YHC Lockdown Edition

Lockdown

Issue 1

Win an exclusive lesson

with Laura Collett - at her yard!

Equine Health Laminitis and why we must take it so seriously

Healthy mind for a happy you

Find out what we can do to maintain happy, healthy minds

YOUR HORSE & COUNTRY MAGAZINE £3.99 WHERE SOLD

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WELCOME & CONTENTS

The UK’s largest glossy equestrian and country lifestyle seasonal magazine!

Welcome

12

The ultimate Glamping Retreat

LOCKDOWN EDITION 2020

G

oodness me what a few months it has been, a testing time for us all! With all four corners of the world being affected by the coronavirus pandemic the world as we know it has been truly shaken, with many loved ones lost, businesses closed and life as we know it well and truly - locked down.

34

Win a Lesson with Laura Collett

Throughout these historic months the equestrian world has really come through and shown just how tough of an industry it really is, with businesses across the country strategically planning and redeveloping new ideas and platforms on which to provide a first class service for their customers, with all key disciplines in our sport having to postpone, cancel and rethink their ways of working moving forward we really have stood tall and embraced the changes ahead.

Who could have imagined that we would see all international competitions come to a standstill, the worlds horses and riders stuck at home with nowhere to go, crazy isn’t it?!

Whilst the fog slowly lifts and resumption of sport and indeed a new level of ‘normal’ life fades back in we wanted to bring to you, working together with a host of some of the very best that our industry has to offer, lots of exciting things you can do through these difficult times, competitions, some great ideas for affordable purchases, updates from some of the greats of our sport on how life in the lockdown has affected them and much more!

46

Bicton Arena

So please, stay safe, look after yourself and your loved ones, but take time to escape and enjoy this very special edition of Your Horse & Country Magazine – Life in the Lockdown - digital edition.

85

New beginnings

Contents

12 Badminton Retreat

The ultimate glamping retreat at Badminton Horse Trials

58 Equine Health

Dr Josefin Jansson looks at laminitis and why we must take it so seriously.

Editor

Advertising

Daniel Miller

Hazel Lomas & Alex Williams

Publishing Co-ordinator

Editorial

Clare Aris

Assistant Publishing Co-ordinator Lorraine Miller

Contributors With special thanks to JB Promotions, Dodson & Horrell, Josefin Jansson and Shutterstock images

90 Healthy Mind for happy you Find out what we can do to maintain healthy happy minds.

103 Equine Quality Top Tips

Getting your horsebox on the road

Contact Us

01454 318 780 info@yourhorseandcountry.com

Kathy Carter, Stephanie Bateman, Louise Vigars

Brick House, 21 Horse Street, Chipping Sodbury, South Gloucestershire BS37 6DA

Production

Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this publication YOUR HORSE & COUNTRY MAGAZINE shall not be made liable for any inaccuracies therein. The opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor/Publisher.

Gary Burt & Clare Aris

www.yourhorseandcountrymagazine.co.uk

Coming soon!

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by Louise Vigars.

Crafting, Making call it what you will - getting creative is a fun and fulfilling way to spend your free time!

Not only does it provide many benefits to your mental health through relaxation, escapism and mindfulness...creating something with your own hands is a uniquely rewarding and satisfying experience.

With recycling and disposal services currently reduced and social distancing making getting out for supplies more of a challenge, I’ve come up with a few activities that tap into my love of repurposing and upcycling items that might otherwise end up in landfill (or our overflowing recycle bins!)

Get stuck in and enjoy!

PRINT-MAKING

BOTANICAL TOTE BAG

Printmaking is a wonderful craft for all ages – trust me, you and your three year old will have as much fun as each other with this activity! It’s easy to get beautiful results using items you can readily find at home and out on walks, or obtain for little or no money. If, as in our household, lockdown has led to a decorating frenzy, you might find yourself with a glut of paint and wallpaper samples! The printmaking activities below make excellent use of these as well as a few other surprising items…!

We’re all doing our best to avoid single-use plastic bags these days, so having a gorgeous tote to slip over your shoulder when you pop to the shops is a must! Blank cotton tote bags are inexpensive and readily available to buy online (or, if you’re handy with a sewing machine, can easily be whipped up from an old cotton sheet!)

If you can’t wait for a bag to arrive to start printing (that’ll be me!!) this technique works just as well to jazz up any plain cotton fabric item e.g a t-shirt, table cloth or runner...or even some curtains.

TIP: If you’re printing on an item that you will want to wash in future, you’ll need to invest in a small bottle of FABRIC MEDIUM to ‘fix’ the paint in place.



 You’ll need…

• Something to print on - cotton bag/t-shirt/ table cloth/curtains (washed & ironed first for best results)...or just paper!

• Newspaper • Masking tape (or something similar to hold item in place and create a border) • Paint brush or sponge roller • Paint in whatever colours you fancy (tester pots are perfect!)

• A piece of scrap card (an old cereal or pizza box is ideal) • A rolling pin (or an empty glass bottle if you’re concerned about getting your rolling pin painty!)

• A variety of interesting leaves gathered from your garden or a walk in the countryside. Robust, waxy ones with pronounced veins last well but more delicate leaves work too – you’ll just need more of them because they last for fewer prints.

How to do it…

1) Make sure your piece of fabric is wrinkle-free and slip a piece of card or thick paper under the top layer so the paint doesn’t go right through to the other side.

2) Use masking tape to create a border for your design and stop the fabric moving around by securing it to the table.

3) Place one of your leaves vein-side up on a piece of old newspaper, then using a brush or foam roller, completely cover the back of the leaf with your chosen paint colour.

4) Before printing onto your fabric it’s always a good idea to practice!

So… carefully position the painted side of the leaf on some scrap paper, lay a sheet of newspaper over it (making sure it doesn’t move) then gently roll over it with the rolling pin (or bottle!) a couple of times.

Experiment with the amount of pressure you put on until you are happy with the result.

5) If you’re printing on something likely to need washing in future like a t-shirt – now is the time to mix some fabric medium into your paint.

(Just follow instructions on the bottle – usually equal parts medium to paint).

6) Once you are happy with your practice prints and have an idea of the pattern you want to create, repeat the technique above until you’ve completed your design, re-applying paint to your leaf each time.

• Wooden block (a sanding block works well) • The reverse side of old wallpaper samples (they are a perfect off-white colour and thickness for printing on!)

• Plain brown parcel paper or blank cards (both available from The Nook and 100% recyclable - unlike lots of glossy cards and wrap!)

Now you’ve got the materials, try some of the ideas below…

• Make your own wall art by printing on paper with cotton buds bunched together and tied with twine.

They create the impression of small clusters of flowers or blossom.

• Design your own greeting cards or wrapping paper by printing on recyclable brown kraft paper or cards using; snipped loo roll tubes, potato prints, sponge dabbers & a twine- wrapped sanding block.

• Or really go for it and create a beautiful woodland-inspired feature wall…

Enjoy!  • Image from the Lovely Wall Co

The Nook I n t e r I o r s creative workshops

interior inspiration

vintage & handmade treasures

TIP: using a variety of leaves and changing the direction you place them

in creates a lovely wild woodland affect. Make sure some of them just overlap the masking tape at the edges to accentuate the border once it’s removed.

7) Remove tape and allow paint to dry. To fix the paint onto the fabric lay some clean paper over your design and iron over it for 5 minutes on a wool setting.

8) Et voila! A beautiful and useful hand-printed bag to bring home the groceries in style!

All sorts of unsuspecting household items are great for printing with and on!

Gather some of the items below to create some fabulous print effects...

• • • •

Cotton buds Potatoes Kitchen or loo roll tubes String/twine

147a Church Road, Frampton Cotterell, Bristol BS36 2JX @thenookinteriors

@the_nook_interiors

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Your Horse & Country Magazine Lockdown Special Edition 2020 | 9

Cleaning Kit Bundle

We have compiled a wonderful cleaning kit which contains products designed for inside and outside the home.

250ml ODORKILL Destroys all smells and leaves a wonderful

fragrance that our customers all love! Can be used inside and outside the home including artificial grass.

1Litre SUPACLEAN A heavy duty detergent and steriliser.

Makes light of heavy work and can be used for washing down and cleaning all surfaces including utensils, feeding and drinking bowls.

Can also be used on patios and artificial grass.

1Litre PARVO-VIRUCIDE The ultimate disinfectant for all animal areas. It destroys the organisms causing viruses, bacteria, fungi and ringworm. At the recommended dilution rate of 1:200 it is most effective against the Parvo-Virus.

1Litre PET BED WASH A laundry detergent and steriliser to ensure your pets bedding or other heavy soiled laundry is not only clean but free of disease organisms. Can even be used on a low washing temperature.

150ml CAN SCOOPY-DO A rich expanding foam with a

pleasing fragrance which masks the odour of pet mess. Makes it more pleasant to pick up dog mess and also helps to reduce bacteria left behind - can be used as spot clean carpet cleaner.

All for just £30.00 a saving of nearly £8!

Can be used in Equine yards, kennels or at home.

Tel: 01787 476400

www.animal-health.co.uk

Tetbury Rocking Horses Traditional Wooden Rocking Horse Makers Each horse is exquisitely carved and the saddle and bridle handmade from fine quality tanned English leather.

Available in four sizes, a range of hand painted colours and stands to match your surroundings  For Sale  Special Commissions  Restoration and Repair Hand carved, hand painted and handed to you for years of enjoyment.

See our website and facebook page to discover more or call to arrange a visit to our workshop in Stroud

01453 873 853 or 07717 47 21 29 www.tetburyrockinghorses.co.uk 10 | Lockdown Special Edition 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine

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At this unprecedented time we would like to say thank you to all of our customers and stay safe.

Mailing address: Nomad Ideas, Happylands House Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8TY United Kingdom

Tel: 01666 500224

07785 963182

www.nomadideas.com

Your Horse & Country Magazine Lockdown Special Edition 2020 | 11

The ultimate luxury glam at Badminton Horse Trial

Combine your love for five star eventing and luxury glamping by staying at the Badminton Retreat. Located at the heart of the world’s premier three-day event

by Huntsman’s Close, the Badminton Retreat is the official glamping site for Badminton Horse Trials and it’s an experience not to be missed.

12 | Lockdown Special Edition 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine

mping retreat ls gates of Glastonbury Music Festival.

“Being located right next to the crosscountry course meant our guests could experience the excitement of Badminton then ‘retreat’ back to their luxury glamping accommodation. Highlights of staying with us include VIP evenings with special guests and for those who love to shop, The Retreat’s buggy service provides rides back and forth to the heart of the tented village,” said Barny.

New additions for 2021 include Tent Houses with multiple rooms and Deluxe En-suite Safari Tents. The restaurant will be run by the award-winning team from The Tarr Farm Inn on Exmoor who will be creating classic dishes with a contemporary twist using an abundance of excellent local produce.

W

ith hot showers, a pamper room, an onsite restaurant, chill out area and super plush glamping tents, the Badminton Retreat is not your ordinary campsite!

There is a fully licensed bar with a big screen showing highlights of all the action throughout the three-day event, as well as up to date reports from competitors and associated guest speakers. The on-site restaurant serves cooked breakfasts, cream teas and offers a supper menu, a chill out area with fire pits and hot and cold tubs. Top of the range loos and hot showers, a pamper room that offers hairdryers, straighteners and phone charging facilities, plus a private, secure parking area close to your tent makes this the perfect location.

The family-run business, based in Somerset, hosted its debut glamping site at Badminton Horse Trials in 2019 which was a great success and despite the cancellation of the 2020 event, owners,

husband and wife partnership Barny and Emily Lee, are very much full steam ahead planning for next May. “We were hugely disappointed that the 2020 event was cancelled but it was inevitable looking at the bigger picture keeping our country and guests safe was the utmost priority. We are now looking ahead to 2021 which will certainly be an event to remember,” said Barny.

Barny and Emily are no strangers to Badminton. Emily has competed at the prestigious five star event on several occasions during her professional eventing career. Barny also competed successfully to four star. In fact, Barny and Emily first met while competing together on the British Pony Europeans in 1993, winning team Silver. Today Emily is a sought-after eventing coach and is a regional under 18 coach in the South West for British Eventing. Barny now runs a marquee and events business and an annual luxury pop up glamping site in Pilton just outside the

“The atmosphere is fabulous on the Saturday due to the build-up of guests from all over the world supporting many different nationalities. They all come together with a common interest to watch the day’s adrenaline-fuelled crosscountry play out on a big screen in a luxury surrounding which looks out on the course,” added Emily.

Wendy Coney, a guest at the Badminton Retreat in 2019 said, “Our visit to Badminton was beyond our expectations having booked into the Badminton Retreat. The atmosphere in the bar and restaurant was fabulous, not to mention the delicious food. Nothing was too much trouble and we loved being able to have friends drop in and join us for dinner, a G&T or just afternoon tea, while watching the live action on the screens or highlights of the day. The most comfortable beds and only a very short walk to everything was a bonus.”

Find out more about the luxury accommodation available at the Badminton Retreat and to book for 2021 please visit www.badmintonretreat.co.uk or follow us on social media @badmintonretreat #MyBadmintonRetreat

Your Horse & Country Magazine Lockdown Special Edition 2020 | 13

Drawing on experiences LIFE DURING #LOCKDOWN COVID-19 Dear Friends,

PORTRAIT OF PERFECTION, ~ Every line tells a story.

