assessment, including acreage, seed type and forage feeding.

March 2015 • Issue 18 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

We’re always happy to hear from our readers and listen to their stories, so if you have something amazing you’d like to tell us about, then get in touch at media@everythinghorseuk.co.uk

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CONTENTS

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. British Dressage Report This month Daisy looks at the proposed changes by British Dressage and reports on the results from Addington

. Preparing Grass to Minimise the Risk of Laminitis This month Kate Douglas-Dala FHEA looks at how best to prepare grazing to minimise the risk of laminitis

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. News from Bolesworth Read what's new at Bolesworth International Show for 2015

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. BOOT Up We take a look at the different types of horse boots and learn more on their purpose

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. Equestrian News #ehuknews Alltech, Workshop information and the latest sponsorship news all in this months Equestrian News section

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. Monthly Column; Top Tips for Equestrian Businesses This months Equine Events UK look at 'Social Media made simple' Here the team have detailed some great tips we can all follow to make the most out of our pages and groups

THIS MONTH’S COVER IMAGE

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. Choosing the Correct Mare Cyden Stallions owner and dressage rider Lara Dyson presents the first in a series of features on breeding

22

. Get Fit and Flexible This month The Pony Club help out with exercises you can do on your own and with your friends to help get the best out of riding

24

. Dealing with a Hoof Abscess Robinson animalhealthcare take a look at how to deal with a hoof abscess and what you will need to poultice effectively

26 Mare and Foal Image Credit Emma Mitchell 4

. Top Tips for Turnout With the competition season just around the corner we gain some top tips and advice from Black Country Saddles sponsored show rider and producer Robert Walker

. What to Feed the Retired Horse Part two of our 'What to Feed' series, this month we look at different feed and supplements available for the retired and veteran horse

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. Help Make 'Horse Travel' Safe NEW Survey launched to help make horse travel safe, read more behind the initiative here

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. What's New in Yard and Stable Equipment Chloe Bernard, Commercial Director of premium retailer Shadow Horse takes a look how stable and yard equipment is evolving and changing to the benefit of horse owners

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. Must Have Buys This month we look at beautiful lace competition shirts, massage foam, shampoo’s and stirrups!

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 18 • March 2015

WELCOME TO MARCH’S MAGAZINE

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March 2015 • Issue 18 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

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British Dressage Report Written by Daisy Jackson

T

his month talks on the forums have been discussing the future changes proposed by British Dressage which will involve all competitors. Along with the growing popularity of BD also comes improvements and progression.

As the committee gained an approximate 600 pages of comments and feedback from fellow BD members, this has led to the Rules and Fixtures Committee to advance the structure of competition.

It is to be cleared by other parties and internal stakeholders before the final release is made; however, this is due to be announced and publicised shortly.

Correspondingly, BD has also ensured, when releasing the new information all members and followers of BD can be clued

up on all the ins and outs of the new and improved structure. In order to reach out to all members across the country British Dressage have organised a roadshow, visiting a variety of venues and competitions to provide the most accessibility and extensive release. The committee will be joining a diverse range of competitions from your local venues to Regional Championships and the roadshow will end at the Winter Championships at Hartpury College. If you would be interested in visiting the roadshow; where you can

Image Carmen and Amalia at a recent competition at Keysoe, image taken by Hoofprints listen to updates and improvements within BD as well as a question and answer session with visitors then here are the dates and venues below:

Date

Day

Time

Venue

County Region

30 January

Friday

19.00

Vale View EC Leicestershire

NORTHERN

04 February

Wednesday

19.00

Holiday Inn, Doncaster South Yorkshire

NORTHERN

08 February

Sunday

12.00

Bishop Burton College East Yorkshire

NORTHERN

12 February

Thursday

12.00

Addington Manor EC Buckinghamshire

CENTRAL

17 February

Tuesday

12.00

Kingston Mauward College Dorset

SOUTH WEST

17 February

Tuesday

19.00

Forest Edge Norfolk

EASTERN

19 February

Thursday

19.30

Myerscough College Lancashire

NORTH WEST

22 February

Sunday

12.00

Merrist Wood Surrey

SOUTHERN

28 February

Saturday

12.30

Morris EC Renfrewshire

SCOTLAND

02 March

Monday

12.00

Patchetts EC Hertfordshire

EASTERN

21 March

Saturday

12.00

Pencoed College Glamorgan

WALES

31 March 08 April

Tuesday Wednesday

19.30 19.00

Solihull RC West Midlands Richmond EC Yorkshire

NORTH WEST NORTHERN

16 April

Thursday

18.30

Hartpury College Gloucestershire

SOUTH WEST

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Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 18 • March 2015

WELCOME TO MARCH’S MAGAZINE In competition news, huge congratulations are in order for Queen of Dressage, Charlotte Dujardin and her King, Valegro! After their fantastic show at Olympia as the first leg of the world cup qualifier which is building up to the final stretch, the World Cup in Las Vegas, our favourite duo have bagged themselves yet another win at the second round held in Amsterdam to continue their campaign to qualify.

Well done Charlotte and Blueberry!

British Bred Hanoverian Duke De Niro (De Niro x Wheltmyer). Rosie bought the now 10 year old when he was 6 from breeder, the late Mrs Curby.

Rosie is trained by Carl Hester and is now based at Darren Mattia’s yard in Hereford where Rosie has a number of horses that she has either bred or is training. Rosie describes Duke as "probably the best horse that I have ever ridden and I love him to bits!”

Here are all the winners from Addington High Profile Show: Class 1: Medium 75 1st – Carmen Gammie with Amalia B, 69.59% Class 2: Advanced medium 98 1st – Emma Blundell with Keystone Diaz, 70.65% Class 3: FEI PSG 1st – Becky Moody with Carinsio, 74.07% Class 4: FEI inter I

Debbie Poynter and Keystone For Real In other news; 2015’s first High Profile had 2 wins in the Advanced Medium Show got underway, where many of and Advanced Medium Freestyle our top riders and future superstar’s where they scored the highest of the took part. It was yet another fantastic whole show with a super 76.50%. and successful show for Addington Debbie told me a little more about with many winners exceeding the 70% the partnership; “I have had Really mark. The weekend was a very good for 5 years, since he was just backed. I one for combination Becky Moody and bought him from the breeder Suzanne Carinsio winning both PSG’s and their Lavendera and he is by Florencio. first major Inter I. Really is 10 years old and we have trained with Nicola Buchanan since The Medium 75 winner Carmen the death of my former trainer Jane Gammie, who rode her own mare Gregory. He is amazingly talented but to victory at Addington, gave me an very nervous so has been brought on insight into their partnership. Amalia, very slowly. now 10 years old is by Krack C out of a Rubenstein mare and has competed at After winning the PSG Freestyle with the last two National Championships 76.12% I caught up with Maria Griffin at both Novice and Elementary Open. to talk about her superstar horse DJ; The Pro-Equine and Alexander’s ‘‘DJ and I have been together since he Horseboxes sponsored rider is now was 3 years old. He was bought for me based with Judy Harvey as a working to ride by Adrian Baker my partner in pupil and hopes to aim for Young Aspire Dressage. We bought him from Riders with Amalia. the Equine Elite Auction in Holland. ‘‘We competed at Biarritz CDI in the I love him to bits, he is an awesome Junior tests with scores up to 68%. horse. He won the Novice Open I would like to be able to do Young Nationals at Hartpury in 2010 and we Riders with her, but I am taking her have been placed at the Nationals slowly because she has previously at every level up to and including been a brood mare and there is no Inter I last year. He is by Diamond need to rush.’’

Hit out of a Sandro Song mare. We represented Great Britain at our first Also winning with a very strong two international shows last year and 72.83% in the Advanced Medium 92 finished in the top 10 at both.’’ was Rosie Moreton-Deakin on her own

1st – Becky Moody with Carinsio, 70.70% Class 5: FEI inter II 1st – Sune Hansen with Charmeur, 70.04% Class 6: Medium 73 1st – Nicola Jane Cooper with Classic Cupido V, 73.38% Class 7: Advanced medium 92 1st – Rosie Moreton Deakin with Duke De Niro, 72.83% Class 8: FEI pony team 1st – Phoebe Peters with Cruz III, 73.59% Class 9: FEI junior team 1st – Erin Williams with Waverly, 71.75% Class 10: FEI young rider team 1st – Lucy Pincus with Sheepcote Don Calisto, 65.78% Class 11: FEI PSG 1st – Becky Moody with Carinsio, 74.38% Class 12: FEI inter I 1st – Sune Hansen with Carson I, 74.03% Class 13: FEI grand prix 1st – Alice Oppenheimer with Headmore Delegate, 70.16% Class 14: Medium 75 1st – Jayne Turney with Foxcourt Accola, 69.18% Class 15: Advanced medium 98 1st – Debbie Poynter with Keystone for Real, 67.23% Class 16: FEI pony individual

Maria Griffin and DJ photograph by Spidge Photography

1st – Clare Hole with Rembrandt DDH, 68.90% Class 17: FEI junior individual 1st – Ruth Hole with Winnetou GEP, 68.55% Class 18: FEI young rider individual 1st – Jessica Blackmore with Ventoux W, 66.44% Class 19: FEI grand prix special 1st – Anna Ross with Die Callas, 68.33% Class 20: Medium FSM 1st – Nicola Jane Cooper with Classic Cupido V, 68.25% Class 21: Advanced medium FSM 1st – Debbie Poynter with Keystone for Real, 76.50% Class 22: PSG FSM 1st – Maria Griffin with DJ, 76.12%

March 2015 • Issue 18 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

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NEW for 2015 - The Bolesworth International Campsite

S

tay in the grounds of the Bolesworth Castle estate during the Bolesworth International Show and enjoy a great British holiday! The new campsite means you can now enjoy every minute of the action from the show without the hassle traveling can sometimes cause.

Held at Bolesworth Castle, Chester, June 18 to 21, the event is not to be missed and promises to provide an action packed four days.

The campsite is located off the main drive in a beautiful grassed area and will include water supply, toilets and showers plus a campsite office where you can check-in. It is ideal for tents, touring caravans and motorhomes.

The campsite is just a short walk from the showground where all the action takes place. So you can pop in and out of the show to see all the amazing classes and demonstrations on offer.

Watch the excitement unfold during the CSI**** International and Eventing Grand Prix. Enjoy the fun of the Pony Club games or see the fantastic displays.

Explore all the show provides in the wide ranging shopping village where you can enjoy the delights of the fine food pavilion and fashion marquee.

And that’s not all you can also dance the night away with internationally acclaimed Scouting for Girls on the Saturday evening. Tickets are selling fast, so don’t delay if you want to catch this chart topping band.

You can also use the campsite as a base for visiting the areas many other attractions, with historic Chester just 10 miles away.

To book your tickets for Bolesworth International or for more information go to www.bolesworthinternational.com

WIN Tickets to Bolesworth

International with Everything Horse UK Magazine via Facebook in May!