This stunningly detailed drawing – yes drawing!

- by one of our riders from USA, talented artist Judith Hardenbrook, captures the grace and poise of this lovely lady Judith connected with during one lunch on safari.

This beautiful woman had walked from a neighbouring property on seeing us ride into the grounds of a rural farm.

JUDITH RECALLS:

"Riders, grooms, cooks, and our amazing ride leaders, Ajeet & Caroline, were invited by the women of the house to take our lunch on their patio.

The women, all dressed in colourful patterns, silks and jewellery vs the dusty riders in jodhpurs and t-shirts; we definitely lost the fashion contest!"

JUDITH WITH HER NEW FRIEND

“It’s such a wonderful advantage to be a woman traveling - a shared language doesn’t matter there is always the communal language of beauty, fashion, photos of children, school, and glamour shots and selfies with the younger women to share.”

“Our ride in India was full of moments like this.

Everything was carefully curated for guests to have the best experience.”

“The entire experience was beautifully and diligently considered, with a care and love of the country, its people, and of course the stars of the trip - the Marwari horses.”

“Ajeet and Caroline were always with us, sharing their knowledge and friendship. It was indeed a most wonderful adventure.”

Lifetime memories drawn on experiences with Horse India.

Keep safe and well ~ our beautiful Marwari horses are waiting for you.

With best wishes Caroline & Ajeet

www.horseindia.com e: info@horseindia.com t: 07726 930231

Quality British made estate fencing, deer fencing, tree guards, entrance gates and lawn edging.

Suitable for all types of stock.

Bespoke designs also available.

Please contact us for a brochure and price list.

Tel: 01733 270 724 Email: sales@paddockfencing.com www.paddockfencing.com

Bespoke Quality Timber Framed Buildings Bespoke stabling from standard to luxury, Mobile field shelters and stables, Tractor sheds, Hay barns, Garages, Workshops, Heavy duty sheds and storage buildings, Other buildings, Refurbishment including re-roofing service.

Family run business and trading for over 15 years

Telephone: 01952 812201 Mobile: 07855 262863 Email: kevin@county-equestrian.co.uk

www.county-equestrian.co.uk We are based on the Staffordshire/Shropshire border and supply to a 150 mile radius

16 | Lockdown Special Edition 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine

Ground Care & Fence Repair go above and beyond for your garden!

Ground Care & Fence Repair may be only three years young but I have many years experience of working with timber and respecting it in all its many forms.

Starting my career 15 years ago with a brilliant local Cross Country course builders, I was fortunate enough to learn the skills and techniques required for working with timber and how it has so many applications in our daily lives.

Ground Care & Fence Repair evolved after I realised that with every fence built comes an understanding of the ground you work with and thus the grounds you work within. For many years as well as learning the art of fencing I was

also privy to many beautiful estates and local gardens whereby I would be asked to build a raised bed, strim a hedge or mow a lawn. One skill very much compliments the other. This led me to my dream of going it alone and providing a service whereby I could do both grounds maintenance as well as fencing. With a young family on the way I realised that now was the time to take that leap and start my own business!

Since starting my business three years ago I now have a regular client base and a wealth of brilliant suppliers. When I finish a day’s work I always feel proud of

how far the business has come in a short period of time. One of the elements to the success of the business is making sure that each client from their initial enquiry to the invoicing stage feels 110% looked after. I may work in an ‘outdoor’ trade but that does not mean one should offer any less customer service. In fact if anything I think this and my passion for doing the best possible job for my clients is what has led us to this point. I can now also offer pressure washing and paddock/ large garden mowing as additional services.

COVID19 UPDATE: During this current pandemic I will always put the client’s safety first, using social distancing, hand sanitiser, gloves etc. to maintain safe working practices and being sensitive to the needs of each new client.

Take care, Tom

www.fencerepair.co.uk  Garden mowing & Paddock mowing  Grass cutting  Weeding and Brush Cutting  Hedge Cutting  Strimming and Pruning  Chainsaw Work  Garden Clearance  Stump Grinding  Agricultural & Garden Fence Repairs  Registered Waste Carrier  Fully Insured

GARDEN MOWING & PADDOCK MOWING Regular Garden Maintenance by arrangement Photo: http://bengillett.co.uk/

Contact Tom on m. 07393 982 710 e. info@fencerepair.co.uk

Everyone has their own reason for wanting a round pen • • • • • •

Moving forwards together

Passionate about horses welfare, body and mind

Join up with a hard to catch horse Confidence builder when riding Help bonding with a dominant horse Training a youngster Loading issues Restricted grazing pen

We believe in customer service as a top priority and welcome customer enquiries, reviews and feedback on our products.

Our response time is less than 24 hours 100% of the time.

I am sure we have a pen to suit your needs and budget.

Whether it’s purchase or hire we provide a bespoke service and delivery is available too.

Let us help you fulfil the dream of having an enclosed safe area to work your horse with our affordable, quality round pens.

0844 264 6057 | www.round-pen.co.uk | info@round-pen.co.uk The Round Pen Company is based in Shropshire UK providing a range of round pens, to suit all requirements.

CJ Arenas will construct or build either block stables or wooden stables to meet your requirement (subject to correct planning permission)

• Post and rail fencing in either straight or half rounded finish

If you are looking for a West Country based company to construct a quality riding arena or horse stabling, then look no further

• Any size sand school can be constructed to meet your requirements • All riding surfaces are available, Refurbishments to existing sand schools • All site work undertaken and completed by CJ Arenas in the Devon and Cornwall area

Visit www.cjarenas.co.uk

or call 07813 574160 for more information or a no obligation quote 18 | Lockdown Special Edition 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine

Sullivans Garden Machinery When we describe ourselves as a family business – we mean it.

We are a small but efficiently run family business with over 70 years’ experience in the Garden Machinery Trade.

We like it that way, and our customers love dealing with a family team whose heart and soul really is in the business.

We have maintenance contracts with a number of schools, as well as customers both sides of the Severn who demand the best standard of care for their machinery.

We offer Sales, Service and Repair on a wide variety of garden machinery and tools, from ride-on mowers to chainsaws, strimmers and hedge cutters.

Quite simply, we offer the best choice of both new and reconditioned lawnmowers and garden machinery in the local area, plus unbeatable customer service.

Our customer base has been built over time, many of which choose us over and over again because of our honest, down to earth advice and our quick response to breakdowns and repairs throughout the season. We are based in spacious premises in Thornbury, next to The Sort It Centre.

Why not pop in and see us at our Showroom in Thornbury?

We are open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and on a Saturday 9am-1pm.

And we plan to keep doing it, as a family, for a very long time.

Mountfield mowers

Cordless mowers

£179.00

£190.00

from

from

Sales - Service - Repairs Atco GT 36H Garden Tractor £2,699.00

Petrol Multi-tools from

£219.00

01454 412 100

www.gardenmachinerysuperstore.co.uk enquiries@gardenmachinerysuperstore.co.uk

SHOWROOM: Unit D3, Ashville Park, Short Way, Thornbury BS35 3UU OPEN: Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm; Saturday 9am - 1pm

EQUESTRIAN GIVEAWAYS.COM

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With Jenni Winter-Leach of Flying Changes Coaching Our comfort zone houses our habits, our unconscious competencies and our confidence. Our comfort zone is very helpful as it helps us feel in balance, in control and very comfortable. Generally, when we are in our comfort zone we are happy, relaxed and at ease.

Just outside of our comfort zone lies our ‘stretch zone’- this is the area in which we often try something new; that might be stepping up a level in dressage or jumping a slightly higher course. In this zone we learn and grow our skillset and eventually the thing that was our stretch moves into our comfort zone.

Now you might be wondering what this has to do with coming out of lockdown and our riding, however when we stop practicing our skills, they can drift out of our comfort zone and back into the stretch zone. You can spot this when you ask yourself about it – does jumping that 1m course feel comfortable? Before you may not have questioned it, but if you now hesitate a little, it’s likely fallen out of your comfort zone.

This is nothing to worry about and is totally normal!

The best step to take is to recognise this – it might be easy to jump up, book that arena hire, jump lesson, cross country session but will these serve you in building you and your horse’s confidence back up after a break? Instead, why not look at the show at the venue and level you know and love and can easily do, jump at the venue you know your horse performs well at and look at dropping down a height cross country. Spending the time ironing out the wrinkles now will soon see you back out and flying!

If you would like to kickstart your mindset now, why not look at joining our mindset reset course, available here www.flyingchangescoaching.co.uk/ mindsetreset.html

Your Horse & Country Magazine Lockdown Special Edition 2020 | 21

THE LEADING

INTERLOCKING STABLE MAT Equimat is the leading supplier of equestrian matting to horse owners and riders in the UK and Europe. Our history spans 30 years.

Our flagship products are the green interlocking Equimat Stable Mat and solid rubber Equimat Black Mat. The range includes mats for stable floors, walls, horseboxes, trailers, yards, washrooms, gateways, field shelters and temporary stables.

For more details, visit:

www.equimat.co.uk 22 | Lockdown Special Edition 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine

THE COST-EFFECTIVE LOW CALORIE BALANCER LO-CAL BALANCER LOW STARCH

LOW SUGAR

LOW ENERGY

for only

Essential, quality low calorie nutrition for all - at rest or ticking over. Supports: hoof growth, overall health & top line

1

2

3

250g

500g

750g

MUG/DAY

MUGS/DAY

MUGS/DAY

UNDER 13hh (up to 300kg)

13 - 15hh (300-500kg)

OVER 15hh (over 500kg)

20kg bag lasts approx. 3 months

20kg bag lasts approx. 6 weeks

20kg bag lasts approx. 1 month

34p per day

68p per day

£1.02 per day

Based on a 20kg sack of Lo-Cal Balancer costing £27 For your free sample: Baileys Horse Feeds Tel: 01371 850 247 (option 3)

www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

Equilage AVAILABLE IN 4 VARIETIES

For the finest quality haylage fulmart feeds

01904 468371 www.fulmart.co.uk

24 | Lockdown Special Edition 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine

2 2 £

COVID19 SPECIAL PRICE

BIG BALE HORSE HAYLAGE Text or ring Robert Barbour NOW on 07711710284 quote H.C.COVID19 to get this limited time deal!

✱ From Happy Hackers to Four Star Eventers - Haylage to suit all! ✱ Unbeatable quality and value for money ✱ Reduce your need for hard feed and save £££ Legendary service CIRENCESTER

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liable Fast re en when , ev delivery’t be there I can GTON

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Produced on our family farms for the past 12 years Tel: Robert 077117710284 Home: 01865 331242 Based in Weston-on-the-Green, Oxfordshire OX25 3WQ Delivery Service available (Free to some areas/minimum orders apply) Ring for details.

HS LTD

Suppliers of fine quality Topsoil Silica Sands Aggregates Building Sands Bulk Compost & Bark Tipper Hire Grab Hire

Call 01453 521453 33 Walk Mill Lane, Kingswood, Wotton-under-Edge, GL12 8RZ

www.soilshs.co.uk

PROMOTION

Life after lockdown S Returning Your Horse to work with Krista Jones - From the Ground Up Rehab

o, lockdown came and is slowly starting to lift – but it was not a situation we normally plan into our horse’s regime yet it has been one all of us have had to navigate. Whilst for some this meant riding as normal, for others this meant a long period of time off for our beloved four-legged friends.

W

ith shows still a good few weeks away, now is the perfect time to take time to return them to full fitness without risking injuries. Did you know that in general, for every week your horse has off, they need a week to be returned to fitness? So if they had 6 weeks off, it will take around 6 weeks to return them back to the same level. Which leads me to my first tip:

1 2

Allow yourself plenty of time. If you use this rule, it’s a good starter for ten.

The last thing you want to do is rush your horse back into work before they are strong enough.

Start with one day on, one day off.

This allows the horse’s muscles time to recover inbetween sessions – think of your first session back in the gym for a while and how much you initially ache!

This can then be built into two on, one off until you reach your horse’s usual work load. I would recommend planning it into the number of weeks your horse needs to return into work, so if they had 10 weeks off and would normally be in work 6 days a week then spend the first two weeks at one day on, one day off; then for the next 2 weeks, two days on, one off then for the following 2 weeks, 3 days on and one off etc until you build to 6 days at week 10.

3

Get your saddle checked before you start – and schedule it to be refitted 4-6 weeks in. Your horse is likely to change shape a fair bit during this time either by building muscle or by loosing fat; either way you do not want to cause your horse any discomfort during his comeback.

If you would like to know any more about fitness plans, or would like a tailored one then please visit

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45 | SPRING 2017 Your Horse & Country Magazine

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Getting Ready for Summ Blaise Scott-Morris BVSc MScM MRCVS, Keeping Britain’s Horses Healthy™.

Hoof care

Laminitis

A horse’s foot is so important to their overall health and performance, and with warmer, drier weather coming, this can affect the hoof horn. Hoof horn is usually at its toughest when moisture content is low, if it gets too dry this can lead to the walls splitting and cracking. Think about keeping a conditioning product in your kit in case you spot the signs; regular application of such a product can help to ease the problem.

A second foot condition we should consider is laminitis. Laminitis is a complex problem, normally with an underlying hormonal or inflammatory issue. However dietary and exercise management can play a crucial role. Gorging on starchy or sugar rich foods such as a lovely lush paddock of grass can often act as a trigger, as can recent weight gain. Although, even lean animals can develop laminitis, the signs can be subtle and not very specific but by recognising them early you give your horse the best chance of recovery.

Common signs include:  Strong pounding digital pulses  Excessive heat in the feet  Shifting of weight between feet when at rest  Reluctance to walk forward  Difficulty making tight turns  Lameness  Stiffness or short, stilted or pottery gait.

Especially when on hard ground

t being able to enjoy ingtime with our horses s been challenging in ny ways but the end n sight and it’s time to rt thinking about getting equine companions ck in shape ready for an ive summer after the expected break! ur usual routine may have en disrupted so here’s un-down of some key ngs we should think about we get back to work ensure our horses are ppy, healthy and ready for ummer of fun.

Weight management

Parasite control

There are lots of things you can build into your everyday routine to help monitor your horse’s weight. You don’t need special equipment, although weigh tapes or weighbridges are handy, learning to body condition score your horse and keeping regular photos on your phone can be a helpful reminder.

If your horse has gained weight recently, you can help to control your horse’s calorie intake, remembering that horses are designed to graze for the majority of the day so it is important they have some access for their wellbeing. Options include grazing muzzles, using multiple hay nets with small holes (place them at points around their box or paddock to encourage a little added exercise) and soaking their hay. It is important to consult your vet when adjusting your horse’s diet for weight loss, especially if they have other health conditions and make sure you monitor them regularly. Read more about feeding good doers and laminitis prone horses here: www.msd-animal-healthhub.co.uk/Healthy-Horses/Health/ Laminitis-Feeding

When thinking about pasture management we cannot forget parasites; lockdown has not stopped them going about their normal lifecycle. As we head into the grazing season it is important to make sure your horse has a faecal worm egg count (FWEC) to see if they need a worming treatment. Don’t forget to check what the best procedure, and day, for dropping samples off is with your vet, as the process may have changed. Throughout the grazing season it is important to poo pick twice a week to help with parasite control, not forgetting that immature parasites can migrate, so keep the dung heap well away from grazing areas. Read more about equine gut parasites and worming here: www.msd-animal-health-hub.co.uk/ Healthy-Horses/Health

mer Fun

Finally, being able to ride out again with friends is on the horizon, so it is important to ensure your horse is up to date with their vaccination so that infectious diseases, such as ‘flu’, do not disrupt their health or performance. Let’s not forget tetanus either. The bacteria lives in the soil, and enters via wounds. Unfortunately, horses get ill very quickly and survival rates are low. It is important to discuss with your veterinary practice what is the best course of action for you and your horse, as many are now starting ‘routine’ work where safe.

Here’s to a summer of fun with our healthy, happy horses…

Make sure you follow us, Keeping Britain’s Horses Healthy on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, to keep up to date with our seasonal advice and top tips for caring for your horse.

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32 | Lockdown Special Edition 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine

Budding artists beat Lockdown Blues with Magic Show jump designs “We hope to create 3D magic wand wings so this will be a truly fun jump.”

Jump 4 Joy are never short of an exciting new jump design – they are renowned for their creative styling. But this month, they have been inundated with over 1000 designs from budding equestrian artists beating the lockdown blues in a competition hosted by the showjump manufacturer on their social media channels @jump4joyshowjumps.

The competition prize was to have the winning design made into a real jump, and literally hundreds of designs flooded in from around the world.

“Tributes for the NHS featured heavily in the submissions – a reflection of the lockdown period we have been living through, “commented Nigel Underwood, MD at Jump 4 Joy. “We were absolutely delighted not only with the sheer number of designs we received, but the quality which was truly outstanding – there are some very talented designers out there,” he added.

Jump 4 Joy have also been busy developing their own new designs and are pleased to add the Tropical Pineapple and NHS Superheroes jump to their portfolio.

The original competition allowed for just one winner, but so high were the standards, Jump 4 Joy judges decided to extend the prizes to include 10 runners up who each received an exclusive goody containing kit and gift vouchers.

The final winning design was created by Maddie Larwood Smith whose “Magic” jump featured a rabbit in a top hat filler and magic wand poles and wings. “We are looking forward to creating a new jump out of this design,” said Nigel.

“It was important to us to pay tribute to the NHS workers who have supported us all through this difficult period in time,” said Nigel. “All profits from this jump will be donated to NHS charities,” he added.

These jump scan be found on the Jump 4 Joy website - www.showjumps.com

WIN A LESSON with Dodson & Horrell Brand Ambassador and International Event Rider Laura Collett.

I like to use Alfalf majority of my ho and the oil helps coat. I started us Muesli and was v with the results. T fantastic and feel of energy. Dodso Up Conditioning excellent for the h struggle to maint comments Laura.

L

aura has fast become a household name within the equestrian world. One of the most medalled under-21 riders in the history of the sport, Laura has made the headlines on countless occasions with her performances at Pony, Junior and Young Rider level.

Laura has never been a stranger to success. Before switching to eventing in 2004 she competed at the highest levels in the show ring, winning the Supreme Pony Championship at the Horse of the Year Show in 2003.

Laura quickly cemented her reputation as an event rider with world class potential, winning individual bronze and team gold at the 2005 Pony European Championships

with Noble Springbok. This earned her selection on to the Lottery Funded British Equestrian Federation World Class Development Programme and in 2006 she became the youngest rider ever to win an International CCI3*-L when she steered Fernhill Sox to victory at Tweseldown. The duo capped a memorable year by helping the British Junior Team secure a team silver medal and topping the individual podium at the Junior European Championships.

After making her much-anticipated Badminton debut in 2011 finishing eighth on Rayef, Laura has gone on to win many titles on a variety of horses. She has also represented Equestrian Team GBR on several occasions, including in more recent times

34 | Lockdown Special Edition 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine

winning the FEI Nations Cup at Boekelo (2018) riding London 52. In 2019 she competed at the European Championships, Luhmuhlen, as well as being a team member in the World Equestrian Festival at CHIO Aachen, Germany.

Laura has a superb team of horses headed by the indisputable Mr Bass who currently stands with 10 finishes on his dressage score at 4* and 5* level and, of course London 52 who stood 19th in the British Eventing Official top 20 horses of 2019. Laura also has a number of other top-class horses making their mark in the sport of eventing.

The perfect antidote to the lockdown, here is your chance to win an exclusive lesson with one of the UK’s top International event riders at her yard Penhill Farm, Salperton in the Cotswolds.

The lucky winner will get the chance to take their own horse to Laura’s beautiful yard where you will have a private lesson with Laura and take advantage of all her experience. You may even get the chance to meet some of her superstar horses too! Can you think of a better day out after months of lockdown?

The winner’s lesson will also be featured in a later edition of Your Horse & Country and you will receive some Dodson & Horrell merchandise to take home as well!

Laura has been a Dodson & Horrell Brand Ambassador for many years and understands how invaluable good nutrition is for the success of her event horses. Laura and her D&H nutritionist review all the horses’ weight and diets on a regular basis and provide Laura with regular forage analysis. Feeding is an integral and crucial part of her horses’ training regime.

For your chance to win this exclusive lesson make sure you like the Your Horse & Country Magazine facebook page to find out if you are the lucky winner!

Competition will close on 31st August.

fa Oil Plus for the orses as the fibre give them a shiny sing Elite Sport very impressed The horses look l great with plenty on & Horrell Build Cubes are also horses who tain condition,

Dodson & Horrell is one of the most trusted horse feed manufacturers in the world with over 80 years of developing and manufacturing horse feed, offering complete nutritional solutions for high performance and competition horses in racing, showing, breeding as well as producing the highest quality feeds for leisure riding. The comprehensive range of feeds and supplements also cater for horses and ponies with additional needs, such as veterans, and those in need of everyday support including higher fibre or weight management diets.

For more information on Dodson & Horrell head to the website www.dodsonandhorrell.com where you can join a LiveChat with a Dodson & Horrell nutritionist or alternatively call the helpline on 01832

737300 option 3.

Your Horse & Country Magazine Lockdown Special Edition 2020 | 35

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38 | Lockdown Special Edition 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine

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Bert Sheffield - Coping with Covid-19 South Lincolnshire-based para-equestrian rider, Bert Sheffield, who rides for Canada, tells us her thoughts on the Covid-19 virus and how it has affected her life with her horses: “I hope everyone is managing to stay safe and stay sane. This is such an anxious time.

I can’t possibly comprehend how terrifying this must be for our NHS workers. My groom for the Rio Paralympics 2016, Sophie Rowe, is just finishing her nursing degree and has been called up to fight on the frontline. I am so proud of her as well as being scared for her.

“In these times I feel even more privileged that I have my horses and my dog, Burghley. They are the guardians of my mental health. Mental health has been a struggle for me since I was a teenager. I worry for those stuck at home in isolation with fears about their livelihoods and health, with the usual purpose of their lives suddenly taken away from them. Depression and isolation are familiar killers and just as aggressive as this dreaded Coronavirus.

“On a happier note, Wonky Horse (Fairuza) is very fit and well! We were just on the cusp of starting our international competition season and the fight for team selection to the Tokyo Paralympics 2020 when everything stopped.

We had been out to dip our toe in the water at able-bodied British Dressage Elementary level, winning our tests with some rather nice percentages so we were qualified for the Pet Plan next level and nearly qualified for the Regional Champs.

“The first sign it was all going pear-shaped was the cancellation of my all-time favourite international show, the Mannheim MaimarktTurnier CPEDI3*. Then others followed. Then came the announcement that Sport Canada had withdrawn their athletes from the both the

Olympics and Paralympics if they were held in 2020. This was an epic moment. I couldn’t be more proud of my country for being the one that stuck their neck out.

“It is impossible to express how grateful I am that the IOC and IPC along with the Tokyo authorities have rescheduled the Games for 2021. The Games are about the very best athletes (and their hugely important support teams) representing their countries and battling it out at peak performance levels, on a level playing field. This wasn’t going to be possible in 2020 with the pandemic, but I’m hopeful that it will be possible in 2021.

“In the meantime, I just keep going at home.

Everything we do has to be risk-assessed even more carefully to avoid injury to either humans or horses. We are no longer allowed to jump at the yard, to reduce the chances of injuries (and thereby protecting the NHS).

“I have lowered the intensity of Wonky’s work and she is having more time out in the field with her friends. I am so pleased that I have a good sized stash of Timothy HorseHage available for my horses as it is perfect for them as we go into springtime. They can eat all

the high fibre/low calorie forage they need to maintain gut health while still getting to enjoy some of the new grass. We have to watch Wonky’s waistline as she’s a very good doer and she hates being without something to nibble on.

“Wonky is now doing her ridden dressage training one day in every three as with the recent sunny weather we have started hacking out again, something that she loves and is very sensible about. I have upped the amount of groundwork I do with my horses. Before each ridden session, I am going through a groundwork routine with them to make sure they are relaxed and focused before putting my foot in the stirrup. And then they do their ridden walk stretching exercises to get rid of any remaining tension before they start the ‘worky’ work. I have made my groundwork into a really popular free course over on my Facebook page ‘HeartHorse Dressage’, soon to be followed by an unmounted rider seat-strengthening course and a ‘how-to’ on long-reining.

“I am incredibly lucky to have a wonderful support team around me, even if we are all social distancing. Some are near, some are far but when this is beaten and we can come back together, we will be ready, we will be stronger.”

For information on feeding your horse or pony from Bert’s sponsor, HorseHage, please call the HorseHage Helpline on 01803 527274 or visit www.horsehage.co.uk

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As the UK’s leading freely distributed, seasonal publication Your Horse & Country Magazine really does have it covered.

From unearthing treasured country homes and estates in our exclusive Your Country Property feature, to exploring the seasons as they change, bringing you a host of dreamy days out, fashion tips and shopping essentials!

Also working hard with our in-house vet to keep on top of your equine health care, Team YHC explore real-life symptoms and scenarios in order to keep you in the know!

Lockdown

For just £18.99 a year we can bring all of this and much more direct to your door. Simply complete and return the subscription slip below and receive a year of back editions FREE of charge!

Issue 1

Win an exclusive lesson

with Laura Collett - at her yard!

Equine Health Laminitis and why we must take it so seriously

Healthy mind for a happy you

Find out what we can do to maintain happy, healthy minds

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Interview with Helen West Bicton Arena Manager How has COVID-19 effected Bicton Arena?

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on Bicton Arena, obliterating our income overnight with the introduction of the Government lockdown on March 23rd. Like us, many businesses and individuals will have been hit financially and we are grateful for both the COVID-19 Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant we were able to claim, as well as the support through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

It really hit home for the Bicton Arena team on the weekend of April 18th/19th when we should have been welcoming over 800 competitors through the gates for the Horse Trials. The Grade One Listed Parkland looked stunning and the weather perfect, for what should have been a thrilling weekend of sport.

Instead the Rolle Estate gates remained firmly shut and apart from the “baa” of the odd lamb out in the Park, there was not a soul on site.

How is the Bicton Arena team moving forwards with preparations for opening up Bicton Arena to customers?

we have been busy implementing everything we need to for our COVID-19 protocols to take effect. Being a part of Clinton Devon Estates is really significant especially in the COVID-19 crisis as it is not just Bicton Arena we are thinking about, but the Estate as a whole. We are not just an equestrian venue and there are far-reaching implications for the Estate as a whole by re-opening Bicton Arena. It absolutely must be the right time and fit within the wider Estate plans which means everything will be thoroughly risk assessed and done to the highest of standards.