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Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 18 • March 2015

EQUESTRIAN NEWS

March 2015 • Issue 18 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

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EQUESTRIAN NEWS #ehuknews Alltech to support showing classes at Hickstead The Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby Meeting (25th – 28th June) is best known for its showjumping classes, but showing has been a major part of the fixture since the 1990s. This year, the show has been given a significant boost with the news that Alltech is to sponsor a number of its showing classes.

With a number of Horse of the Year Show qualifying tickets on offer and a wide range of classes, many of the country’s top riders and producers head to Hickstead each June. As well as being one of the major fixtures in the summer showing calendar, the Derby meeting also gives horses and ponies invaluable experience of competing at the showground ahead of the Longines Royal International Horse Show, held at Hickstead just a few weeks later.

The Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby Meeting has something for everyone who is a fan of equestrian sport. A total of nine rings are in use throughout the show, with senior national showjumping classes, showing, scurry and carriage driving, an exhibition polo match and of course, plenty of international showjumping on offer – culminating in the famous Equestrian.com Derby on Sunday afternoon.

The new sponsorship will see Alltech provide support for an extensive range of showing classes during the Derby meeting.

These will include the Small Hunter Championship, the Maxi Cob, Small and Large Riding Horse classes and the Supreme Riding Horse Championship on the Friday.

Alltech will also be the official sponsor of the Hack classes and the Supreme Hack Championship, as well as the Working

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New Breeding and Elite Sport Horse Seminar and Workshop A WEALTH of knowledge and expertise is being brought together by the team at Harthill Stud at an evening seminar and morning workshop on Breeding and Producing the Elite Sport Horse.

Designed to develop open discussion with leading industry experts and to benefit the breeding industry in the UK, the seminar, supported by Stallion AI Services, Elite Stallions and Gain Horse Feeds, will take place at Carden Park Hotel in Cheshire on Monday, March 23 at 7pm and includes a drinks reception with buffet dinner.

Ed Holloway will be compere for the event and there will be a number of experts on hand and giving talks.

The expert panel will include; Sarah Stoneham BVSc Cert ESM MRCVS of Cheshire Equine Clinic, GB No 1 event rider and Harthill Stud partner Oliver Townend, leading showjumper and Billy Stud partner William Funnell, Enda Carroll of Ashford Farm Sports Horses, Paul Hendrix of Dutch Sport Horse Sales and Arie Hamoen, leading KWPN Stallion Inspector.

A range of topics will be covered including; management of youngstock to maximise potential; importance of broodmare selection for performance; stallion selection driven by mare characteristics and bloodlines; what the professional market are looking for in Hunter class, which are all held on the Saturday of the show.

Sunday, the final day of the Equestrian. com Hickstead Derby Meeting, will see Alltech support the Show Hunter classes, the Supreme Hunter Championship, the Supreme Coloured Horse In Hand Championship and a series of Chaps UK coloured horse and pony qualifiers.

a young horse; sales preparation and presentation.

This will be followed by a morning workshop at Harthill Stud and lunch at Bolesworth Castle on Tuesday, March 24 at 9.30am.

The morning workshop will include practical demonstrations bringing together many of the areas from the seminar. Evaluation sessions will be led by Arie Hamoen and Sarah Stoneham, analysing different examples of youngstock, mares and stallions, including some exciting ridden sport horse prospects.

The expert panel will also be on hand to officially select the Harthill yearlings who will be included in the first Elite Sale which will be held at Bolesworth International on Friday June 19, 2015.

Ticket prices to attend both the seminar and workshop are priced at £45 per person. Single tickets for the seminar are priced at £30 per person and single tickets for the workshop are priced at £20 per person.

The British Breeders Network National Meeting will take place after lunch on Tuesday March 24 at Bolesworth Castle and is open to all who wish to attend.

For more information or to book your place please contact Gemma Holt at Harthill Stud on 01829 720775 or visit www.harthillstud.com Alltech’s UK Marketing Manager, Isla Baker-Browne said: “Alltech is delighted to form an association with Hickstead, which is such an institution of British equestrian sport. The sponsorship is a continuation of Alltech’s support of top class British events.”

Alltech has developed the Lifeforce Range of all-natural daily digestive aid supplements. These products are designed to benefit horses at every stage of life, from breeding stock to pleasure and performance animals.

For further information please visit www.lifeforcehorse.co.uk

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 18 • March 2015

EQUESTRIAN NEWS

FMBs Therapy Systems launches new FilmMe system!

Kent & Masters is the new official saddle of The Pony Club

FMBs Therapy Systems is delighted to welcome an additional FilmMe system, which provides those on a tighter budget with the ability to have their every ride and training session videoed at the press of a button.

The Kent & Masters range of pony saddles has been officially endorsed by The Pony Club.

Made in England, the Kent & Masters range feature a changeable gullet system, so the width fitting can be altered from narrow/medium to xx wide to enable adjustment to fit the pony, as its condition changes. The saddles are flocked with British wool and feature different girthing options.

The new system, called FilmMe (with the original system rebranded as FilmMe Pro) has a smaller white camera unit and includes one wristband. The footage captured is HD ready 720p (with the Pro version capturing footage in Full HD 1080p). Otherwise, both systems include the same technology, allowing the rider’s every move to be recorded, so there’s no difference in coverage.

“FilmMe is a brilliant system that’s being used by colleges and in private arenas all across the country,” says Serena Hickson from FMBs. “FilmMe Pro, the original version, provides exceptional quality footage and a few additional benefits, but the new FilmMe is excellent too.

By examining each area, FilmMe has produced a more affordable version, to help encourage more venues, colleges and private arenas to install the system.

Both systems offer automatic tracking and zooming, automatic video upload with free and secure storage, ability to live stream, share with owners or trainers or playback instantly for analysis and more…it’s just at a lower cost.”

Laura Tomlinson and Myerscough College use the FilmMe Pro system and the system has just been installed at Rockrose Equestrian Centre.

The Kent & Masters range was designed

by Vanessa Fairfax, a Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter and an assessor on the Society of Master Saddlers saddle fitting course, who has been involved in the saddlery industry for 23 years.

“As well as fitting the pony properly, with the advice of a qualified saddle fitter, they are also designed to help the young rider develop a balanced and independent seat” comments Vanessa.

FilmMe and FilmMe Pro are available in the UK exclusively through FMBs Therapy Systems. To find out more about both systems and how they can be used, just contact the team. Please note that finance options are also available.

“Having enjoyed a long and professional relationship with those involved in the Kent & Masters brand, The Pony Club are delighted to now be endorsing their The Kent & Masters Pony Club Saddlepony range” comments Judy Edwards, CEO of The Pony Club.

For more information see www.fmbs.co.uk or call 01494 883433.

The models are available in black or brown and sizes 15”, 15-1/2”, 16” and 16-1/2", and prices range from £645 to £745.

The Kent & Masters Pony Club range is available from saddle fitters listed on the Kent & Masters website www.kentandmasters.com

It’s all in the news...

If you have a news story you would like to share with our readers then please email our news team on media@everythinghorseuk.co.uk

March 2015 • Issue 18 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

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The 2015 Horslyx Ambassadors are chosen!

Scouting for Girls Headline Bolesworth International

Their biggest song to date has been 2010’s #1 single ‘This Ain’t a Love Song’ and their piano-based indie-pop has helped the band sell over 1.2 million albums and 1.5 million singles worldwide.

Following a successful debut year, the manufacturers of nutrient rich Horslyx have launched their second Ambassador Scheme. Eight talented amateur riders will represent the brand at events, competitions and online throughout 2015.

YOU could be singing along to ‘She’s so Lovely’ and ‘This Ain’t a Love Song’ at this year’s Bolesworth International thanks to Saturday evening headline act – Scouting for Girls.

The performance promises to have an absolutely fantastic vibe, full of enthusiasm and fun, and you are sure to find yourself singing and dancing along to their wellknown hits.

This internationally acclaimed pop rock band includes Roy Stride, Greg Churchouse and Peter Ellard who are set to take centre stage in front of thousands of party goers on Saturday, June 20.

Tickets are selling fast, so don’t delay if you want to catch this chart topping band.

With interest high following the inaugural 2014 Ambassador Scheme, Horslyx have selected their talented ‘equine eight’ based on their passion and dedication to equestrianism, together with their commitment to feeding the ‘Horslyx’ way.

The Horslyx Ambassador scheme was open to dedicated riders competing in any discipline, with seven to be chosen aged 16 or over, and one place awarded to a young talent under 16 years of age. Each Ambassador will now receive branded clothing and equestrian equipment, a supply of Horslyx to last the year and nutritional support whenever necessary.

With Ambassadors from varying disciplines around the UK and Ireland, Horslyx are proud to introduce to the team new riders Northampton based Laura Barber, Hampshire based Ashley Harrison and Cumbria based Kirsty Norwood. West of Ireland based Laura Mannion is the first Irish representative to join the Horslyx line up. This year’s Junior Ambassador is 13 year old dressage, show jumping and eventing rider Pandora Briselden from Wiltshire.

Continuing their partnership with Horslyx into 2015 are Hampshire based eventing enthusiast Nicki Strong, Shropshire based event rider Bonnie Fishburn, and Whitby based dressage rider Cara Shardlow.

Nick Mackley, Horslyx Sales Manager, is delighted with the line up. “The anticipation for this year’s scheme was huge after the success of our 2014 Ambassadors, and we just knew we’d have a tough job judging. The final eight riders exemplify our own brand values and we are eager to see what they achieve with our support this year.”

All eight Ambassadors have an exciting year ahead of them. You can follow their progress at www.horslyx.com, on Facebook, and by following these eight equine stars via their social media profiles.

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To book your tickets for Bolesworth International or for more information go to www.bolesworthinternational.com

Join Bolesworth International visitors for an evening of entertainment and song while enjoying the historic and beautiful setting of Bolesworth Castle.

After winning the title of Best British Breakthrough of 2009 at the Brit Awards, the London band eventually exploded into the mainstream with their popular infectious melodies and catchy tunes.

Fulmart Feeds Sponsor Former Olympic Star Tiny Clapham

5th in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. She has also worked with individuals who competed in Sydney and Athens.

Today Tiny works with riders preparing for major 3-day events as well as regular teaching with the Belvoir Pony Club, close to her home in Cambridgeshire.

York based Fulmart Feeds have announced a new sponsorship arrangement with former Olympic three day event rider, Tiny Clapham.

Tiny will be providing a monthly blog for the Fulmart Feeds, updating readers on her yard stars horse and human as well as being an ambassador for the company’s haylage brand, Equilage.

Tiny competed in the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984 and was part of the silver medal winning British team. Since the mid 1990’s Tiny has focussed on training the future stars of her sport.