When customers are able to return to Bicton Arena, we want them to feel safe and equally the safety and well-being of the Estate staff and Bicton Arena team is of paramount importance. The Governing Bodies of the sport have worked tirelessly to produce a new model for each of the disciplines, which will look different to what we are used to. The COVID-19 protocols we must adhere to come at a cost to us and significant logistical planning. That is very much what we will be doing in preparation for re-opening.

I am personally very much looking forward to having the rest of my team back. Beccy and Gemma both returned from furlough leave on June 15th and

© WILLIAM CAREY www.bicton-arena.co.uk

46 | Lockdown Special Edition 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine

How do you think the pandemic will change equestrian sport?

Equestrian sport is set to look different, certainly in the short to medium-term.

It will be a stripped back model which is socially distant and I can see it losing its appeal for some. The family day out will not be on the cards for some time and with competitors being limited to only bringing one person with them and encouraged to be on-site for as short a period of time as possible, it is set to feel very different for a

while. Some Officials will opt to wear face masks, as will some competitors potentially, so that alone will make the sport look and feel strange. It is going to be essential that everyone adheres to the COVID-19 protocols in place and do not do their own thing. Take the collecting ring as an example; there will be one designated steward putting practice fences up/down and grooms, coaches and parents will not be allowed in the warm-up. Anyone not adhering to this will be asked to leave.

There are, however, many positives which could come out of this pandemic that will improve the sport. Technology will play a big part moving forward.

Gone will be the days of the secretary on the day. Everything will have been entered and paid for in advance. There will be no cash changing hands for start fees in Eventing and competitors may even be required to print their own numbers. At our Showjumping shows, competitors will not be able to clog up the Show Office with requests to change classes or pay their bill, they will have an App on their phone to do this remotely. Collecting your dressage sheet will be a thing of the past, as they will be emailed out to competitors now.

Scorers will be able to work remotely so the days of having half a dozen scorers sitting around a table tapping away on their calculators will be over.

In your new role as part of the British Eventing advisory group, how do you think this can make a difference to the sport?

The role of the advisory group is to provide advice to the Board of British Eventing in support of the development of strategy, policy and activity. I very much hope that the recommendations we make will help shape how the sport should look in the future. There are clearly challenges around making the sport more affordable and the direct knock on effect of increasing membership, but it is essential that we have a business model that works for all stakeholders as well as British Eventing itself. The people involved in Eventing share a passion for the sport that is quite unique and what I very much hope is that this group can accelerate the process towards a lean, mean, fit-for-purpose BE that puts the focus back on the core element of “The Sport”. Post-COVID there looks set to be a new normal for everyone, including BE.

Quick Fire Round with Helen West Marmite lover or hater?

Normally a hater until my husband Andrew developed a penchant for baking bread during the COVID lockdown and made the most yummy loaf which he proudly informed me afterwards was cheese & marmite!

Eventing or Showjumping?

Eventing (but there are aspects of Showjumping I confess to preferring)

Reading or cycling? Reading Summer or Winter? Summer Skiing or Sailing?

Skiing (rather contradicts answer above, but I’m not a great swimmer so tend to stay away from the water! I also love skiing)

Oxer or Upright? Oxer Ditch or Water complex?

Water (as long as I don’t fall off in it!)

Course Designer or Event Organiser? Course Designer Find our more about Bicton Arena here:

www.bicton-arena.co.uk and follow us on social media @bictonarena

© WILLIAM CAREY www.bicton-arena.co.uk Your Horse & Country Magazine Lockdown Special Edition 2020 | 47

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Lockdown living started a bit of a debate among horse riders. Was it acceptable to climb into the saddle and head out for a hack, or was it time to take a rain check until the NHS was under a little less pressure?

People feared being injured and needing the help of emergency services and medical staff at a time when they were under unprecedented pressure.

bodies are edging ever closer to confirming when we can compete again.

Whether your horses have stayed in work or not, the patented EquiAmi Lunge Aid is a brilliant tool to have in your tack room.

It is cleverly designed as a loop to mimic the give and take of a rider’s hand and leg aids. This encourages the horse to balance itself, rather than forcing the animal into an outline without true engagement of the back or hindquarters. The EquiAmi comprises of a webbing or leather chest piece and marine-grade ropes that form the ‘loop’. It’s designed to work with any type of roller that

has D rings on the sides and is quick to adjust when you change the rein – the loop ‘selfcentres’, so you only need to alter one side.

For horses who have enjoyed a sunny holiday in their field these past months, the EquiAmi is the ideal aid to help them build topline muscle without the weight of a rider impeding blood flow to the area. For a fit horse, then just 20 minutes of lunging with it twice a week will be sufficient.

-That’s an amazing return on your time, which can be crucial at the moment. If your horses are kept at a busy livery yard you may be given a short time slot to use the school, or even limited time on the premises at all.

The EquiAmi Lunge Aid is used by lots of leading riders and producers, but it’s a great tool for any rider to have in their tack room. Why not take a closer look and see how it can help your horse during lockdown and beyond!

There is no right or wrong answer of course, but now that the BHS have advised owners that they can have coaching and box horses to training facilities, it could be time to bring in those horses who have enjoyed a holiday for last few months.

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Your Horse & Country Magazine Lockdown Special Edition 2020 | 53

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VET’S ADVICE with Dr Josefin Jansson DrMedVet MRCVS

No hooves, no

horse

Dr Josefin Jansson explains laminitis – and why horse owners must take the condition so seriously

L

aminitis is a painful and serious condition of the equine hoof. It is a common cause for a veterinary visit and can affect horses, ponies and donkeys of all ages and breeds, all year round. In this article we will get to grips with what laminitis is, the signs to look out for and what you can do to prevent laminitis from developing in your horse.

Introduction The pedal bone is located within the hoof capsule and is suspended by means of Velcro-like connections called lamellae, which interlink with the inner horn of the hoof capsule. This prevents the pedal bone from being pushed down by the weight of the horse thus giving the hoof stability.

In laminitis, the lamellae weaken to the point where they stretch or separate from the hoof wall. With a weakened suspension, the pedal bone will be pushed down by the horse’s bodyweight. It will either rotate or sink. Eventually, the pedal

bone can push through the sole and at this point, the horse must be euthanised.

The development of laminitis is not entirely understood. It was previously believed to be caused by inflammation only. But we now know that there are more triggers, therefore the condition can be grouped into three categories.

1. Supporting limb laminitis In non-weightbearing limb conditions such as severe cellulitis, there is a risk of development of laminitis in the opposite healthy hoof which has a weight overload.

2. Sepsis associated laminitis Laminitis is seen as a consequence of systemic inflammatory conditions such as retained afterbirth, colitis and grain overload. The toxins and inflammatory products associated with the systemic inflammation negatively impact the lamellae.

3. Endocrinopathic laminitis This is by far the most common form of laminitis in the UK. The key feature is an abnormal response to

58 | Lockdown Special Edition 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine

 A pony with laminitis leans back to offload the sorer front hooves carbohydrates which leads to excessively high insulin levels in the horse’s blood stream. This appears to affect the lamellae in a negative way, causing the bond with the hoof wall to weaken. Diseases which cause insulin dysfunctions, such as equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and equine Cushing’s disease (pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction), are commonly underlying.

Symptoms and when to call the vet For a chance of recovery, you as a horse owner must act fast. Laminitis is a true emergency and you should call your veterinarian immediately if you

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suspect laminitis. A horse with laminitis is experiencing severe hoof pain. Therefore, the number one symptom will be some degree of lameness, from pottery or shuffling gait to refusal to move at all. The horse could be seen leaning away from the sorer hooves or weight shifting from one hoof to another. The horse may lie down and that is sometimes misinterpreted as colic. There is increased heat in the hooves and over the coronary band. An increased pulse strength of the digital arteries can be palpated at the back of the fetlock. Please note that other conditions can cause lameness and increased pulse strength and heat in the hoof, such as a hoof abscess.

Divergent growth rings on the hoof wall are a delayed sign of laminitis. These rings are wider at the heel and will be seen two to three months after onset of laminitis. In chronic laminitis these rings will be seen from the coronet band all the way down to the rim of the hoof. Please note that growth rings also can develop due to stress, medication or changes in diet, but these rings will be uniform in width. 

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 Top,divergent growth rings on the hoof wall; above, the digital pulse can be palpated on the back of the fetlock

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Your Horse & Country Magazine Lockdown Special Edition 2020 | 59

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EQUINE HEALTH

How to prevent laminitis Laminitis is a very painful and costly condition, so prevention is key. The following list of questions would be useful to ask yourself, or your veterinarian.

 A horse with laminitis will need remedial farriery, above; research has shown obese horses are more likely to develop laminitis, right

Treatment Pain relief The number one objective is to tackle the pain. Your veterinarian will prescribe a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is initially used at a higher dose and later tapered down, over several weeks or months. Be aware of the risk of colitis as a side effect to longterm use of NSAIDs – if your horse gets diarrhoea or colic, stop treatment and call your veterinarian immediately.

Box rest and monitor The horse must be placed on strict box rest in a stable on a deep shavings bed.

Sometimes your vet or farrier will place additional hoof support.

If the horse is in a lot of pain it might be difficult to move around. Ensure water is within reach and offer hay in several corners of the stable.

You must monitor the level of comfort daily. This can be done by observing the horse over the stable door: does he or she have a pained facial expression? Is the appetite good? Is there an increased breathing rate? Are there signs of hoof pain such as weight shifting? You should also check the heat in the hooves daily and the pulse strength in the digital arteries.

Treat underlying conditions If endocrinopathic laminitis is suspected, testing for EMS and equine Cushing’s disease should be done. If confirmed,

treatment will help prevention of future laminitis episodes. In supporting limb laminitis, measures to reduce weight on the supporting limb should be taken. In case of sepsis associated laminitis, the horse is most likely already on the supportive care and treatment for this.

Radiographs and hoof care To assess position of the pedal bone within the hoof capsule, your veterinarian can take radiographs. It will give clear measurements of if and how much movement has happened and the degree of rotation. This information will also be very useful to your farrier, as special trimming and shoes will be required. A hoof supplement containing biotin, methionine and zinc will help the hoof to recover and regain strength.

Prognosis The sooner your horse gets veterinary attention, the better chance there is for complete recovery and return to previous use. However, the prognosis is influenced by response to pain relief, if the pedal bone has moved and efficacy of treating underlying conditions.  Pictures courtesy of Poynton Farriery Clinic, except main image

Are the hooves OK? You should be confident in palpating the digital pulses – get your veterinarian to show you next time he or she is in your yard. If you can get into the habit of daily checking for heat in the hooves and the pulse strength, you will straight away notice abnormalities. And look out for divergent growth rings!

Pottery gait or shuffling around corners are subtle signs of laminitis. Be critical and if in doubt get your veterinarian to assess your horse.

Is my horse overweight?

Not all obese horses become insulin dysregulated, but research has shown that obese horses are more likely to develop laminitis. Ask for an honest opinion on your horse’s body condition and if weight loss is needed, your vet can get help to develop a clear plan on how to achieve it.

Does my horse have equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) or equine Cushing’s disease?

Your horse can have some, all or none of the classic signs of equine Cushing’s disease or EMS. If in doubt a blood sample can be taken to measure the ACTH, which will be abnormally high in a horse with PPID (Cushing’s). In EMS, insulin dysregulation is confirmed by an oral glucose challenge test.

Is this pasture suitable for my horse?

To minimise the risk of an abnormally high insulin spike in your horse’s blood stream, do not abruptly turn your horse out on very lush pasture. If possible, strip graze to eat down the pasture at a sensible pace. Overweight individuals should be turned out where there is little or no grass and soaked hay can be provided instead as forage. Alternatively, thinner horses or other animals, such as sheep, can be allowed to graze down the pasture before overweight horses are allowed on it. 

Your Horse & Country Magazine Lockdown Special Edition 2020 | 61

Take Control with Turmeric

We all know that prevention is better than cure and thanks to the wonders of nature we can support ourselves, our horses and our pets with a natural turmeric supplement which has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-microbial properties.

In light of recent events, preventative healthcare is now more important than ever as we should all try to reduce pressure on vets and doctors. During lockdown as routines changed, exercise increased for many (especially our dogs enjoying longer walks as we escaped from the house). Some horses continued with ridden work whilst others took a break or were trained from the ground.

Additional stress on the joints can be supported with a natural anti-inflammatory supplement which combines turmeric and other key ingredients to help the integrity of the natural defence mechanisms, while supporting the body’s natural inflammation processes. This preventative approach will hopefully reduce the risk of any issues occurring.

Why turmeric?

Turmeric has been a herbal remedy for generations in humans; research across species has highlighted a number of active ingredients (over 200) that can impact on inflammatory and oxidative cycles; additionally the components of turmeric can help optimise the microbiome of the gut; this characteristic of supporting gut health is perhaps the best known “benefit” of turmeric.

Interest in turmeric has led to research into its role in the nutrition of domestic animals, including horses, and has shown its relevance in helping support the inflammation cycle, immune function, antioxidative processes and supporting the gut’s role in maintaining the microbiome.

From muscle recovery, through joint function to insulin sensitivity, turmeric components can help optimise efficiency of metabolism and so support general health and wellbeing over the lifetime of the horse.

One of the main reasons why turmeric was used as a digestion product was its efficiency in supporting the microbiome to improve digestibility; the other was its poor bioavailability.