Her first success came with the Japanese Three Day Event Team, which came

Tiny commented “One of my pupils commented on how well her horse had done on Equilage, so I was keen to link up with Fulmart Feeds. We are very lucky to have their support especially as our horses are doing really well on Equilage”

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 18 • March 2015

EQUESTRIAN NEWS Sunshine Tour UK championships come to Hickstead

Sunshine Tour (c) Local Rider - Dulcibelle Lineker with Dukeshill Diamonte

Many of the world’s most famous equestrians have competed at Hickstead, and now hundreds of unaffiliated riders will have the chance to follow in their footsteps.

For the first time, the finals of The Sunshine Tour series will be held here at the All England Jumping Course in West Sussex (18 September 2015).

It’s an exciting new departure for Hickstead, which is able to host these popular unaffiliated championships after the recent addition of new facilities, including a spectacular all-weather arena and new hard-standing for parking.

“Thanks to the support of a Hoof Capital Funding award and investment from the family, we have been able to extend our season and ensure that many more people benefit from access to the wonderful facilities at the All England Jumping Course,” said Hickstead Director Edward Bunn.

“We are delighted to be hosting The Sunshine Tour UK championships, which will offer hundreds of unaffiliated riders the opportunity to compete here.”

The Sunshine Tour is a national series that encourages grassroots and unaffiliated riders to participate in competitions in the disciplines of dressage, showjumping and showing.

The 2015 Tour will be held at various venues throughout the UK between January and September. Riders who finish in the top six places at their event will qualify for the Championships at Hickstead.

Added Sparkle and Shine at The Great Charity Challenge in Florida, from Equidivine British equine glitter tattoo company Equidivine, were pleased to accept an invitation from Horse & Style magazine to attend this year’s Great Charity Challenge at the winter equestrian festival, Palm Beach Equestran Centre, Florida.

Suitcases packed with every colour of glitter imaginable and bespoke quarter marker stencils, Michelle Inch made the journey to Florida to support the charity event. This annual show jumping event which is one of the highlights of the winter equestrian festival, sets teams of over 100 professional riders against each other, not only in their ability to win the class but also to dress to impress according to the set theme. As superheroes took the saddle, Michelle and the team from Equidivine set to work on the Kerkorian/Couch team that was set to compete on behalf of the Take Stock In Children charity.

In a night when the creative costumes

became competitive business Equidivine decorated “Team Powerpuff “ with stars, stripes and sparkle including the logo of the chosen charity. As the evening class started, the lights certainly caught the sparkle of the glitter ensuring the Power Puff Girls, Nicole Shahinian Simpson, Kira Kerkorian, Tara Couchstood stood out and were named as one of the top three best costumes of the class.

The fund raising teams consisted of 3 riders who all worked together in a timed relay. Against the powerpuff girls, the incredibles, marvel heroes and even batman were seen jumping at The Palm Beach equestrian centre. This year’s charity total was an impressive 1.5 million raised to support over 34 Palm Beach County charities.

“This really was a fabulous event to support, it was great fun helping decorate the teams and making new friends in the USA, but more importantly a huge amount of money was raised for worthy causes, of course at the end of the night all the glitter stencils were easily removed using warm water, so all the horses went back to business as usual in the ring the next day” said Michelle of Equidivine.

For further information on the range of Equidivine products please visit www.equidivine.com

Rebecca Stansfield, Director of Sunshine Tour UK, is now working to expand the series even further.

“The Sunshine Tour offers a fabulous opportunity for unaffiliated riders to experience the fun and excitement of competition. We want to welcome as many people as possible, so we’re keen to team up with more venues right across the country,” Rebecca says.

Qualifying events are already underway, and riders who wish to enter should visit the Sunshine Tour UK website at www.sunshinetour.co.uk

March 2015 • Issue 18 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

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Top Tips for Equestrian Businesses Horse & Country TV goes live in Australia Horse & Country TV, the award winning international TV channel devoted to equestrian sports and lifestyle, has now gone live in Australia. The network offers a lively mix of top international sport, behind the scenes shows with leading trainers and personalities from the equestrian sector, and compelling documentaries on travel and adventure, food, farming and country living.

The channel is presently available on Fetch TV for Dodo and SlimTel customers, where it is being offered as an à la carte option for $7.95 (AU) per month. The Channel will also be rolling out on other Fetch TV partner networks in the coming weeks and is actively pursuing other distribution opportunities. Further announcements in this regard will be made in the future.

H&C TV’s CEO Heather Killen says that H&C TV is working to broaden the platforms on which the channel will be offered, to make it accessible over the internet and on mobile devices as well. The Company also plans to make the channel available through mainstream television platforms in the future.

The dynamic team at H&C TV (UK) has been busy putting together an amazing schedule of programs for Australian audiences. The line-up includes: FEI World Cup Jumping, Dressage and Driving series, FEI Nations Cup Showjumping series and FEI Equestrian World magazine series, The Global Champions Tour, At Home with Carl Hester, Carl & Charlotte: Dressage Superstars, extended coverage of Badminton Horse Trials 2015, Backstage Pass with Monty Roberts, Parelli Horsemanship’s Amazing Grace, Chris Cox Horsemanship, Yard Talk and H&C Masterclass featuring equestrian stars such as Boyd Exell and Sam Griffiths, and Vet Essentials.

In addition to its international content, H&C TV plans to develop and acquire local programming and will produce an Australian version of its successful equestrian magazine show format.

For more information and to follow H&C TV (Aus) news visit:-The Australian website www.horseandcountrytv.com.au

Social Media made simple

By Equine Events UK As of January 2015, Facebook has just surpassed 1.23 billion monthly active users. The largest online community ever created, and all brought together by this one simple site. A community that includes every walk of life imaginable, all accessible through one click of that search bar.

So then how can you, as a brand, rider or trader, become part of the community relevant to you… the community that will potentially keep you in business?

The simple answer is Facebook groups.

Facebook groups are a fantastic networking tool and allow anyone to reach the potential customers at street level.

Take all comments in a positive light. If someone says not to use you or your product for a certain reason, ask them why, offer some form of assistance or compensation, take stock of the issue and address it professionally. Do not bite back. Be honest and if you feel you made a mistake or are being discussed unfairly speak out.

To join a group you have to join using your personal profile, so if you don’t want to do this then Facebook groups might not be for you. However it is nice for communities to feel they are speaking directly to the rider/manager/ owner of the business in question in conversation.

Focus on a handful of groups to begin with. Simply visit each one and see what conversations are relevant to you or if you are looking for some simple unquantified market research then groups are the perfect place to pose questions to your target market.

Not sure you can find the Groups are correct group for essentially free your potential Picking a specific online forums customer? Start for discussion group local or one yourself… between members. whether it be integral to your Sounds scary.

‘Dressage Training The ‘F’ word. business can be a South Devon’ or We all know ‘Saddle Fitting fantastic way to how sometimes Wiltshire’. Open destructive forums talk with potential a group, promote can be to a brand; it to friends customers on an encouraging nasty and colleagues gossip which can and promote informal level lead to significant discussion. losses in business.

Facebook is a However, join community and you need to be part the right ones and use them in a of it! professional manner and they can do a world of good to a reputation.

Picking a specific group local or integral to your business can be a fantastic way to talk with potential customers on an informal level. Groups are comprised of members who have applied to be a part of them, purely on the fact that they want to discuss those certain topics. Maybe they are looking for a recommendation for a good local saddler or dentist, they may be on the hunt for that perfect calming supplement or looking for the correct bit for a youngster. These communities are a great place to promote your business or Facebook page.

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Breeding Special: Part One

Choosing the

Correct Mare

Photo Credits: Emma Mitchell 16

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 18 • March 2015

BREEDING SPECIAL

Choosing the Correct Mare and Responsible Breeding

I

n this issue Cyden Stallions owner and dressage rider Lara Dyson presents the first in a series of features on breeding.

Here we focus on selecting the correct mare and look at the reasons why you should and shouldn’t breed from your mare.

There can be nothing more exciting than breeding a foal and if your home breed foal grows up to be successful in your chosen discipline, it can be all the more rewarding.

Careful consideration should be taken before making the decision to actually breed a foal and your reason for doing so should be valid and not just because you fancy seeing a little foal running around your paddock and ‘ahh wouldn’t it be so cute’. Sentimentality is not justification for breeding a foal.

There are far too many unwanted horses and ponies in this country with equine charities bursting at the seams with neglected and abandoned animals. So, first and foremost, thought must be given as to why you want to breed a foal, bringing this new life into the world is a responsibility that will be both time consuming and costly.

Once you have established you are breeding a foal for the correct reasons, the next step on the journey is to assess whether your mare is really suitable for producing a quality foal. This requires an owner to look at their mare honestly and with an unbiased eye.

People often place too much emphasis on their chosen stallion when breeding, forgetting that the mare will make up 50 per cent of the genetic make-up of your foal, some breeding experts would argue that this percentage is even higher.

The Right Mare

Many people breed for the wrong reasons, primarily because their mare is no longer fit for any other purpose, such as an injury ending a competition career. A mare that is not fit for anything else is not always the best candidate as a broodmare.

“Once you have established you are breeding a foal for the correct reasons, the next step on the journey is to assess whether your mare is really suitable for producing a quality foal” A good temperament is crucial to passon to her off-spring. A foal with a good temperament is likely to go on to be more trainable and ride able in the future; this is without a doubt one of the most important things to look for.

Good confirmation is also vital, whatever the future holds for your foal, it has to be physically capable to do the job. Poor confirmation can increase the risk of injury, especially if they are destined for the competition arena and be required to withstand the rigors of a competitive lifestyle.

Study your mares’ pedigree, any undesirable qualities, be they temperament issues or confirmation faults further down the lineage, can potential present in future progeny, missing a generation.

Responsible Breeding

If you have already bred a foal from your mare and are undecided whether to breed again, study the current progeny your mare has produced, accessing whether she has passed on her good qualities that were a factor in your decision to breed in the first place.

Fertility is also a consideration for second foals, how easy was it to get your mare in foal? You might have the best mare in the world but if her fertility is 17

Photo Credits: Emma Mitchell 18

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 18 • March 2015

BREEDING SPECIAL not good, this does not provide a healthy environment for breeding.

Complications during pregnancy or in the foaling process would also be valid reasons not to breed from your mare again.

Even if your mare fell pregnant immediately, carried the foal without any problems and delivered the foal with ease, was she a good mother to her new-born foal? Not all mares are natural mothers and to breed from a mare that really didn’t relish the experience previously, would be wrong.

At Cyden Dressage, owner Lara Dyson aims to breed two quality foals per year concentrating on quality not quantity. These foals will go on to be produced by Lara, to hopefully go on and have a successful dressage career, either with Lara herself or be sold on.

Lara said: “It is important to me to produce a high quality foal with the best bloodlines that is likely to go on and have a bright future. It is also my responsibility as a breeder to ensure the foals we produce are of excellent temperament and ‘trainability’ as well as brimming with good health and not sickly.

“It is all too easy to just breed a foal for the sake of it and flood the market with poor quality offspring that are likely to struggle for a purpose in the future, this to me is irresponsible in

a country already overflowing with unwanted animals.”

“Breeding a foal is a serious investment of both your time and money”

“As a breeder your reputation is only as good as the quality of foals your breed. The ultimate goal for me and Cyden Dressage is to produce a home-bred foal that reaches the top of their game, while at the same time helping to promote British breeding,” added Lara.

Breeding a foal is a serious investment of both your time and money, so before embarking on this journey ask yourself if your mare has the qualities you would wish to pass on, if not, you are possibly just added to the population of unwanted animals.

However, when done responsibly, breeding a foal and seeing it grow and mature is one of the greatest pleasures and achievements for any horse owner.

Cyden Cadans M and Cyden Bodyguard Moorland will be standing at Stallion AI Services for a limited time this summer with frozen semen available from Cyden Oostings Amigo.

For Further information contact Lara Dyson on 07920 452739, visit www. cydendressage.com or like the Cyden Dressage facebook page for news of all three Cyden Stallions and other horses and ponies for sale.

Formula for All the Family Successful reproduction is dependent on the health and well-being of both the mare and stallion and the role that correct nutrition plays in breeding should not be underestimated.

In order to be in the best possible health, mares and stallions need to be fed the correct balance of high quality nutrients, to

Photo Credits: Emma support fertility and conception, as well as provide a healthy environment for breeding a foal.

During the pregnancy the un-born foal relies on the nutrients fed to its mother for development and to provide the foal with the best start in life. A large amount of effort goes into the care of the mare both before and after conception but the nutritional needs of the stallion should also be considered as stallions can lose condition quickly during the covering season.

Newborn foals rely on their mother’s colostrum and milk for nutrients for growth, as well as establishing a healthy immune system. Lactation places a huge drain on the mare’s nutrients, placing her at risk of losing condition if she is not provided with sufficient energy to maintain her own body weight as well as produce nutritious milk.

Weaning time can be stressful for both the mare and foal, with the foal needing to be

March 2015 • Issue 18 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

in the best possible health to cope with being separated from its mother, stress related diarrhoea in foals is a common problem associated with weaning.

Lifeforce Formula is specially designed for breeding horses, helping to improve the reproductive health of both mares and stallions, allowing horses to maximise nutrient uptake from their diet, by enhancing fibre digesting bacteria. This will help provide essential nutrients to the mare during the gestation period and while lactating, and benefit the stallion during the pressure of the covering season.

Containing all natural ingredients it supports fermentation of feeds and forages in the caecum, as well as immune function.

Lifeforce Formula also contains organic trace minerals that help maintain mare milk quality and promote healthy growth in young foals.

A 5kg Tub of Lifeforce Formula retails at £90 and is a three month supply. Visit www.lifeforcehorse.co.uk 19

More about ...

The Cyden Dressage Stallions

The Superstar Bloodlines of the

Cyden Dressage Stallions

T are.

Cyden Oosting Amigo

he pedigrees’ of all three of the Cyden Dressage Stallions contain some of the best sport horse bloodlines there

Cyden Cadans M and Cyden Bodyguard Moorland literally have dressage royalty in their blood and pony stallion Cyden Oostings Amigo descends from some of the best names in sports pony breeding. .

Cyden Cadans M is by renowned dressage stallion Sir Donnerhall and combines some of the most successful modern breeding lines for dressage with some of the most established sources of dressage talent in The Netherlands.

As well as a successful dressage career of his own, being reserve World Champion Young Dressage Horse and Bundeschampion of 2006, Sir Donnerhall has proved to be a sire of champions.

His reputation as a breeding stallion is exemplary with over 70 licensed sons to date. In 2012, the Sir Donnerhall sired stallion, Sa Couer, sold for an astonishing €2.3 million at the PSI auction, who was himself Bundeschampion and World dressage Horse Champion in the same year, as a five-year-old.

Sir Donnerhalls’ own sire, the impressive black stallion Sandro Hit, boasts a phenomenal breeding record of his own, having stamped his mark on many dressage horses of the modern era.

His dam sire, Donnerhall combined a successful career in the dressage arena with breeding many top horses; in Germany 20

Cyden Cadans M alone he produced 50 approved stallions.

Cyden Bodyguard Moorland processes relatives that need no introduction even to none dressage enthusiast.

His sire, Gribaldi is one of the most successful sire of dressage horses in the world today, producing multiple Grand Prix dressage stallions approved across a wide range of studbooks, these include not only Hofrat, sire of the all-conquering Hotline but also Painted Black and, of course, the phenomenal Totilas.

Bodyguards’ dam, Ulinda is by Negro, sire to Olympic Gold medal winning superstar, Valegro, probably the most famous dressage horse of the moment.

NWPCS pony stallion Cyden Oostings Amigo is by Z2 Level International dressage pony Halgelkruis Valentijn, winner of the 2011 Dutch Pony Championships, with Halgelkruis Valentijn and his own sire both having been awarded, ‘Sport Predicate’.

Cyden Bodyguard Moorland Amigos’ dam, Oosting Manuella is out of Oosting Petronella, who has many of the great names in sports pony breeding in her pedigree, including Downland Chevalier, Downland Folklore and Silvertops Rico.

Cyden Cadans M and Cyden Bodyguard Moorland will be standing at Stallion AI Services for a limited time this summer with frozen semen available from Cyden Oostings Amigo.

For Further information contact Lara Dyson on 07920 452739, visit www. cydendressage.com or like the Cyden Dressage facebook page.

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 18 • March 2015

BREEDING SPECIAL New Breeding and Elite Sport Horse Seminar and Workshop A WEALTH of knowledge and expertise is being brought together by the team at Harthill Stud at an evening seminar and morning workshop on Breeding and Producing the Elite Sport Horse.

Designed to develop open discussion with leading industry experts and to benefit the breeding industry in the UK, the seminar, supported by Stallion AI Services, Elite Stallions and Gain Horse Feeds, will take place at Carden Park Hotel in Cheshire on Monday, March 23 at 7pm and includes a drinks reception with buffet dinner.

Ed Holloway will be compere for the event and there will be a number of experts on hand and giving talks. The expert panel will include; Sarah Stoneham BVSc Cert ESM MRCVS of Cheshire Equine Clinic, GB No 1 event rider and Harthill Stud partner Oliver Townend, leading showjumper and Billy Stud partner William Funnell, Enda Carroll of Ashford Farm Sports Horses, Paul Hendrix of Dutch Sport Horse Sales and Arie Hamoen, leading KWPN Stallion Inspector.

A range of topics will be covered including; management of youngstock to

Breeding Champions with TopSpec Stud Feed Balancer BREEDING champions of the future, Emma Blundell of Mount St John Stud recognises the importance of correct nutrition.

Says Emma: “The focus of our breeding programme at Mount St John is ‘Quality without Compromise’ which is why we choose to feed TopSpec that is ‘Created without Compromise’. TopSpec gives us the peace of mind that all our stock are getting the very best nutritional support for fertility, lactation, growth and performance.”

TopSpec Stud Feed Balancer will promote superb muscle and skeletal development without providing excess calories resulting in overtopping.

maximise potential; importance of broodmare selection for performance; stallion selection driven by mare characteristics and bloodlines; what the professional market are looking for in a young horse; sales preparation and presentation.

This will be followed by a morning workshop at Harthill Stud and lunch at Bolesworth Castle on Tuesday, March 24 at 9.30am.

The morning workshop will include practical demonstrations bringing together many of the areas from the seminar. Evaluation sessions will be led by Arie Hamoen and Sarah Stoneham, analysing different examples of youngstock, mares and stallions, including some exciting ridden sport horse prospects.

The expert panel will also be on hand to officially select the Harthill yearlings who will be included in the first Elite Sale which will be held at Bolesworth International on Friday June 19, 2015.

The feed balancer improves the amount of nutrients a horse can extract from his total diet meaning that breeding stock can receive optimum nutrition from reduced levels of hard feed, with many resulting benefits.

TopSpec Stud Feed Balancer greatly improves hoof, skin and coat quality, whilst helping to maintain appetite, moderating the effects of stress on horses and helping to maintain a healthy immune system.

TopSpec Stud Feed Balancer contains the following features:• Optimum amounts of all the micronutrients needed to complement feed intake and allow broodmares and youngstock to reach their maximum potential.

• Excellent quality protein and intracellular soya oil.

• Concentrated levels of added micronutrients, including chelated minerals for improved availability.

• Powerful levels of Vitamin E

March 2015 • Issue 18 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

Ticket prices to attend both the seminar and workshop are priced at £45 per person. Single tickets for the seminar are priced at £30 per person and single tickets for the workshop are priced at £20 per person.

The British Breeders Network National Meeting will take place after lunch on Tuesday March 24 at Bolesworth Castle and is open to all who wish to attend.

For more information or to book your place please contact Gemma Holt at Harthill Stud on 01829 720775 or visit www.harthillstud.com

and selenium, vital antioxidants, important for fertility and muscle function.

• Effective levels of amino acids, vitamins, minerals and trace elements to develop and maintain strong bone and superb muscle.

• The scientifically proven levels of Biotin (15mg/500kg horse/day), and associated nutrients, to improve hoof and coat quality and skin conditions.

• Two advanced yeast products to help optimise fibre digestion in the hindgut and remove gut pathogens.

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

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Get Fit and Flexible!

Despite the common misconception that the horse does all the hard work, riding can be a very demanding sport.

All riders, from those who keep horses as a hobby to the more serious competitors, are required to have strength in nearly all of the major muscle groups. Even just holding the basic riding position engages a number of muscles; that’s before you take into account the strength needed to muck out, carry water buckets or even give your horse a good groom!

In this article, we suggest a few exercises which will help you and your friends get in shape and improve balance in the saddle. Remember, if you have any health issues or concerns, you may need to consult your GP before you undertake any new exercise regime.

Just You Try this at home: Stretch your calves to improve your leg position.

Equipment required: None, just your stairs.

Stand on the bottom stair and hold the handrail firmly. Balance on the balls of your feet on the edge of the step and slowly lower your heels until you feel a stretch your calves. Hold this position for a few seconds then release. Gradually push your heels lower and increase the length of time you hold the stretch.

Try this on a chair: Tone up your inner thighs to improve stability in the saddle.

Equipment Required: A stable chair without wheels (such as a dining chair) and a ball.

Sit on the edge of a chair so that your thighs are not supported by it and your knees are at right angles to the floor. Place a rubber or plastic ball (such as a football) between your knees, squeeze it for a few seconds, then relax. Do this a few times a day, increasing the time spent squeezing the ball each time.