Turmeric polyphenols, including the major phenolic, curcumin, is poorly absorbed and almost instantaneously degraded after crossing the gut wall and being transported to the liver. The terpenoid (essential oil) content also has poor absorbability.

Because, in isolation, turmeric bioactive components have poor bioavailability (a factor that involves ease of absorption and the time of activity before degradation).

It is necessary to combine other ingredients. For example, it is known that piperine (an alkaloid in black pepper) can extend the activity of curcumin through a process that involves glucuronidation but The Golden Paste Company (GPCo), through extensive research, has put together a blend of ingredients that further improve bioavailability. Where some formulations contain piperine, GPCo also supplies quercetin – from apple cider vinegar – which complements the actions of piperine, saponins (from Yucca) and PUFA & phospholipids to improve the absorption of the actives, and a blend of superfibres that act in conjunction with turmeric to support gastric health.

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www.goldenpastecompany.com info@goldenpastecompany.com 01423 503319 Your Horse & Country Magazine Lockdown Special Edition 2020 | 63

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Clean up your feed board Dig out that redundant dusty whiteboard that has been tucked away! A clear feeding board showing what each horse gets at each feed time will prevent mistakes. This is particularly helpful in busy yards where lots of horses may be following different feeding regimes. It’s also very useful in small yards for those days you that need to delegate your horse’s feeding to someone else.

Keep it right Correct storage of feeds will be a big benefit in the long term. Keep feed bags dry, store them off the ground and away from walls, particularly external walls which may become damp. Try to have a dedicated feed room or area. It’s always best if the feed room can be securely closed, this will prevent dogs urinating on bags and escaped Houdini type ponies gorging on the entire contents of the feed room!

Managing rodents is always a challenge, particularly where large amounts of feed are kept. Storing feed in rodentproof containers, specialised feed bins, repurposed feed bins, freezers etc will help keep the little furry creatures away.

Use all the feed in a bin and clean it out before adding another bag. This prevents a build-up of old feed at the bottom of the bin that may become stale and mouldy.

Clean, wash and dry the bins properly on a regular basis. Storing the feed in the bag in the bin is best but is not practical in large yards where it is much easier to pour several bags into bigger bins.

Wash and dry Warmer temperatures in the summer months mean mould can appear where you may have not noticed it before.

Mould is not your friend and can lead to all sorts of problems in horses, affecting the respiratory system, fertility, skin and, in the case of feeds, palatability and nutrient content. Keep bags of feed stored away from walls that may be damp. Wash feed scoops, buckets and bowls as regularly as possible. Prepare any beet pulp type feeds or mashes in small daily quantities and wash the buckets used for beet pulp every day. Pay particular attention to any buckets and scoops used for oils or other liquid supplements. Having everything as clean and dry as possible will help keep moulds at bay.

Be careful with medications Many horses need to be on some kind of medication at some stage in their lives. If at all possible do not give oral medications in their feed. Horses have very discerning taste and may not eat feed with medicines mixed in, meaning that the horse does not get the full dose or eat their feed.

Another problem with medicine in feeds is contamination. Even tiny traces of medicines may get stuck to the bottom of a bucket, which then may be used to feed another horse. This may lead to disqualification for racehorses and

45 | | Lockdown SPRING 2017 YourEdition Horse &2020 Country 64 Special YourMagazine Horse & Country Magazine

competition horses that are routinely drug tested at events. Try to give oral medicines in a syringe into the mouth. Alternatively, a small amount of feed in a dedicated bucket or a tasty bribe or treats may improve your success rate.

Weigh everything While they are not all on a weight loss plan it is very important to know what each horse is eating and how much feed your feed scoop holds. It doesn’t matter what your scoop looks like or what purpose it served in a previous life (….you know who you are saucepan users!) it is important to know how much feed is in it.

Remember that a scoop of mix will not be the same weight as a scoop of cubes. We recommend abducting the kitchen weigh scales to weigh the amount of each feed (hard feed, chaff and dry weight sugar beet) your horse receives daily. This will allow you to adjust the quantities, or the type of feed, your horse receives so that they continue to maintain optimal weight and condition.

Whilst our expert team of nutritionists are, like many others, currently working from home they are still available to answer any questions or queries you may have. Find out more and get in touch with them on our Expert Advice page. www. redmills.ie/expert-advice

SUPPLEMENTS Fab

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“ I use Ulsa-Soothe daily to keep ulcers at bay with an ulcer-prone horse. He always seems happy on it and it puts my mind at ease seeing him so comfortable.”

Emma Louise M

Brilliance in a bottle

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classic allergy symptoms…. rubbing her nose, snotty nose, coughing and head shaking. In a matter of days my mare’s cough had subsided and her breathing was much better.

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I’m so pleased I’ve not had to try lots of products in hope for a solution - I’ve got the right one!!!”

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Amazing stuff

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I highly recommend it.”

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Fast-working, natural products to care for the inside and outside of your horse SKINCARE I Thank You! My Horse Thanks You! “ I discovered Alternative Fly Spray and the Refill last

year and can honestly say I’m absolutely delighted with it.

My horse has suffered with sweet itch his whole life and this has been the one thing that has kept him itch and fly free for a whole summer. Great products, super-fast delivery, excellent service. What more could you ask for? Thank you so much Pro-Equine!”

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“ I first purchased Wunder Gel with Neem a few years ago after my horse had colic surgery, I applied the gel to her scar every day before turnout and I can’t believe the difference it made. Scarring was reduced and hair grew back quickly. It also kept the flies off! Fantastic product.

I wouldn’t be without it.”

Lucy H

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www.pro-equine.com Your Horse & Country Magazine Lockdown Special Edition 2020 | 65

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www.ecogreenequestrian.co.uk 66 | Lockdown Special Edition 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine

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ADVERTORIAL Horserail

Still sitting on the fence?

Are you concerned for your horses’ safety and considering a fencing alternative? Horserail could provide you with the ideal solution

M

ost people are getting ready to put their horses out at this time of year, so it makes perfect sense to carry out paddock maintenance now,” says Ruth Todd, Sales Manager of Horserail.

Horserail is the best solution to the problems generally associated with traditional timber post and rail, wire, tape and braided rope. It provides an injuryfree, maintenance free, stylish and affordable fencing system with a 30-year warranty. The average price of Horserail is just £3.50 per metre per rail, which includes the rail and fittings. With safety so important, it’s reassuring to read that Horserail is the preferred choice of owners and breeders. “We’ve been manufacturing Horserail for over 25 years and have never had a single injury. We have a lot of calls asking if it’s safe for foals or stallions,” Ruth reveals, “which, of course, it is.

“Recently a customer thanked us for saving her yearling. He had been let into a paddock after some box rest and bolted straight into the far rail. He simply bounced off it, uninjured. It’s possible had he run into a traditional post and rail it would probably have killed him. “Many of our customers have let us know the

34

June 2020

Horserail system has been the difference between losing a valuable animal and not.

We too often hear of horses suffering serious injury or fatalities from wire, tape or timber fencing, but with Horserail you are guaranteed optimum safety.”

Horserail is available in black, brown or white. It is extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of applications, such as

bhs.org.uk

68 | Lockdown Special Edition 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine

GUARANTEED OPTIMUM SAFETY WITH HORSERAIL

Horserail ADVERTORIAL

Truly versitile: Horserail can be used for paddocks, lungeing rings, gallops, arenas or horsewalkers

Strong and flexible, Horserail fencing has no sharp corners or rough edges

paddocks, lungeing rings, gallops, arenas and horse walkers, with a recommended post spacing of up to four metres. The unique construction of Horserail gives strength and flexibility. The rail itself contains three strands of high tensile wire that has been tested to a breaking strain of 1.8 tonne, with no sharp corners or rough edges on the rail or attachments.

If a horse runs into the fence, he will simply bounce back off it. Similarly, if a horse puts his leg through the rail, Horserail will not break, wrap or burn his body in any way. The rail is made from medium density polyethylene, which is the highest quality plastic available and is UV stable, which means it will not discolour or become brittle when exposed to even the most extreme weather conditions. It also contains a mould inhibitor, preventing unsightly green growth and all attachments are galvanized to prevent rusting.

Horserail also has the option to be electrified, giving you additional security. Having this extra component built in means not only do you save on the cost of installing an additional fencing system, but it also gives added peace of mind. Because of the way Horserail has been developed, the electric current will never break down, even after years of use or testing weather conditions.

Horserail now boast to be the only fencing company that now manufacturers a rail of fencing that can be electrified both top and bottom of the rail, better known as Hottop Plus. Ruth cautions, “We’ve been having a lot of issues with replica rails imported from China and offered as Horserail. This imitation fence will fail, fall apart, cannot be electrified and the brackets will rust within a short period of time. Please take note that all our brackets have the Horserail name engraved into them along with Horserail stickers on the rails, too. “We are the sole distributor of Horserail,” Ruth adds. “We sell direct to keep the cost as low as possible and to provide a more personal customer service.”

www.horserail.co.uk Your Horse & Country Magazine Lockdown Special Edition 2020 | 69

Botanica succeeds where all others have failed, used by top trainers, studs and riders around the world...

Manufacturers of natural herbal creams, washes and sprays.

Used to treat all skin conditions.

Botanica’s herbal blends work to promote healthy cell growth and complete recovery without scarring e.g. rain scald, mud rash, cracked heels, girth scald, cuts, grazes, sweet itch etc.

Natural herbal cream, washes and sprays for skin conditions, created using a unique blend of natural ingredients that promote effective and complete healing... naturally!

LCH Laboratory Paris tested.

Can be used before, during and after competition.

“

I have been using Botanica Herbal Cream and Cleansing Wash for several years with great success.

I have treated wounds, cracked heels, rain scald and pruritus (sweet-itch) all with positive client feedback.... Botanica products speed up the healing process and can reduce convalescence by half.

Caroline Berry MvB, MRCVS

“

”

We have been using Botanica products for the past two years on a variety of conditions including: cracked heels, cuts and sores, rain scald, sweet itch, mud rash... it has always worked very well and we’re pleased with the results.

” ”

Auburn Equine Clinic, Co Antrim Alfonso Martin BVSc GPCertEP MRCVS,

NATURE’S HEALING ENERGY ENERGY NATURES HEALING

“ Botanica is the answer for all your equine skin problems.

A natural product that works... ✓ Mud rash ✓ Rain scald ✓ Wounds ✓ War wounds ✓ Sunburn

✓ Sweet itch ✓ Sore shins ✓ Cracked heels ✓ Sore tendons ✓ Over-reached wounds

I used the Cleansing Wash diluted in warm water for washing the affected areas and then applied the anti-itch-cream. Results were spectacular, the pruritus diminished immediately after the first application, mane and tail started to regrow (visible after one week), healing and no apparition of new wounds on hocks, face and underbelly.

As a vet, I must admit that there is no other product in the available pharmacopoea (at least in France) that gives such results.

Salomé Weingarten, Docteur Vétérinaire

@Botanica_ie

Botanica International Ltd. Tel. +44 (0)28 4173 9151

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Email: enquiries@botanica.ie YOUR HORSE & COUNTRY | 13 Visit: www.botanica.ie

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72 | Lockdown Special Edition 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine

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aviform.co.uk | 01953 528008 Your Horse & Country Magazine Lockdown Special Edition 2020 | 73

Oak Tree Farm, Wetheral Shields, Carlisle, CA4 8JA.

Cosmo and Daisy will stay at Oak Tree until they are approximately four years old, by which time, they will hopefully be broken to ride and ready for exciting times ahead with new families.

It was March, and the Coronavirus pandemic was changing our world, when Oak Tree Animals’ Charity in Cumbria took possession of two mares from the RSPCA. One of the mares, Izzy, settled in quickly while Savannah needed more time to get used to the Equine Team and her new surroundings. The Team worked hard to build up Savannah’s trust and, within weeks, she had progressed hugely and really began to enjoy her life at Oak Tree.

It was discovered immediately on her arrival that Izzy was pregnant and on the 19th April 2020 little Cosmo was safely delivered. Our first quarantine foal was born! Cosmo was a delight, and before long, he was frolicking around the paddock, kicking his legs out behind him and enjoying the freedom and unseasonably warm weather.

Izzy and her foal Cosmo

Savannah and her foal Daisy A couple of weeks’ later on the 2nd May, our second quarantine foal arrived! It was suspected by the Team that her mum, Savannah, was pregnant when she arrived at Oak Tree but, because of the lockdown conditions the country was under, she was unable to be scanned. After a Facebook competition for our supporters, this beautiful, long-legged foal was named Daisy. Daisy goes from strength to strength and gambols around her paddock playing with her friend Cosmo while their mums look on.

These two foals were born during the COVID-19 crisis - challenging times for the Charity - but have provided much joy to the staff watching them grow up to be healthy and safe. To follow their progress, take a look at our social media as they appear regularly on our Instagram page.

74 | Lockdown Special Edition 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine

Amy, a member of the Equine Team commented “Cosmo and Daisy are doing amazingly well. They have contrasting personalities and are both a joy to be around and to watch. Cosmo is curious and cheeky, Daisy is more shy and reserved. They are starting to play together which is lovely to see but Daisy’s mum Savannah always keeps a careful eye over them to make sure they are not getting into mischief! They’ve already become firm friends.”