Hilary Wakefield, BHSAI, INT T, coaches riders to develop good balance and a better understanding of the aids to enable them to help their horse. Hilary says:

Image: Andy Gourley

“The rider should work towards being free from stiffness, especially in the hip joints, so they are able to ‘follow’ the movement of their horse or pony. Any stiffness or imbalance (e.g. crookedness) in the rider is ‘mirrored’ by their horse or pony.”

The Pony Club

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Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 18 • March 2015

WELCOME TO MARCH’S MAGAZINE

Get Fit and Flexible!

With Your Friends

Try this as a competition: Do the Bleep Test for a cardio workout to improve stamina.

Equipment Required: A whistle, a timer or watch and markers such as cones or poles.

Line the group up on the start position and place markers 20 metres away. The group then runs repeatedly back and forth from the start point to the marker, timed to arrive at the 20 metre point as the whistle sounds.

Start at a gentle jog and gradually reduce the time between each whistle, meaning the runners have to increase their speed to reach the marker before the whistle goes.

Those who don’t make it to the marker before the whistle is blown are ‘out’ and the winner is the last person left.

Try this for fun: Improve your balance and jumping!

Equipment Required: Space hoppers, show jump poles or raised garden canes.

Have a go at ‘jumping’ over poles on the ground (or raised garden canes) cane on a space hopper!

The key to this exercise is to approach the jump in a balanced, even rhythm. You will be unsuccessful if you come into the jump at speed, if you are in front of the movement or if you pull the space hopper up with your hands rather than bounce over the pole.

This exercise not only helps improve balance, but it helps to illustrate the importance of impulsion and approaching jumps in an even rhythm.

Try this with young children: Test concentration and reaction.

Equipment Required: An arena and a set of dressage markers.

Ask the participants to lie on the floor in the centre of the arena, or sit on chairs if the floor is not suitable to lie on. The coach then shouts out a letter and the group must run as fast as they can to reach it. The last person to reach the letter is ‘out’.

If you have a number of people, you can divide them into groups and direct each group to different letters.

Try this with older children or adults: Test your balance, co-ordination and dexterity.

Equipment Required: A wobble board each and a bean bag.

Form a line with each person standing on a wobble board. Start at one end of the line and, working your way down from person to person, turn to face your neighbour and throw them the bean bag whilst trying to remain stable on your balance board. When the bean bag reaches the end of the line, the last person gets off their board, runs up to the beginning of the line, and everyone moves down one board. The ‘runner’ takes their place on the first wobble board and the process starts again.

For the second game, remain in the same positions but throw the bean bag the other way down the line. This highlights any tendencies to favour turning one way more than the other which may result in becoming one sided when riding.

If you wish to make the exercise harder, try standing on the balance board in a lowered position. A row of tyres or hula hoops can be placed on the floor for the runner to run through as a reminder that excess speed make them become unbalanced.

March 2015 • Issue 18 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

23

Dealing with a ...

Hoof Abscess In this month’s special feature Everything Horse UK have teamed up with Robinson animalhealthcare to take a closer look at how the winter weather can make horses and ponies more susceptible to infection, how to deal with a hoof abscess and what you will need to poultice effectively.

A

n abscess is a cavity containing pus, which is a collection of dead cells, bacteria, and other debris resulting from an infection. As the amount of pus increases in a foot abscess it becomes painful as the hoof continually bares weight and it is unable to swell.

Foot abscesses are more common in wet weather because horses’ feet are softer and it is easier for foreign objects or dirt to penetrate the foot. If a horse is standing in mud there are more opportunities for dirt to get under the shoe, or into the foot of an unshod horse. Hoof abscesses are commonly caused by dirt or gravel penetrating the white line (weakest area on the sole of the foot) or when a sharp object penetrates the hoof sole. Infection then rapidly develops, with a build-up of pus

24

within the confines of the hoof, which is extremely painful for the horse. Lameness if often the first sign of a hoof abscess.

Abscess treatment needs to commence quickly to halt the abscess finding its own exit point - often the coronary band, but of course if it does this, then it has destroyed sensitive foot structures along the way.

A vet or farrier will need to locate the abscess and drain the pus. Once the pus has been drained the foot must be cleaned, Animalintex Hoof Treatment, secured with Equiwrap, is ideal for drawing out any remaining pus. Your vet may prescribe antibiotics and pain killers. The hoof poultice will initially need changing every twelve hours, so whilst your vet may put the first one on, it is important you know what to do so you can carry out the correct aftercare.

Over winter make sure you check and clean hooves daily.

Above: The abscess has penetrated through the coronary band

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 18 • March 2015

DEALING WITH A HOOF ABSCESS To poultice a hoof, you will need the following: •

A hoof pick, hoof brush, hygienic sponge and bucket to clean the hoof prior to poulticing.

•

Saline solution or salt to add to previously boiler water.

•

A licensed poultice to ensure a safe and effective treatment for the horse e.g.

Animalintex Hoof Treatment®.

•

Padding, e.g.

Veterinary Gamgee®.

•

A suitable self-adhering bandage to secure the poultice and keep it clean and protected e.g. Equiwrap®.

•

A poultice boot – if the horse is going to be turned out.

Preparing for and applying the poultice First of all, the horse should be secured on a clean dry standing and the hoof cleaned to prepare it for poulticing. A saline solution or a level teaspoon of salt per pint of previously boiled water should be used as it is sterile and will prevent further infection. The person applying the poultice should wash their hands thoroughly before starting the process and wear medical gloves if necessary.

To prepare a hot poultice, boil water and allow it to cool to 38 degrees centigrade (so that it does not burn the horse) immerse the poultice and squeeze out excess water. Note that if infected pus is present, the poultice needs to be damp (not wet) so that the pus is absorbed into the poultice. If a cold wet poultice is to be used, follow the same procedure as above but simply allow the boiled water to cool before application.

Cut the poultice to the shape of the hoof or use a hoof poultice e.g. Animalintex® Hoof Treatment. Position the poultice inside the sole of the foot (shiny side facing outwards) and then place some

hoof shaped padding over it e.g.

Veterinary Gamgee cut to shape. Secure the poultice and padding with a suitable bandage, using a figure-of-eight pattern, crossing on the sole of the foot.

The poultice should be changed at least every 12 hours. The progress of the ailment can be checked at the same time. If the horse does not respond to treatment or is showing signs of distress, call your vet.

Animalintex® can be applied as a hot wet poultice, a cold wet poultice or even as a dry wound dressing – particularly in a first aid situation. The technique used depends on the particular condition to be treated. Hot wet poulticing is used for abscesses, corns, cracked heels, infected wounds, mud fever, punctured foot, seedy toe and thorns. Cold wet poulticing is used for bruising, capped elbow, capped hock, sore shins, sprains, strains and splints.

Animalintex® Hoof Treatment retails at around £5.50 for a pack of three.

For more information contact Robinson Animal Healthcare on 01909 735000 or visit www.robinsonhealthcare.com

The licensed veterinary poultice

Stable Equestrian Powered by Professionals

www.stable-equestrian.net Watch videos to see how the professionals train and discover the products they can’t live without Follow us on:

Why buy the only poultice licensed by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate?

• Guaranteed quality of manufacture • Proven and consistent efficacy • Trusted, safe and stringently tested • Manufactured in the United Kingdom

Ask for Animalintex at your local stockist, visit our site at www.robinsonhealthcare.com or give us a call on 01909 735000.

Made in the UK

March 2015 • Issue 18 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

25

Top Tips for

Turnout

With the competition season just around the corner we gain some top tips and advice from Black Country Saddles sponsored show rider and producer Robert Walker.

26

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 18 • March 2015

D

o you dream of standing at the top of the line in the world of showing, want your horse or pony to be turned out to the highest standard, and feel proud that you have done your very best to ensure a winning performance?

Catching the judge’s eye as you enter the arena can mean the difference between success and failure and this will only happen if your horse is turned out to perfection.

Early season preparation is key and this includes making sure their coat is in top condition, manes and tails are prepared and correctly pulled, and the face and feathers are trimmed to highlight their finer points.

“Early preparation is key” Show rider and producer Robert Walker

TOP TIPS FOR TURNOUT Coat Preparation for the early season The early season shows always need careful thought when it comes to coat preparation. A lot will depend on when the coat has been clipped, the type of coat in the first place, how well the horse is rugged up and the overall diet.

It is easy for the coat to be in excellent condition one day and then suddenly it can look dull and coarse. If you want a shiny, gleaming coat make sure you groom for at least 30 minutes everyday.

Grooming stimulates oils in the skin to enhance the appearance and healthiness of the coat. After grooming ‘hot cloth’ your horse or pony, especially if you have clipped, as this gives an excellent finish to any coat. To do this simply use warm water and a clean cloth, start from the head and work your way down the body, working in the same direction as the coat.

Always ring the cloth out as much as you can before applying to the horses body.

You may wish to change the water several times during the process so you continue to use clean water.

Watch out for any rug rubs and make sure you do your very best to prevent bald patches on the shoulders appearing. With anti-rub vests and bibs available there is no excuse and you should always be aiming for the very best overall finish and

March 2015 • Issue 18 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

appearance. One of the key elements to keeping a coat looking in great condition throughout the year is making sure your horse or pony is warm, yet comfortable with the correct type of rug.

So if your horse or pony’s coat is in great condition now let’s look at bathing and the best process to go through.

Ideally you would bath a couple of days before the show and then keep your horse well covered up in a clean rug.

With all of the different types of products on the market today it is difficult to know which one is best to use on which area. You can buy colour enhancers and coat conditioners, all vary in their approach and application, always read the instructions before application to get the most out of the product. PH balanced shampoo are recommended when washing cl ose to the eyes and horses genitals. Overly complicated ingredients in coat conditioners can leave a dull, heavy appearance to the coat or may even cause an unwanted reaction, try to use a product you know and trust.

Be sure to use plenty of warm water and rinse any products thoroughly, this will help prevent itching and a flaky appearance to the coat. If the temperature starts to drop, remember to use a fleece or mesh rug so your horse doesn’t catch a chill.

27

Trimming for Refinement

Robert Walker with Pride and Joy

Hairy ears and long whiskers are a definite no in the showing arena when looking at plaited classes such as Show Hunters, Riding Horses, Cobs and Hacks.

“Lycra body suits from Supreme Products are amazing” Handler and producer, Sarah Tattersall

You should always aim for an elegant appearance and this can be achieved by trimming the face and removing any excess hair that adds bulk. Trim out the ears, whiskers, jaws, bridle path and heels.

We asked experienced handler and producer of show ponies, Sarah Tattersall to give us a few of her top tips for turnout; •

In order to do this I would suggest you use small silent clippers for working around the face.

•

Legs need to look tidy as well and this can be achieved using scissors and a comb. Be careful not to remove too much, exposing the legs to the cold weather can lead to problems such as cracked heels and mud fever.

•

I always think that using scissors and a comb allows you to tidy up the leg whilst still leaving the hair long enough to cover any scars that may be there which would look undesirable to the judge.

If the horse or pony has white legs, apply white chalk paste the night before when wet and then bandage to keep clean.

Tailgater tail bags are a ‘God send’ for white or Palamino tails.

Lycra body suits from Supreme Products are amazing for keeping the horse or pony clean, they also help their coats lie flat for a fantastic finish the following day.

Image: Llanidan Yeoman and Jess Oldknow wearing a ‘Black Country Saddles’ bridle and saddle.

Start by taking a little bit off, drastic trimming can leave feathers looking heavy and untidy.

Pulling manes and tails When looking to pull the mane after the winter months, think about how many plaits suit your horse, how thick a mane you like to work with and also the length of mane that ideally suits the way you plait.

Some horse owners need a certain length of mane to ‘get hold of’ while others prefer a shorter, yet thicker mane.

It is worth remembering that as the season progresses and if you compete regularly the mane can easily thin out, so don’t pull too much out at the start of the season.

worth taking the time to pull tails gradually, a little each day is better than doing it all at once.

The show horses’ tail should be also be pulled and this will enhance the look of the quarters when the judge is stood behind.

For the length of the tail trim about four inches below the hock, and remember to allow extra length for when the horse carries his tail high.

Some horses and ponies can take a while to get used to this process so it is

Show horses and ponies require a good thick tail and to keep this so, do not over-

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brush tails between shows as this will make it thinner. Avoid using tail brushes, try to keep to using a body brush, adding lots of tail conditioner as you go.

With special thanks to Robert Walker, Black Country Saddles and Sarah Tattersall. www.blackcountrysaddles.com

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 18 • March 2015

ADVERTISE HERE Wanting to advertise in the Everything Horse UK magazine?

We offer AFFORDABLE, REALISTIC advertising opportunities.

Prices start from ÂŁ18 Fantastic advertising packages available For more information and our 2015 media pack, please email our sales team advertising@everythinghorseuk.co.uk

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Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 18 • March 2015

LAMINITIS FOCUS

Laminitis

Preparing grass to minimise the risk of

This month Kate Douglas-Dala, FHEA looks at how best to prepare grazing to minimise the risk of laminitis. In the article Kate looks at key factors such as acreage, soil weeds and grass type along with other factors that alter the quality of grazing

T

he risk of horses and ponies contracting laminitis in the winter is relatively low.

However, preparations over winter can help prevent this debilitating condition, which is one of the most common causes of lameness in the UK, particularly in native ponies and leisure animals. Characterised by elevated digital pulses, rocking back on the heels and a reluctance to move, the condition can be fatal in cases where rotation and/or sinking of the pedal bone in the horse’s foot occurs and at best can mean months of rest and rehabilitation for the affected horse – not good for owners or their horses!

Winter can be a good time to assess the pasture, and decide how best to manage at risk animals during the spring, summer and autumn months – this means starting preparations early!

Assessment Acreage – what is the stocking density?

Aim for 1 acre per pony and 1 ½ acres per horse following BHS guidelines.

Soil type – Clay soils are very fertile but are prone to water logging in winter months, whereas sandy soils tend to drain well.

Topography or ‘shape’ of the land – Is the field at the bottom of a hill? Are there trees, ditches or hedges to consider?

Weeds – The majority of species present should be grasses and herbs. Check that weeds such as buttercups, docks and thistles or poisonous plants such as ragwort, have not started to take over.

Grass species – ideally a mixture of grass species should be present including rye grass and meadow grasses. Old agricultural pastures tend to be mainly high energy species which are unsuitable for animals at risk of developing laminitis.

March 2015 • Issue 18 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

“Ideally a mixture of grass species should be present including rye grass and meadow grasses”

Forage feeding Assess the quality of the forage given to animals on the pasture as it will vary according to their requirements. Whilst this is not always possible, in an ideal world native ponies should be receiving a lower energy density forage (equine equivalent of celery!) such as last year’s late cut hay – it will be more stalky and fibrous which will be much closer to the natural forages which they were designed to graze upon in the wild.

Consider having forage tested to see how much energy and soluble sugars are contained – many feed companies will offer this service (especially if you buy other products from them). If there is only one type of forage available then consider prolonged soaking times before feeding in the field, which can remove over 25% of sugars contained.

Forage feeding in the field can lead to trampling and destruction of grass species – this grass is then ‘stressed’ and will have a higher sugar or ‘fructan’ content.

As equine grazing consultant Gary Holter states, “Ryegrasses have been designed to suit modern agriculture but are low in necessary fibre and produce far too much sugar for horses”.

Trampled areas If grazing has been extensively trampled and you have control over the land, it may be the time to reseed with a seed mixture suitable for laminitic-prone ponies such as a traditional meadow grass mixture.

With the right preparation, these can be hand sown on small acreages although the land would need resting for the season.

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Start to plan how you are going to manage grass intake through strip grazing or a track system, use of a grazing muzzle or strategic stabling. The current fencing and state of land will influence what works best – big acreages can easily be sectioned down or strip grazed but this can lead to excessive poaching in smaller areas, and in these cases using a grazing muzzle or stabling for part of the day would be recommended.

Above all, knowledge is power!! Just as a human who was following a healthy lifestyle would know their ideal weight and intake, owners should have this information to hand for their horse and pony. Monitoring bodyweight and regular condition scoring throughout the year will ensure that these animals are following natural weight fluctuation patterns – losing weight in the winter months, to allow for normal gain in the spring and summer – just as nature intended!

“Reseed with a seed mixture suitable for laminitic-prone ponies”

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 18 • March 2015

ADVERTISE HERE Wanting to advertise in the Everything Horse UK magazine?

We offer AFFORDABLE, REALISTIC advertising opportunities.

Prices start from ÂŁ18 Fantastic advertising packages available For more information and our 2015 media pack, please email our sales team advertising@everythinghorseuk.co.uk

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BOOT Up...

Here we take a look at the different type of horse boots available on the market today, from the traditional Brushing Boot to the Cross Country Boot, there certainly is something suitable for every horse.

H

orse boots are seen on the legs of many equines, not just performance horses tacking huge cross country tracks, or Grand Prix horses at home. Boots are seen all over the place, on tiny lead rein ponies all the way through to four star eventers.

But do you know what protection the different types of boots provide?

Horse boots can be seen as a bit of a fashion accessory, but when used correctly, they can make a huge difference to the horse. Using the right type of correctly fitting boot can help to protect your horse from serious injury in the extreme, but can also help to keep the leg shielded from the knocks and bumps that can occur during day to day riding and turnout. There are a lot of different types of boots available and here, we’ll explore why you might consider using the main ones…

Below: MASTA Over reach boots

Below: NEW Equine Wear Brushing boots

Brushing boots Everyone’s heard of (and more than likely owns) a pair or two of brushing boots. They can be used for daily hacking and schooling, turnout and even jumping too. Their main ‘job’ is to help protect the horse from brushing related injuries. Brushing occurs when the horse catches his leg with the opposing leg as he moves. Some horses are fairly narrow and, therefore, their legs are fairly close together. Some have an action that can cause brushing. Some brush when they’re tired or during certain schooling exercises.

What to buy? Fit is important. Some boots have a universal fit (meaning that they fit fore and hind limbs) and some fit fore or hind limbs for more tailored protection. Make sure you look at the materials used and make sure they suit the activities you do. If you’re planning to use the boots for turnout and hacking in wet weather, a waterproof boot might be an option, as they won’t absorb water and slip. If you’re going to use them for fast work or in hot weather, opt for breathable varieties. If your horse has a neoprene allergy… avoid neoprene!

Over reach boots Perhaps the second most ‘common’ type of boot is the over reach boot. As the name suggests, these boots are designed to protect the area that they cover from the horse’s back hooves should he over reach and strike into himself. Horses can over reach at any time, although jumping and turnout are times when people tend to reach for these boots.

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What to buy? There are a lot of different styles of over reach boot available, from pull on rubber ‘bell’ boots to shaped fabric boots with heel locks and more. The cost can vary dramatically and the level of protection certainly differs across the range. The type of activity the horse is wearing the boots for may have a bearing on the kind of product you buy, or you may invest in more than one pair to save ‘best’ boots for competitions and cheaper boots for turnout.

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 18 • March 2015

WELCOME TO MARCH’S MAGAZINE Cross country boots These are designed for the cross country riding and jumping…and the potential injuries that can be inflicted in these situations. Many cross country boots will have tendon and/or cannon bone guards to help protect from impact, and might be shaped to also offer fetlock protection should the horse brush when galloping.

What to buy? It depends a little on the activity you’re participating in as they can also be used away from the cross country course. Horses can injure themselves at any time, but cross country is definitely seen as a higher risk sport, so getting the protection in the right places is a must.

Also think about the materials used in the boots. Tendons can get very hot during strenuous exercise and can be damaged if the heat gets too much and can’t disperse. The best way to allow the leg to cool is to be boot free, but that does nothing to protect the leg from impact.

There are, however, a number of boots that allow air to flow through the boot to cool the limb, and some of these are very effective at reducing the temperature of

Above: NEW Equine Wear Cross country boots

Image credit Mike Bain

the lower leg. You may find that boots absorbing water and slipping is a major concern and, in this case, a waterproof style would be worth considering. Equally, if you have a sensitive horse who gets rubbed and sore with the grit and dirt

Tendon boots These are often seen on showjumpers as the design helps to protect the tendon area from impact, but leaves the front of the boot open to allow the horse to feel a pole if he knocks a jump. These often have additional guards over the tendons to give extra protection.

Below: Equilibrium Tendon boots

What to buy? There are a lot of different styles out there, from softer options to tendon boots with molded shells for additional protection. As with cross country boots, assess what your concerns are. Sensitive legs that are made sore by grit and dirt may be better suited to something lined in fleece, whereas horses that have an action that means they’re more likely to strike into themselves could benefit from a harder shell.

Remember: Always check the rule book!

If you compete, always check the rule book before you invest in a pair of new boots for competition. There are rules in place regarding equine leg protection, so it’s always worth checking!

March 2015 • Issue 18 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

that can get under the boot, consider thick fleece lined options…but make sure that the fleece is fit for purpose and won’t just absorb the water of any passing puddle!

Fetlock boots Often seen with tendon boots on are showjumpers, fetlock boots provide protection to the fetlock area should the horse knock his fetlock with his other leg. This might happen during the tight turns of a showjumping course or even in the air. Fit is essential!

Below: WOOFWEAR Fetlock boots What to buy? As with tendon boots, it’s personal preference.

Fit is essential, as with all boots, but after that you really need to assess how your horse moves and the likely damage he could cause to himself.

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What to feed the ...

Retired Horse Retiring a horse or pony from a ridden career is a big step. Now more than ever, nutrition should be at the forefront of our thoughts for many different reasons. Making sure the horse is comfortable and happy as they move into their senior years is an important role we must embrace to make sure nutritional needs are met.