If you would like to help Cosmo, Daisy and the other horses at Oak Tree you can donate by using the donate button at www.oaktreeanimals.org.uk, or on Oak Tree’s Facebook page. Other ways to support are by writing a cheque (payable to Oak Tree Animals’ Charity) or, from just £1 a week, these fabulous foals can also be sponsored and details are available on their website https://www. oaktreeanimals.org.uk/get-involved/ donate/animal-sponsorship.html.

Every penny raised goes directly to helping our animals who are all deserving of a second chance.

Are cats the environmentally friendly answer to rodent control?

SNIP has been rehoming feral cats from urban London to country homes for over a decade. We work closely with the horse owing community and over the years we have learnt through practical experience the way that feral cats can be homed to suit the adopter and the adopted. And to drive away those unwanted rodents that eat your tack and invade your feed store. Or to keep the rabbit population down to manageable levels.

Feral cats come in all shapes, sizes, ages and temperaments, from timid, shy cats that might become a little friendly with time, to feral hissy, spitty cats that will only show themselves at feeding time but will prowl the territory, driving out unwanted guests. The key to the relationship is the food and security that their new home provides. Free to come and go with lots of places to hide away, fed twice a day (a well fed farm cat is a much better hunter) and a chance to ask for human interaction if they want it, on their own terms - cat heaven! We have known

many of our ferals to strike up friendships with farm dogs and horses. In return cats benefit their new home with what is in their nature to do - prowl and hunt. Often their very presence works as a deterrent. We have copious anecdotal evidence that once they are part of the yard, mice and rats are on notice - they sense the alpha predator in their midst and move on.

We are sometimes asked about the impact of feral cats on bird populations, indeed many rural homes we go to have chickens and wildfowl. In the main cats tend to be wary of chickens and geese, who seem well able to care of themselves. Ducklings may come off worse but adult ducks generally co-exist. It’s undeniable that cats - domestic or feral - might catch or kill wild birds. But a pair of well fed neutered cats instead of poison or traps is often a safer environment for wildlife. In the past farms would often have colonies of un-neutered cats living off the local rodent, rabbit and bird population and increasing in number

each breeding season. Nowadays, one or two well fed neutered cats living out of the feed barn that needs protecting can do the job required with minimal loss of wild birds.

Our Facebook community at

www.facebook.com/SNIPcats has many pictures and stories that are testament to the win/win relationship of feral cat adoption on stables and farms.

Saving urban feral cats from widespread euthanasia and rehoming them offers their new owners an age-old solution to rodent problems. History records this amazing partnership, it was the ancient Egyptians who tamed wild cats and used their skills to defend grain stores and few medieval ships would put to sea without cats to defend their ships’ stores. There is nothing new to our story, it is an ancient and fascinating one!

Your Horse & Country Magazine Lockdown Special Edition 2020 | 75

PERFORMANCE & REHABILITATION

NEW Medically certified oxygen and salt therapy units

• Water Treadmills + Spas • Vibro Combi Floors • Dry Treadmills • Solariums • Therapy Rugs •

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“Having used the Combi System for over 14 years, I can honestly say it’s worth the investment 10 times over! Whilst the systems are excellent for rehabilitation, I use the unique pulsed electromagnetic and massage rug on all the horses both before they are worked to loosen and relax their muscles and afterwards to aid the recovery process and optimise each of the horse’s performance. The systems are easy to use, breathable, lightweight and horse- friendly.”

William Fox-Pitt

THE COMBI PRO II BLANKET “I use the Combi Pro religiously on my competition horses before and after competition. It is so important that my horses muscles are warmed up and warmed down correctly and this is why I have stuck to using the Combi Pro rug.” Scott Brash.

• Useful and effective pre-set programmes for everyday pre-warm up, recovery and day off sessions but settings can also be tailored to suit individual horse requirements during rehabilitation or post op.

• Can run the Leg Wraps or the PecDominal girth at the same time as the Combi Pro rug saving you time and giving the horse an all • Substantially improves flexibility, suppleness, over therapy session. recovery, performance, injury, arthritis, tying up, post op. The owner may notice too that • Control box can also operate our Combi the horses are generally more relaxed in Infrared+Red light+PEMF Clusters and Pens, their stables, eat and drink better, coats and Hoof Boots and Combi Power Pads. skin improve, foot quality and in some cases manners and rideability.

• 24 month warranty on all new systems and 12 months on reconditioned.

• The Pro blanket covers the horse from tail to top of the neck plus shoulders and thigh areas. • Upgrades and reconditioned systems available • The Combi Pro II is now significantly lighter than the previous model and the PEMF coils • Exceptional customer service from a highly stronger. experienced and knowledgeable team.

• Two therapies within one blanket – both • Reliable systems used by hundreds of riders pulsed electromagnetic and massage. from all disciplines for the last 20 years.

We use the Combi Pro rug everyday on the horses which completely relaxes them throughout the treatment. These rugs to me are unique, as they enhance the performance of sports horses, keeping them feeling supple, flexible and recovered, which all helps them perform at their best in the arena.” Charlotte Dujardin

2ND RECONDITIONED RUGS HAND in a range of configurations

HOW PEMF WORKS: • Reduce pain, inflammation and the stress on the body • Improve energy, circulation, blood and tissue oxygenation, sleep quality, stress, blood pressure, nutrient uptake, cellular detoxification and regeneration • Balance the immune system • Accelerate repair of bone and soft tissue damage • Relax muscles.

THERMAL IMAGES USING THE COMBI PRO RUG The thermal images show thermal patterns of an asymmetrically stiff horse before and after a 25 minute pre-warmup session using the Combi Pro Rug. BEFORE (note: asymmetric thermal patterns)

AFTER (note: near symmetric thermal patterns)

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Horse rescue charity's hospital facilities in urgent need of refurbishment

Bristol-based horse rescue charity, HorseWorld are appealing to raise the funds to refurbish part of their essential hospital facilities.

HorseWorld’s Isolation Unit is the first port of call for rescued horses to be quarantined and receive potentially lifesaving treatment on arrival at the charity.

It is vital in nursing sick and injured horses back to health.

The unit was built 16 years ago, and rubber mats were fitted but almost two decades of wear and tear nursing sick horses back to health has taken its toll.

Despite taking as much care as possible over the years, the mats are now badly worn. The resulting cracks and gaps mean the laborious and time-consuming task of lifting and disinfecting them must be done regularly as waste from the horses collects underneath. This takes time away from caring for the rescued horses.

“Rubber matting is more important than ever in the Isolation unit as some horses are unable to stand at the time of their rescue.” Said HorseWorld’s Fundraising Officer, Amy Williams. “The rubber mats

provide warmth and help to prevent sores on a horse that is spending most of its time lying down.

“Rescued horses often arrive in poor conditions with low immune systems. They need an environment as clean and hygienic as possible. Some horses will have foot conditions, injuries or neurological problems causing instability which may mean they could fall. Some are too weak to stand at all. The rubber matting is essential for horses like these.

“The current mats have reached a point where they could be hazardous to both horses and staff. If we are unable to purchase and install new safer flooring, within a year we would be looking at removing the mats completely and the horses having to stand and lie on concrete floors.

“We have launched an urgent appeal to purchase cushioned rubber flooring that is expertly fitted to each of the three

stables and barn, attached to the floor with resin adhesive and sealed all round. All perimeters and doorways would be sealed similarly with heavy duty doorway strips fixed down. We have trialled this system in our veterinary area and it has proved a great success.

“During the Covid-19 health crisis, we find that donations have greatly reduced and we’ve lost all the income from our Open Days. We still however have our horses to care for and seek support to help us cover this essential element of their welfare costs.

This flooring project is currently one of our most urgent and we need to raise £5,300 which will make a huge difference to newly admitted horses, ponies and donkeys who are at a time when their life hangs in the balance. Our hospital facilities mean the difference between life and death.”

To find out more and support HorseWorld’s urgent appeal, please visit www.horseworld.org.uk/hospital or call 01275 832425.

Your Horse & Country Magazine Lockdown Special Edition 2020 | 79

‘Horseshoe’

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80 | Lockdown Special Edition 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine

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Through comfort we improve performance  Luxurious padding and design to relieve poll pressure along with the cut back design from the ear to eliminate any pinching.  Numerous bridle ranges, breastplates and girths all with the horse’s comfort in mind to aid the best possible performance.  MADE-TO-MEASURE SERVICE Have the comfort bridle tailored to your horse or pony, no matter their size.

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“We are BHS Approved and highly commended”

We are thriving here at Huntingrove Stud in and we are happy to help in any wa

At the centre we specialise in rehabilitative work to truly produce stronger happier horses who can carry their riders better and stay sounder.

We also specialise in helping riders to increase and develop their confidence and understanding of what their horse is saying to them and feeling whilst being ridden. Sometimes a lot of problems occur from a lack of understanding in this area. We have many years experience with thoroughbreds but help all others also. See our website for more information:

www.moorcroftracehorse.org.uk

• • • •

any rehabilitation of your horse reschooling problems getting back on after time off or s help with understanding how to m back problems • Confidence-giving training for you • Teaching the useful and rehabilita • Measuring muscle development r

Moorcroft Equine Rehabilitation Ce

Email: moorcroftracehorse@gmail.com Call: 07929 66

This lovely 7yr old arrived with some lameness issues and was very weak.

After careful assessment of his pain by our full time physiotherapist and some treatment from her and our Vet, he was able to start long-reining and quite quickly started to develop his muscular strength and ability to carry a rider with ease.

We were delighted to be able to help him

n Slinfold, West Sussex ay we can with:

surgery manage lameness or

A very experienced team ensure that all horses get what they need to progress in a sustainable way.

Please call Mary Frances BHSII & BHS.SM 07929 666408

u and your horse ative art of long-reining regularly

entre

66408

Your Horse & Country Magazine Lockdown Special Edition 2020   |  83

Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM Boswella

Competition Safe

Collagen Synthesis and Blood Flow

Tel: 01184 676715 Mob: 07951 110696 Web: equinexceed.com 84 | Lockdown Special Edition 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine

From troubled times to new beginnings Rescues and births at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary

T

This joint work led to the rescue of six

largest equine welfare charities. It rescues,

Taylor and Fuzzy Bear following an RSPCA

rehabilitates and retrains horses and ponies

prosecution case whereby the owner

who have experienced neglect and abuse.

admitted causing unnecessary suffering to

he Mare and Foal Sanctuary in Newton Abbot is one of the South West’s

It currently cares for 218 horses and ponies

ponies including pregnant mares Lotte,

animals.

at its six sanctuaries in Devon and has

Lotte gave birth to Lio on 23 April and the

451 equines loaned out to knowledgeable

birth was captured on film. Taylor’s foal,

carers. This allows vital space for new

named Tulip, was born on 25 April and

rescues and to provide specialist care for

both settled well.

those unsuitable for the rehoming scheme due to past trauma, complex behaviour or ongoing health issues.

Then on 30 April, Fuzzy Bear gave birth to Teyah but this little filly foal developed a life-threatening condition. Staff were

Its work is focused in the South West but as

quick to act, giving emergency veterinary

part of the National Equine Welfare Council

care and thankfully, all three foals and their

collaborates locally and nationally with the

mums are now thriving in the Sanctuary’s

RSPCA and larger equine welfare charities.

care.

The charity was founded on the principles that horses and ponies, as sentient beings and close companions of humans over the centuries, have a value and a purpose.

Its equine assisted learning programmes enable people to connect with horses and ponies as the charity believes caring for ponies outside in nature is good for our health, happiness and wellbeing. It educates people of all ages in how to care for horses to prevent future welfare issues.

To find out more about the work of The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, which relies entirely on donations and legacy gifts, and to see the horses and ponies currently available for loan, visit the charity’s website at www.mareandfoal.org or call 01626 355969.

Let’s go

retro

Dad denim, vintage tees, baseball boots – men’s fashion is taking a decidedly nostalgic look back, writes Kathy Carter

A

Barbour jacket and Oxford brogues, with perhaps a well-worn checked farmer’s shirt for outdoor workwear, and a smarter checked shirt for evenings – this classic look is sported by many a male countryside enthusiast. The younger countryside gent also easily nails “smartcasual”, with the ever-reliable tailored shirt and quilted jacket, or a buttoned-up polo shirt. He also has a range of T-shirts with designs harking back to yesteryear’s racing car and motorbike heritage – think British motor racing’s golden era in the 1950s and 1960s, and Steve McQueen iconology. Both age groups are known to proudly rock their neutral-coloured “county” or flat cap.

These outfits are, of course, smart and timeless – however, this season has some great new trends that could encourage the reticent, khaki- and beige-loving man to brighten up his wardrobe, or opt for something a little more daring!

Nostalgic dressing Firstly, the overall “look” that’s hitting the high street shops has been aptly described by fashion experts at GQ magazine, who write: “Every guy’s style icon for next season? His dad, circa 1983.” The tome reveals that Eighties styling is “in”, with “pastel colours, boxy suit jackets, light wash jeans and shades from the Dynasty decade”. They warn, however, that the idea isn’t for this to be costumey and to

mix just a few elements with your existing wardrobe. Whether you want to embrace this trend – or simply retrieve your own well-preserved Eighties items – is another matter!

Paternal denim In line with the Eighties fashion revival, the somewhat patronisingly described “Dad jeans” are also big news (the kind favoured

by Jeremy Clarkson and Simon Cowell).