Nutrition for the Retired Horse A retired horse or pony can be advancing in years or have had its ridden life cut short by illness or injury. Whichever category your retired equine falls into, their diet will need adjusting to suit their new lifestyle.

Abiding by the golden rule of feed according to workload, care must be taken to ensure they are receiving vital nutrients without unnecessary calories that could cause weight gain and undesirable behaviour.

Lifeforce Focus

For many ageing retired horses and ponies loss of condition is a common problem, related to poor teeth and a decline in the function of the digestive system.

By allowing good bacteria to work efficiently throughout the gut it helps to create a healthy digestive environment.

Good quality forage fed ad lib is essential to the health of the digestive system, but as a horse ages, this decline in the digestive system prevents the horse from digesting fibre as efficiently as it once did.

A healthy digestive system is essential for horses of any age, having a great impact on its over-all well-being and immune function.

Lifeforce Focus from Alltech is specially designed for less active horses and those that spend a lot of time grazing.

Studies have shown that Lifeforce contains minerals that optimise digestive health, address challenges relating to body condition and are more easily absorbed and maintained.

A 5kg Tub of Lifeforce Focus retails at £60, for a three month supply.

Visit www.lifeforcehorse.co.uk

PLEASE NOTE Products listed on the following pages are only given as a guide to feeding the retired horse. Everything Horse UK are in no way recommending the products as every particular horses nutritional needs are different. When formulating a new feeding plan it is always recommended you seek advice from a qualified equine nutritionist. By visiting the websites provided with each item, information can be sought on ingredients and other useful facts. When changing a horses diet, new feed should be introduced gradually to prevent stomach upset or other digestive problems. If you are in any doubt over your horses health always seek advice from a qualified veterinarian.

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Fibre-Beet Ideal for veteran horses, Fibre-Beet is very palatable and easy to chew even if teeth are poor or missing. Fibre-Beet has added biotin for hoof quality and is approved by The Laminitis Trust. It can also be used as a forage replacer (up to 60% of the daily forage allowance).

Soaked and ready to feed in only 45 minutes in cold water, or 15 minutes in hot water.

RRP is £11.95-£12.90 for a 20kg bag.

Visit www.britishhorsefeeds.com.

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 18 • March 2015

WELCOME TO MARCH’S MAGAZINE

Mollichaff Veteran Many elderly equines have loose or missing teeth and cannot chew long stemmed forage such as hay or haylage. Mollichaff Veteran is made from chopped ingredients so it is easy to manage and is very palatable too, making it great for fussy feeders.

Prices start from £7.99. Visit www.horsehage.co.uk March 2015 • Issue 18 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

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Veteran/Senior Mix

Baileys no.15 Senior Mix

Saracen Veteran Mix

A readily digestible, non-heating low calorie mix with excellent levels of quality protein. The mix also contains Yea-Sacc to help stimulate fibre digesting bacteria and includes a full profile of vitamins and minerals. Ideal for horses and ponies being fed medicines and fussy eaters with its aroma of garlic.

Saracen Veteran Mix is suitable for horses and ponies aged 16 plus, whether in work or retired. Fantastic for those who require a low start or oat free diet. This is a highly palatable mix which includes four different herbs that are claimed to assist with a normal respiratory and digestive system.

Powerful antioxidants and high oil levels for optimum coat and skin conditions.

Prices start from £11.99 Visit www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

Prices start from £11.99.

Visit www.saracenhorsefeeds.com

Dodson & Horrell Sixteen Plus Mix This quality conditioning feed for veteran horses and ponies is high in fibre and oil and is a good source of quality protein. With Glucosamine and MSM to help with stiffness and mobility, this mix has also been designed to support and encourage muscle tone, cell renewal and a healthy digestive system.

Prices start from £11.99 Visit www.dodsonandhorrell.com

Equerry Veteran Mix Ideal for horses and ponies that need to gain weight and condition, Equerry Veteran Mix contains high levels of protein, highly digestible cereals and raised vitamin E, an important antioxidant. Oil and linseed promote coat condition leaving a great shine to the coat all year round.

Prices start from £13.25 Visit www.equerryhorsefeeds.com

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Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 18 • March 2015

FEEDING THE RETIRED HORSE

NAF Veteran Supplement A specially formulated comprehensive supplement containing MSM and probiotics. Suitable for older horses in retirement or still in work. Key ingredients to help maintain health and gut function include probiotics and yeasts, lysine, organic Sulphur, Dicalcim phosphate and phosphorous.

Prices start from £19.99 for 1.5kg Visit www.naf-equine.eu/uk

Global Herbs Old Age Formula

Equimins Mare, Foal & Old Veteran Supplement

A formula specifically designed to help support the older horse with suppleness, energy and general body condition. This product helps support the immune system, helping the horse or pony feel revitalised.

Specifically designed for the older horse as well as mares and foals to aid proper digestion of fibre.

Contains high levels of probiotics, saccharomyces, cerivisae yeast and prebiotics to colonise the gut wall.

RRP £22.25 for 1kg Visit www.globalherbs.co.uk

Prices start from £17.99 for 2kg Visit www.equimins.com

Feedmark Veteranaid Veteranaid is a 100% herbal supplement specifically designed for older horses.

Containing Dandelion root, Milk thistle seeds, Burdock root, Nettle leaves, Clovers and other important herbs that help

support and benefit the circulatory and lymphatic system.

RRP £30.99 for 1kg Visit www.feedmark.com

Equilibrium Products Munch Fleximunch A healthy, tasty, high-fibre, cereal-free snack designed to assist with joint support. Made from top quality Timothy grass and enriched with Glucosamine, MSM and Rosehips, Ginger and Boswellia. Ideal to brighten up a cold or wet day for veteran horses and ponies.

Prices vary Visit www.equilibriumproducts.com

March 2015 • Issue 18 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

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On the other hand, being a veteran doesn’t necessarily mean retirement ...

For horse and pony owners all over the country, thankfully today being a veteran does not have to mean retirement!

“I started giving him TopSpec Senior Feed Balancer on recommendation and he just looks fantastic.”

Samantha Warnakulasuriya contacted the TopSpec nutrition team to tell them about her fantastic 23-year-old, Ruben.

While Ruben is still going strong under saddle, Victoria Spouge’s, 13.2hh grey mare, Pepper is no longer ridden but is something of a miracle at well over 40!

This handsome bay gelding looks a picture of health and enjoys a canter around the nearby countryside.

Says Samantha: “Ruben, my 23-year-old Welsh Cob x Thoroughbred is fed on TopSpec Senior Feed Balancer. He was given to me as a ‘happy hack’ by a very good friend, who retired him from his career as a hunter, last year.

“Although he is 23 he still thinks he’s a youngster and loves nothing better than charging around the North Yorkshire Moors and National Forest.

“I like to think he also looks younger than his age and as you can probably tell…he loves the camera!

Says Victoria: “I can’t believe Pepper has maintained her condition throughout the winter months. She is rugged up but lives out with her friend Ellie and is just in fantastic shape.

“Before I started feeding her TopSpec Senior Feed Balancer, three years ago she had very little muscle tone but now it is remarkable for a pony her age.

her morning feed.

“This winter hasn’t been particularly harsh and we have monitored our fields carefully, dividing it into sections to make sure she gets plenty of fibre from the grass as she struggles to eat hay, we do our very best for her but it is still amazing how well she looks. Thank you TopSpec.”

TopSpec Senior Feed Balancer is available with £4 off, at a special offer price of RRP £29.50 throughout February and March.

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

“I have owned Pepper for 18 years and she had never been particular vocal but ever since feeding her TopSpec she neighs when I go to feed her and trots around the field, even breaking into a canter for

For horse and pony owners all over the country, thankfully today being a veteran does not have to mean retirement!

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Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 18 • March 2015

ADVERTISE HERE Wanting to advertise in the Everything Horse UK magazine?

We offer AFFORDABLE, REALISTIC advertising opportunities.

Prices start from ÂŁ18 Fantastic advertising packages available For more information and our 2015 media pack, please email our sales team advertising@everythinghorseuk.co.uk

www.everythinghorseuk.co.uk

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Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 18 • March 2015

HELP MAKE HORSE TRAVEL SAFER

Help Make ‘Horse Travel’ Safer Major new survey in travelling safety

E

adaptations. Equally, it may be that mergency service response to similar numbers of problems occur in rescues involving horses has forward facing vehicles, though they do improved dramatically over the not routinely make the headlines. last few years. The fire and rescue service has a joined up approach to The first part of the study involves you! equine rescue and firefighters from We need to gather evidence and find across the country meet regularly out the common factors associated with through the Chief Fire Officers these situations. Therefore if you have Association, Animal Rescue Forum, to had an incident, no matter how minor continually develop rescue expertise in in the last 5 years, we need you to feed conjunction with veterinary specialists. in to the process by This subject area completing a short for emergency responders, If you have had an online survey. veterinarians and welfare incident, no matter Include any situation where a horse has organisations has how minor in the been in difficulty in grown rapidly in the horse box, lorry the last few years last 5 years, we or trailer, whether and necessitated need you to feed it has resolved establishment of you have had the British Animal in to the process by itself, to intervene or it Rescue and Trauma completing a short has required the Care Association attendance of a vet (BARTA) in 2012 online survey. and/or the Fire and Rescue Service. It One particularly will only take a few challenging aspect minutes to complete but the more detail of equine rescue involves entrapment in you can give, the more informed the transportation. Specifically there seems results and the better equipped we will to be an alarming number of traumatic be to take this to the next stage. and challenging situations reportedly occurring in vehicles where the horse Results of the survey may reveal travels facing backwards. This seems to underlying patterns which can be go against studies which promote rear focused on. The next stage will be a facing transport as being less stressful comprehensive study of behaviour whilst for your horse and pose little chance transporting horses. As well as looking of problems occurring. So, why have at which direction they prefer to face, the emergency services got a different we want to consider how design may perception? affect their ability to display naturally relaxed posture and how comfort can In response to this question, BARTA have be supplemented with safety measures, teamed up with equine behavioural in case something unforeseen and specialists, Intelligent Horsemanship, unpreventable happens. to discover whether the increase in reported rescues from rear facing The final stage will be engagement and transportation is due to contributory consultation with manufacturers who factors that can be resolved through are willing to embrace evidential findings improved design or behavioural March 2015 • Issue 18 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

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and work with industry experts to improve equine safety when travelling. The cars we drive are designed with safety and comfort uppermost, your horse deserves no less.

Baroness Mallalieu, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Horse, supports this new study. “Equine transportation incidents present considerable challenges for the emergency services, notwithstanding the suffering and distress caused to horse and owner.

Any project that leads to safer travel is welcomed by the APG and the additional effects of reducing stress and anxiety will have tremendous benefits for equine welfare nationally” “The UK Fire and Rescue Service attend many equine and livestock transportation incidents each year. Prevention is a key part of the work of the fire and rescue service and we welcome likeminded initiatives. I hope this study will be a catalyst, in not just reducing the numbers of incidents, but improving safety of the public and wellbeing of horses when situations do occur”. Steve Foye, Chair of the Chief Fire Officers Association, Animal Rescue Practitioners Forum “The British Horse Society is fully supportive of any initiative that might lead to a safer world for horses and riders alike. That is why we are so delighted by this BARTA study and we would strongly encourage anybody who has anything useful to add to take part. The results of this study just

might end up saving lives and surely that is something that anybody involved in horses will want to get behind.” Lee Hackett British Horse Society “At Intelligent Horsemanship we are always striving to make life easier and safer for the horse. By completing our survey, people can make a really important contribution to this vital research into how to keep our horses as safe as possible whilst transporting them.”‎ Kelly Marks, Founder of Intelligent Horsemanship.

The survey will be online from 2nd February, 2015 BARTA was founded in 2012. Key roles are to provide advice, direction, training and accreditation for those involved in the rescue and trauma care of animals, from small domestic animals to livestock and horses. For more information visit www.bartacic.org Intelligent Horsemanship was founded in 1997 by Kelly Marks. The organisation is dedicated to bringing the best of horsemanship ideas together to promote understanding and fair treatment of horses, through courses, demonstrations and educational materials.

Photos courtesy of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service Should you require any further information please contact Claire Cadman clairecadman1972@hotmail.co.uk Sarah Weston Sarah@logicalhorsemanship.co.uk www.bartacic.org www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk

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Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 18 • March 2015

WELCOME TO MARCH’S MAGAZINE

March 2015 • Issue 18 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

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What’s NEW in YARD STABLE EQUIPMENT

&

Chloe Bernard, Commercial Director of premium retailer Shadow Horse takes a look how stable and yard equipment is evolving and changing to the benefit of horse owners.

RUGS

have seen a massive shift in fabric technology and design over the past few years, with many turnout rugs now being promoted as stable rugs too. The great news is that a heavy weight rug no longer needs to equate to heavy in weight.

Just like sports clothing, fabrics

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which incorporate warmth, waterproof and breathable properties are now being introduced into horse wear but the old perception that rugs are to be measured in weight has been slow to change, but certainly in other countries this is rapidly becoming the norm now, as horse owners start to look at their own active wardrobes and realise change is good!

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 18 • March 2015

WHAT’S NEW IN STABLE AND YARD EQUIPMENT “Stable equipment continues to progress, as horse owners seek more effective time saving and cost effective ways to look after their horses. From stable manger feeders which can be set on timers through to bedding options which don’t require mass storage or suffer from shortages every winter.

Stable equipment from forks, brooms and wheelbarrows have all been re-designed to incorporate lighter weight materials and help make the job of mucking out lighter and easier”

Chloe Bernard

We love ...

Freedom Feeders As a retailer we are always

and allow a greater fill of hay or haylege than ever seen before.

searching the globe for exciting and unique products, which we can bring to UK shores and on our travels we found ‘Freedom Feeders.’

These are small holed haynets designed to encourage slow feeding, but we fell in love with their ‘Extended Day Net’ which is a huge haynet designed to be clipped up (Safety break free under pressure clips) which can be hung along the wall of a stable

Easy to fill, courtesy of an extended net flap and clip system, the net is perfect for horses on box rest or for overnight nets, dispelling the need for additional top up’s or replacement nets to be added.

The net is made from a nylon blend, which is soft but highly durable to help reduce intake further.

They even come with a repair kit, so over time if your net should need repairing, no more messy bailing twine!

Safe-T-Tie

Safety is a continuing concern for riders and horse owners and when we introduced the Kensington Break Free Headcollar (A headcollar designed to break free if it gets caught on something) it proved to be a huge hit so we were looking for something that equated the same level of performance and practical for general yard use. After much investigation and trailing, we found the ‘Safe-T-Tie’ from the States.

Winners Circle Brushes

Even when it comes to grooming your horse, we’ve seen a real return to natural from all those plastic and nylon brushes out there. Grooms are turning back to traditional brushes for great results without lots of elbow grease. We’ve sourced a fantastic range called ‘Winner’s Circle’ which feature real hair bristles and wooden ergonomic handles.

This clever bit of kit is a small plastic clip is incredibly sturdy, but will break under pressure if your horse pulls back but can be put back together to tie him up again.

The great thing about this fastening is that you get set the degree of tension before release via ‘teeth’. This allows you to adapt for each horse or occasion. For a flighty horse known to pull back and panic, you can set the clip to the lowest fastening or for normal use, up to the last fastening.

This little brightly coloured clip has proved incredibly popular in other countries and already selling well since its launch at the beginning of the year.

March 2015 • Issue 18 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

With so many fantastic advances in stable and yard products, we need to continue to embrace these changes, which are not only exciting, but changes which are ultimately beneficial to all of us in our overall day to day experiences with our horses. www.shadowhorse.co.uk 47

Must haves...

NEW From Absorbine® NEW ShowSheen Coat Care for Dogs From Absorbine®

With Spring on its way and the show season upon us, what better way to start the year with a little retail therapy! This month we are particularly ‘loving’ the new range of Absorbine products and the beautiful Equetech Lace competition shirt.

The range of Absorbine ShowSheen® Coat Care for Dogs products include ShowSheen® Detangler and Conditioner, ShowSheen® Bath in a Bottle and ShowSheen® Stain Remover and Whitener. These products have been developed to enable dog owners to help keep coats clean, shiny and tangle-free with maximum ease.

For price please visit www.absorbine.co.uk

Equetech Florence Lace Competition Shirt This stunning Shirt brings pretty to performance!

Made from a technical stretch breathable fabric with wicking properties, it features a stock collar, diamanté buttons and a curved bust design, capped sleeves and scooped back hem.

Gorgeous for competition and great for casual wear too!

Colours: White RRP: £39.95 Sizing: 8 - 18 Visit www.equetech.com

Freddie Parker Newmarket Shirt This beautiful Grey long sleeve shirt is styled in 100% Oxford cotton.

Proudly displaying the Freddie Parker signature embroidered motif on the chest, the Shirt features a retro short button down collar with both the placket inner collar and inside of the cuffs featuring the Freddie Parker graphic print in Slate and Cream.

Botanicals Body Rinse and Massage Foam Absorbine BotanicalsTM provides a relaxing reward for your horse by helping to calm and comfort tired muscles. The soothing aromatherapy of Botanicals comes in an economical concentrated Body Rinse and a convenient drip-free Massage Foam.

Both forms of Absorbine BotanicalsTM are natural herbal products containing a blend of a dozen herbs and essential oils, including aloe vera and arnica.

Massage Foam RRP £15.95, Body Rinse RRP £19.95 Visit www.absorbine.co.uk

Also available in Light Blue, Pink, Claret and White Freddie Parker Newmarket Shirt RRP: £79.00 Visit www.freddieparker.com

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Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 18 • March 2015

MUST HAVES Nettex Joint & Muscle Maintenance Contains Bio-available molecules of Glucosamine and Chondroitin to ensure higher absorption into the bloodstream.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin are key building blocks of cartilage and are needed for both maintenance and repair to protect joint from wear and tear.

RRP £32.99 for 1kg.

Visit www.nettexequine.com

Flex-On Stirrups NEW and exclusive to leading retailer Shadow Horse. The Flex-On Balance Stirrups are crafted from an organically sourced polyamide material and aluminum frame for a robust, yet incredibly lightweight finish, which also incorporates a number of highly innovative design features, which set them apart.

So if you want good vibrations and a comfortable ride, the Flex-On Balance Stirrups could be for you!

Colours: Graphite Sizes: One size RRP: £145.00 For more informaion on the stirrups please visit www.shadowhorse.co.uk

Above: Other products from the WAHL range

Wahl’s Tea Tree Shampoo A soothing, cooling and anti-bacterial shampoo with skin calming concentrate which actively removes dirt, grease, stains and odours, rejuvenating the hair as it cleans.

With these products by your side, your horse will be sure to shine this Spring!

Wahl Showman Shampoos are available in 500ml or 5 litre bottles and start at £6.99 For more information visit www.wahl.co.uk

Look our for next month’s Tried & Tested review on the Wahl product range

March 2015 • Issue 18 • Everything Horse UK Magazine

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This summers must see event

Equifest O

ver time there are certain must see, must visit events that become the norm in your 12 months calendar.

One such event is Equifest – here we find out more about this great five day equestrian feast.

Billed as the Festival for Horse Lovers, Equifest is an equestrian extravaganza like no other.

With classes for all abilities, young and old, in-hand and ridden, over jumps or on the flat - Equifest provides an opportunity to enjoy a large championship atmosphere and is a firm favourite with both competitors and visitors alike.

Now in its eighth year Equifest has grown

significantly from its humble beginnings in 2008 to establish itself as one of the largest events on the equestrian calendar.

Equifest takes place from August 12 to 16 and is organised and run by The East of England Agricultural Society, regularly attracting an astonishing 10,000 riders and visitors each year.

Held on The East of England Showground, the events aim is to offer equestrian enthusiasts the chance to experience a mix of entertainment with top class competition across the five day spectacular.

Said Betsy Branyan of Equifest: “Each year the event continues to surprise and amaze.

“It is wonderful talking to first-timers at the show, a little nervous when entering the ring, but beaming with confidence when they win a rosette or their horse or pony simply goes well.

“Everyone in the team at Equifest is very proud of the event and how it comes together and for 2015 we have a number of exciting and new demonstrations booked which are set to both entertain and be educational.”

This family orientated show is held in August every year and is ideally situated giving ease of access from all corners of the country.

Equifest has an avid and loyal following with many returning year after year to enjoy the fun and spirit of this annual show.

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More than 1,500 horses will be stabled on site, producing over 12,500 entries into a variety of disciplines, including showing, show jumping, dressage and carriage driving, all combining to make Equifest a unique and diverse event for everyone in the equestrian community.

Equifest also prides itself on valuing all who come through the gates, whether they are competitors or just spectators, they want everyone to go away having enjoyed a memorable experience.

In order to make this happen the Equifest schedule is packed full with fun activities to entertain, demonstrations by experts in their field to encourage learning and shopping galore to ensure no one goes home empty handed.

Equifest has gone to great lengths to understand their visitors, this allows the organisers to continuously develop and improve the event and is one of the main reasons it has continued to grow and exceed all initial expectations.

An amazing 82% of visitors actually own a horse themselves, and 38% own four horses or more, making the Equifest audience highly knowledgeable and fully able to appreciate the quality of competition on show.

This also provides exhibitors with unrivalled selling potential for their products and services, with trade stand space being snapped up quickly by some of the biggest names in equestrian retail.

78% of visitors return to Equifest every year, which is why Equifest understands the importance of re-inventing itself and continuing to evolve, helping to maintain interest.

For further information contact (01733) 363500 or visit www.equifest.org.uk

Everything Horse UK Magazine • Issue 18 • March 2015

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