They’re straight-cut and light washed, and for those who have hated the trend for skinny jeans on men, are a comfortable, loose fit. Apparently, the way to wear them is rolled up at the bottom, with old-school baseball boots or Chelsea boots.

world through her nautical collection in 1917.

However, the fashion designers of today have decreed that vertical stripes are the way forward, and they were seen on everything from bomber jackets to casual shirts at various fashion week events. Frankly, we’d urge caution in over-dressing in the vertical stripe, to avoid making oneself look like a pyjama model; a single, slim-striped item like a navy and white shirt, teamed with colourcoordinated navy trousers, would look smart. (And if you can’t bear the thought of going vertical? The countryside retailers have a big stash of gorgeous horizontalstriped items to keep you in your comfort zone!)

The right stripes Vertical stripes are “big” this summer. Yes, that’s right, vertical. “But we like our stripes horizontal,” we hear you cry.

The summery horizontalstriped top or shirt is an institution, hailing from 19thcentury French sailors, who wore a navy and white striped knitted shirt as part of their uniform as naval seamen in Brittany.

The Breton top was supposedly easier to spot in the waves. Designer Coco Chanel is said to have popularised the horizontal stripe after introducing the design to the fashion

86 | Lockdown Special Edition 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine

The right tone Whatever the “shape” and silhouette of your clothing, tonal dressing is also said to be a big trend for male dressing this year. That means choosing a single colour from the colour palette – let’s choose navy again for the sake of argument! – and then selecting two other colours in different but coordinating tones (apparently three separate colours within one colour family is enough), to go with it. So, your  Dad denim, as seen on Jeremy Clarkson, is “in”

MEN’S FASHION

aforementioned navy trousers could be teamed with a mid-blue shirt and an indigo jacket.

Return of the mac Yes, macs and anoraks are back! Not that they have ever gone away, of course, at least for the practical countryside set; however, this summer they’re deemed to be fashionable, often with a 1990s-nod.

The high street has lots of waterproof jackets for those summer showers in dark, practical shades that are slightly sleeker than your standard outdoor jacket, but just as technical.

 Light wash jeans, two shades of blue, no socks – that’s three trends in one for those who like to multi-task

Check-mate As we mentioned previously, countryside males love a checked shirt – and this year, so does the high street. The largepatterned Prince of Wales check is proving popular on outerwear, as is the windowpane pattern – essentially a simple, single-lined oblong-check (that looks great in tweed).

Sans socks One of the most prevailing “looks” for men is the smart-shoes-without-socks style.

Our readers will probably be divided on this issue – and if you have learned how to “rock” this look, good for you! But hang on – our feet sweat. Surely going without socks is uncomfortable and unpleasant? Well, the secret is to wear a pair of no-show loafer socks, or salvapiedes (feet savers in Italian).

These are low-profile socks similar in style to trainer socks, and they may just save your feet if you are embracing this look.

added the elasticated insert, and were named by the swinging Sixties Chelsea set who later adopted the iconic boot. They look great with most outfits and come in a range of styles, from chunky versions more akin to a deep-soled “dealer boot”, to more slimline, refined versions that work with your rolled-up Dad jeans.

Other popular footwear items for summer include heavy “skate shoes”, and the sensible “Dad sneaker” – see the aforementioned Jeremy and Simon, and picture their comfiest trainers. Baseball

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As we mentioned at the top of this article, vintage racing car and motorbike imagery is de rigeuer on this summer’s T-shirts.

A quick look at Harrods’ ranges also shows us that the most popular styles are essentially plain T-shirts with a cool image on the chest – ranging from skulls and sports team logos to the clothing brand’s own logo; seemingly a 1990s-nod. Despite it being summer, there are a lot of black T-shirts about, so this is obviously a good colour to be seen in, if you can bear the warmth!

Footwear Yes, another trend already loved by the countryside gent is “cool” – the Chelsea boot! Essentially a jodhpur boot, these were supposedly invented by Queen Victoria’s shoemaker, J Sparkes-Hall, who

and basketball-style sports shoes are also everywhere to be seen, with high-tops, and in bright colour accents – another nostalgic nod.

And finally, there’s our perennial summer favourite – the deck shoe, or boat shoe.

Developed in the 1930s in America, these have non-slip, non-marking soles, and most definitely are not worn with obvious socks! (Time to dig out the no-show loafer socks again.) These comfy footwear items will go perfectly with your Dad jeans and stripy top – of whatever orientation! 

 Rock a cool T-shirt like this Luxury Yelford Polo; check out the Hector Tweed Waistcoat, both Timothy Foxx

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Your Horse & Country Magazine Lockdown Special Edition 2020 | 87

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Healthy mind fo COVID-19 has had a substantial impact on all our lives, including our mental health, but there are things we can do to boost our mood and stay positive.

Stephanie Bateman speaks to chartered psychologist and horse-enthusiast Heidi Hunter-Cope to find out how the virus can impact our mental health and what we can do to maintain happy, healthy minds The impact of COVID-19 on our lives was sudden and unpredicted. Within the space of days, much of what we regarded as normal and within our control was removed, so how has this impacted on people’s mental health?

“From a psychology perspective, this pandemic has been a really interesting social experiment,” muses Heidi. “There’s a lot going on. From a mental perspective, sudden change is often perceived as a threat and this causes our brain to go into a ‘flight or fight’ response which can create anxiety.”

This change included many of us either being furloughed or forced to work from home which brings with it its own challenges.

“Even though we haven’t been going to work, our ‘workload’ has been replaced with other aspects, and even increased for some people, such as having to juggle working full time from home with childcare and home schooling, family pressures and looking after vulnerable people and family members,” says Heidi. “Stuff was taken away,but it was filled with something else.”

Acknowledging emotions Another aspect to consider is that people haven’t realised the emotions and anxiety they’ve been experiencing. One of those emotions is grief.

“People associate grief with death, but it’s actually associated with loss,” explains Heidi. “There is grief for what you have lost such as freedom and planned social events, and the grief of not being able to plan for the future. Another unusual aspect is that everyone has been doing this together.

Usually people grieve in a family of friendship unit, but for the whole country to be grieving together is very unusual.”

The grief curve takes you through a variety of emotions: • Denial – the virus it won’t affect me, or my family • Anger – how dare it spoil my life!

• Bargaining – so, I’ll do this social distancing and it will all be fine – yes?

• Sadness – I’ve lost so much • Acceptance – it’s real, it’s happening, how do I work through it – wash hands, social distance, work virtually – we can then regain some control

Meet the expert Heidi Hunter-Cope is a Business Psychologist with a PhD in Organisational Psychology, Chartered Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society.

A keen rider and horse owner, Heidi has over 20 years’ experience in consulting, helping major organisations get the best from their people through leadership development and individual mentoring.

Heidi also runs a baby and toddler swimming company and is working to develop a new business – HorseFest – designed to celebrate all things horse in the form of a weekend festival and a digital membership site.

for a happy you Symptoms of anxiety The situation has understandably caused a lot of anxiety, but many of the symptoms aren’t obvious. Anxiety presents itself in the following ways: • Tiredness: Being in a heightened state of alert and constantly looking for danger is exhausting • Difficulty sleeping: Either getting to sleep or waking up easily • Startle easily: Being jumpy and reactive to noise is linked to our state of fight or flight as it causes us to be hyper vigilant • Lots of energy channelled into hobbies or activities: This can be obsessive amounts of baking, shopping, learning new stuff, watching the news and allowing no time for rest • Lack of interest in anything: Apathy is due to a sense of purpose going and lack of routine • Intense loneliness: Caused by not being allowed to see people • Resurgence of existing or previous mental health conditions: Such as depression and panic attacks • Headaches or physical symptoms: Can include dizziness, palpitations and ulcers • Getting angry more often: This is often the case when you feel out of control and can be aimed at others or yourself • Forgetfulness: Lack of concentration and brain overloaded

Gaining a sense of control and meaning When our routines change, we can lose our sense of meaning such as our purpose and goals, and an understanding of what we’re here for and how everything fits together. “Psychologists argue that to retain a sense of meaning, we need to satisfy three psychological needs; autonomy (to be in control of one’s own life), competence (to feel able to control outcomes and develop yourself) and relatedness (the opportunity to interact and connect with others),” explains Heidi. “It is also important that we have a beneficial impact on other people. If we reframe what we are doing, we can gain meaning, so in lockdown that could mean developing fitness, staying healthy and adhering to regulations for the benefit of the community.”

Feeling stressed can lead to unhealthy levels of cortisol being released into our blood stream which can have a negative impact on our blood pressure and health; again this can also contribute to feelings of anxiety.

We can do a number of things to reduce the build-up of cortisol and stress, and reduce our anxiety levels:

• Limit the amount of news you read – chose one trusted source and get the facts • Focus on what you can control – create a new routine • Think positively – replace those thoughts that get in your way with more positive versions such as “I can’t cope or do this”, replaced by what you can actually influence or impact • Do things that are meaningful to you – spend time with your horse, plan to improve your bond, set goals and do what you enjoy • Connect with people – share experiences, talk about it with others and help and support each other • Prioritise your wellbeing • Healthy diet – eat well, reduce caffeine, hydrate and drink less alcohol • Good sleep – go to bed at the same time, get enough hours of rest, limit caffeine and limit screen time (activate the blue light filter on your phone) • Exercise – releases endorphins and increases positive feelings and can energise • Breath – deep diaphragmatic breathing and slowly releasing, even just three big belly breaths, can physically change how you feel. It stimulates the vagus nerve which helps you relax. Practice when you’re feeling good so it becomes habitual • Practice mindfulness – there is a good app called Headspace which is about being mindful and present • Visualise for relaxation – think of a safe place, somewhere you relax and visualise how it looks, feels and smells • Don’t expect too much of yourself – Cut down your to do list and make it manageable. You don’t have to do everything tomorrow or at once.

You don’t have to be perfect.

continued 

continued 

Maintaining routines after lockdown Although lockdown has been a challenge, many people have seen benefits including renewing long lost passions such as baking and painting or simply spending more quality time with family or their horse.

“Identify the good that has come from the trauma,” says Heidi. “What do you want to keep going when this ends, and most importantly, how are you going to ensure you keep it going? It is very easy to slip back into old habits unless you take steps to ensure the change sticks. Get friends and family to hold you to account so that you are more likely to continue with your new, healthier habits.”.

Nature’s medicine Alongside practices to help manage anxiety, there are other things that can help improve mental wellbeing. Simply being outside in the sunshine, exploring new local places and spending time with your horse are very effective at boosting your mood.

“Sunlight boosts serotonin in your brain which can give you more energy and help to keep you calm, positive and focused,” tells Heidi. “The sun’s UV rays help your body make vitamin D, which is important for your bones, blood cells, and immune system. It also helps you take in and use certain minerals, like calcium and phosphorus. Scientists believe there is a link between a lack of vitamin D with multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. It is also associated with weight loss.”

There is also some research looking at equine assisted therapies and activities, which have been used successfully to help individuals with depression, anxiety and confidence issues.

“There is plenty of anecdotal evidence suggesting that being around horses, grooming, caring for them and riding all impact positively on mental health,” adds Heidi. “And let’s face it, who needs an excuse to spend more time with their horse?”

Feeling overwhelmed?

If you or someone you know feels overwhelmed and needs professional help, the NHS website includes a list of mental health professionals and numbers for helplines.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/

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www.macwet.com 94 | Lockdown Special Edition 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine

Until We Compete Again E

questrians are currently facing an unprecedented situation where some of us aren’t able to ride, some of us are only able to see our horses during a short allocated time slot, and some of us are completely cut off from any pony time whatsoever. All of a sudden, we find ourselves at home for most of the day, a situation pretty alien to horsey folk who are usually trying to find enough hours in the day to squeeze in their day job with mucking out and a shower before bed! Consequently, we’ve taken to spending a significant amount of our time (if not all of it!) in loungewear. Occasionally maybe putting on some makeup and brushing our hair for a virtual ‘night out’ at the weekend or a trip to the kitchen!

Thanks to Eclat Equestrian however, at least we are able to remain both stylish and comfortable. Their range of loungewear injects a much needed dash of sparkle and glamour, while also being super soft and comfy. Hoodies perfect to curl up in on the sofa with a good book and leggings that are ideal for walks with the dog or those long Netflix sessions!

Coming in a range of styles, colours and

sizes, there is something to suit everyone.

New for summer 2020 are the multisport denim look leggings, made with 3D seamless technology ensuring extra comfort and freedom whatever you are doing. And is there anything in the world possibly more comfy than an oversized hoodie to match?

Most importantly just now however, is that we feel connected to both our favourite four and two-legged friends. As one Eclat customer, who is currently cut off from any pony time whatsoever said, “putting on my Eclat hoodie feels like slipping in to a big empowering horsey hug.

They make me feel a little more connected to my pony chums while we are apart - some of my favourite horse moments have been in Eclat!” We imbue our favourite hoodies and our comfiest pair of leggings with memories that allow us to draw on those experiences to strengthen our resolve during these difficult times. This is why Eclat are also releasing a line of ‘Until We Compete Again’ t-shirts with 10% of sales being donated to the NHS.

Until then, stay safe. And let’s hope it’s a sunny day when we do compete again.

www.eclatequestrian.com @EclatEquestrian

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For your muscles, in fact, for every cell in your body, the source of energy that keeps everything going. It is the primary source of energy for the cells, and supplementation may enhance the ability to maintain high ATP turnover during high-intensity exercise.

As horse owners might imagine, when ATP levels are low, the equines cannot, on a cellular level, recover as quickly.

But with ATP supplements, horses recuperation process may noticeably improve, as a number of studies have shown.

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Phone: 01656 746 984 E-mail: info@mojoeurope.com Your Horse & Country Magazine Lockdown Special Edition 2020 | 97

Q

What have been the major changes in your day to day routine whilst being at home?

During the lockdown period, although the horses workload has reduced, the basic daily routine and timings has not varied very much and has remained the constant factor in all of this. However, with less external meetings, shows, coaching or other commitments we usually squeeze into each day, it meant that we could train the horses at a more leisurely pace. This has had a positive impact on their ‘learning capacity and rate’.

Learning in horses is often optimised in the slower gaits, for example in walk and halts and between the gaits (transitions) via repetition sets combined with breaks, and with less pressure of time it has been enjoyable and more effective.

A

QA Olympic dressage rider, Richard Davison and his son, international showjumper Joe tell us how Covid-19 has affected them.

Q

How have you altered your horse’s diets to reflect their new working routines?

It is our usual practice to review our horse’s diets since this is adjusted in accordance with their work regime. For example, when the intensity of the horse’s work is relatively low then we reduce the energy values of the food.

A

We also factor-in the impact of extended periods of turn-out, especially at this time of year. The quality and quantity of the grass has been reduced during the heatwave, but now we are getting some rain we will apply our specialist equine SureGrow fertiliser to improve both the quality and quantity of the grazing.

We are now gradually increasing the horse’s workload and will therefore increase the energy source. For example, Bubblingh likes Dodson & Horrell Competition Cubes’ so this will gradually increase in line with his grand prix level dressage work. Likewise, the jumping horses are going out to training events and so they will get an increase in their D&H Competition Mix. It is important that our young horses receive their protein source since they are rapidly growing and developing, and they always receive a basic amount of D&H Staypower plus D&H Vitamins and Minerals supplement.

Q

How to keep a fit competition horse ticking over ready to get out competing when competitions resume?

Because we wanted to keep progressing and filling-in our horse’s ‘learning gaps’ they have maintained a basic

A

training routine and have retained have at least a minimum level of fitness. For some horses we have also topped this up with extra fitness work. However, especially in the early stages of the pandemic when the NHS was under pressure in terms of hospital capacity, we were mindful to avoid higher risk activities, for example jumping and fast work.

We now need to gradually increase the horse’s cardio-vascular fitness efficiency and will achieve this by using an individually tailored approach to each horse. This will take the form of increasing the intensity (muscle energy output) into their training sessions, and also by doing faster work on our gallop track.

We will increase the intensity and muscle output during dressage sessions (both our jumping and dressage horses do dressage sessions) by using transitions both within and between the gaits. The greater the number and frequency of transitions then the greater the muscle use.

This results in the horses transferring more of their weight onto their hindquarters and recruits the large muscle groups in that region such as the quads, gluteal muscles, among others.

Greater weight carrying on the hind quarters consequently frees up the function and range of movement of the front legs by firing up muscle function in the sling muscle group (under the front of the horse’s chest) and the forelimb lever muscles in the shoulder area.

The consequence of all of this is that the horses move more ‘uphill.

We use our gallops for two purposes; •

It provides another learning environment in addition to the arena. Horses are continually learning so we may as well channel and monitor what and where they are learning. The gallops go past ducks and swans on our lake and the neighbour’s horses so this provides different and varied visual and audible stimuli which we can use to good effect.

•

Faster work is easier to do on the gallops as there is less turning involved and it is easier to time, control, and measure. The impact of fast work (into both our dressage and jumping horses) is that the lungs and heart - in fact all of the cardiovascular system - is stimulated and responds by adapting at a cellular level with an increase in functionality and efficiency.

07784 501 425 www.katherinepartis.com

Available online www.katherinepartis.com Your Horse & Country Magazine Lockdown Special Edition 2020   |  99

Equine 74 Gastric Conditioner ✓ Nutritionally maintains a healthy stomach ✓ Effective acid buffer ✓ Live yeast supports the hind gut digestion ✓ Promotes calmer behaviour in horses ✓ Used by top riders and sold by vets Natural Horse Feed Supplement

Research paper published for Equine Small Redworm Blood Test Research underpinning the commercialised blood test for diagnosing small redworm (cyathostomin) infections in horses has been published in the International Journal of Parasitology¹.

The paper describes the research undertaken to define the final format of the test which was developed at the Moredun Research Institute and commercialised by Austin Davis Biologics in September 2019.

A new antigen was discovered to be important in accurately identifying cyathostomin burdens when combined with previously identified cyathostomin antigens in an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detecting cyathostomin-specific IgG(T) antibodies in horse serum. This three-antigen cocktail was identified as being the most suitable for a commercial test to detect all stages of the small redworm life cycle, including the all-important encysted larval phase.

Until now it has not been possible to test for encysted small redworm as faecal egg counts only detect the presence of egg laying adult worms.

Small redworms are the most common gastrointestinal parasites to infect horses. When horses harbour a large burden of encysted larvae that emerge en masse from the intestinal wall clinical symptoms develop, such as diarrhoea and colic, which can be fatal (larval cyathostominosis). Moxidectin is the only dewormer capable of eliminating these encysted stages for which worm resistance is not known to be widespread. To protect the effectiveness of this dewormer, targeted treatment programmes are required to ensure that the drug is only administered when it is really needed.

Blood test results are intended to complete a ‘diagnostic profile’ for veterinarians along with historical faecal egg count results and assessment of grazing management to enable decisions to treat/not treat an individual horse or group.

Professor Jacqui Matthews, Chief Technology Officer at Roslin Technologies and Inventor of the test, said, “This research paper describes the selection of antigens that provide coverage for

detecting the commonest cyathostomin species found globally“.

Dr Corrine Austin, Director at Austin Davis Biologics, commented, “Publication of this research is important as it provides veterinarians with additional evidence of the commercial test’s accuracy. Following on from this published research, we conducted additional validation and optimisation of the test for use on robotic systems.”

Dr Stewart Burgess, Principal Investigator at the Moredun Research Institute commented, “The availability of the test greatly benefits evidence-based worm control in horses and fills an important gap in the diagnostic toolbox for equine veterinarians”.

¹.Tzelos, T., et al (2020). Characterisation of serum IgG(T) responses to potential diagnostic antigens for equine cyathostominosis.

International Journal for Parasitology 50, 289–298.

Your Horse & Country Magazine Lockdown Special Edition 2020 | 101

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We are proud of the innovative approach taken to ensure safety is paramount and quality and practicality prevails 102 | Lockdown Special Edition 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine

EQ Top Tips Getting your horsebox on the road!

With a very long, wet winter, we barely had a chance to get out and about with our horses this spring before being sidelined due to Covid-19. As we hope to start easing back out to training and competition, we must also consider our horseboxes, which may have been out of action for some while.

We always say at EQ, that the best way to maintain your horsebox is to use it regularly. By that we mean not only running it, but driving it and spending time in it as well. However, we also understand that this is not always practical. So, if your lorry has been stationary for some time but is about to come back into use, we recommend the following to help get it ready to go:

 Ensure the vehicle is taxed, insured and plated. Plan your plating well in advance – this is particularly important now as some horseboxes are eligible for a three month extension of their plating due to the corona virus. Check when your nearest test centre is due to re-open and the wait list they may have.  Check there is sufficient fuel to run the truck stationary and get to the nearest garage on its next journey if necessary.  Have a look at the tyre pressure and tread and check it meets requirements and test the brakes. Make sure the engine batteries and the leisure batteries are fully charged or if they need replacing.  Ensure all the brake, indicator and headlights are working before heading out onto a road. Use a window to reflect the lights if you don’t have someone on site to confirm if they are working for you.  Check the ramp and floor is in good condition before you load a horse onto the lorry. Also check the sides and roof are not damaged.  Check seals on the windows, sky lights, TV aerials, shower cubicles, etc.

Check for any rot, water damage, corrosion or rust development. These can lead to leaks and breakages and may require substantial repair work.  If applicable, check the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working.

Ensure you have a working and suitable fire extinguisher on board.  Drain old water from the tanks and refill, checking there’s no leaks in the pipes.

Check the hot water is running through all taps.  Run your generator, if you have one. Check your gas levels if your lorry requires gas.  Give the horsebox a thorough clean inside and out – this will help reduce any mould which may have built up and identify any areas requiring maintenance or repair.  Restock your lockers with all your horsey essentials – don’t forget the polos!

Ultimately, we recommend you enjoy your horsebox! It is an asset and should be looked after, for your horse’s safety, comfort and enjoyment as well as your own.

If you are unsure about any of the above – call us to discuss. We may be able to help.

We also offer a full valet service – you can drop your lorry off or we can collect it, you won’t recognise it afterwards! *This list in non exhaustive and just a guide.

Equine Quality Horseboxes info@equinequality.com 07778 616 990 www.equinequality.com Your Horse & Country Magazine Lockdown Special Edition 2020 | 103

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106 | Lockdown Special Edition 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine

Hope for three horses rescued by Happa

HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association) have rescued three equines following an investigation by a HAPPA Equine Inspector.

HAPPA were alerted to the plight of three horses, in the Greater Manchester area, whose welfare was severely compromised.

On arrival at the scene it was evident that the horses were suffering and had lost a considerable amount of weight. All had evidence of rain scald and sores covering their bodies.

HAPPA’s Equine Inspector, Tracy Heaton was able to locate the owner, then, all three horses were signed over into the care of HAPPA to prevent further suffering. They were taken to Charity’s Rescue Centre, Shores Hey Farm, based in Burnley, Lancashire.

Equine Inspector, Tracy Heaton, said “HAPPA are continuing to take every call of concern very seriously. Following strict government guidelines regarding social distancing I investigated a report from a concerned member of the public regarding these three horses. When I arrived at the scene I was alarmed at just how thin these horses were, they simply had not been receiving a suitable diet to sustain their own body weight. It was evident that if action was not taken soon there may have been a very different outcome”.

An initial veterinary assessment gave two of the horses a body condition score of just 1 and 1.5 and the third equine scored a 2. They have now settled into the Isolation and Assessment Unit at Shores Hey Farm and are in the dedicated hands of HAPPA’s Equine Care Team.

Named HAPPA Rainbow, a 17 year old grey gelding, HAPPA Violet, a Palomino 12 year old mare and HAPPA Indigo, a Bay Andalusian gelding, all three are now enjoying bespoke rehabilitation plans in order to begin to gain weight, receive veterinary treatment, and head on the long road to recovery.

At this time the Charity is calling for donations of equipment to help the three rescues, or any of the 51 horses and ponies at the Centre. You can see their bespoke Wishlist at https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/ registry//wishlist/6HSGLEZGVVXD/ref =cm_wl_sortbar_v_page_1?fbclid=lwAR2DDYmlAwlJfUlG91PBJx_g60lBNb_hThk77yAOPyqRO2CqTn2iPFCTfGo or pledge your support at www.happa.org.uk/donate/ or call 01282455992

Senior Equine Care Officer, Kelly Laird, says

“

It is still very early days for Rainbow, Violet and Indigo, but we hope that with specialist care and a little bit of TLC all should begin to recover from their ordeal.

I am just so happy that we are able to offer a second chance to these horses and ensure a better future for them all

”

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Team Tristar (UK) Limited

MANUFACTURERS OF QUALITY HORSEBOXES We are one of the UK’s largest horsebox manufacturers, building quality horseboxes for over 35 years

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108 | Lockdown Special Edition 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine

Do you need your horsebox or trailer repaired?

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110 | Lockdown Special Edition 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine

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court farm garage trailers Court Farm Trailers are proud to be one of only two agents in the UK for the exclusive Bockmann brand.

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Welcome to Court Farm Trailers Choosing and buying a horse trailer that is right for you is time consuming and involves many factors. We believe that the choices should be yours. What you need to move, how you need to move it and other factors like your budget are all choices that you need to take time over.

At Court Farm Trailers we want to help you make an informed choice about your trailer. Furthermore, if we don’t have the trailer for you, we will find it for you. As well as sales, we provide short and long term hire of trailers and trailer servicing so you really don’t need to go anywhere else.

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We have a selection of horse trailers in stock available to hire on a flexible plan to suit your individual requirements.

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e: enquiries@courtfarmgarage.co.uk | t: 01594 827 835 Court Farm Garage TrailersBroad Street, Littledean, Gloucestershire GL14 3JT

Ken Gamble

International Horse Transport Ltd We are a Cotswold-based company, established in 1987.

Offering local, national and international services with twice weekly trips to Ireland along with regular trips to France and other destinations as required.  Shared and private loads are available.  All travel documentation, ferry bookings, import/export licences can be arranged.  All of our vehicles are DEFRA inspected, approved and fully licensed.  Our four vehicles range from a two horse Theault, to four horse, seven horse and 11 horse capacity.  All are modern and custom built with fan-assisted cooling, temperature monitored and have CCTV fitted.  Overnight stabling is available at home and abroad if required in transit.  All our drivers and grooms are certificated, very experienced and are recruited locally from within the equine industry.  We pride ourselves on our welfare standards and professionalism.

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mobile: 07836 5875 301 email: ken.gamble@btconnect.com

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112 | Lockdown Special Edition 2020 Your Horse & Country Magazine

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