Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 460 i Your Horse

ARE YOU READY for Christmas? I’m most certainly not, although I am looking forward to spending some quality time with family and my two horses over the festive period. I don’t know about you, but over the last month I’ve had a serious lack of motivation when it comes to riding. I’ve most definitely lost my mojo. I’m blaming the weather — it’s been seriously wet and wild and, as I get older, I think I might be turning into a fair-weather rider. If your get up and go has got up and gone then this issue of Your Horse is just what you need to get back on track. Focusing on your mental health is a topic that dressage rider Olivia Towers covers. She offers plenty of practical advice…

BELLA ROSE IS a born diva. When she performs, the crowd goes quiet and everyone watches her. If the chestnut mare with three white stockings and a long, curved blaze was running across a field somewhere with 10 other horses, all eyes would be on her. She radiates the same magic as some people do — those who pursue a career on the big screen, on the catwalk, or in politics. They have this mesmerising effect, this charisma that you cannot learn and that can unleash a magnetic power of attraction for everything with eyes and ears. We do not want to exaggerate — Bella Rose is still an animal and not a Hollywood actress. But that is exactly it. Her gaze is not only captivating and confident — at…

Fancy dress fun My mare (the mad hatter) and me (queen of hearts) at Halloween showjumping. Abi Walker, by email Winning smiles Me and Laughing Rock, my ex-flat racer. Kimberly McCombie, by email Helpful pup After four miles in the rain, I thought I’d chill out and flick through my new Your Horse. Spud had other ideas… Tammy Goldstein, Facebook Sunrise seekers What a lovely sky for a morning ride! @millfieldschool, Instagram Cowgirls’ tour Over 50 of us from the Facebook group ‘Old Cowgirls Never Die They Keep on Riding’ went on holiday to Iceland. Lisa Garrett Loewenberg, Facebook Join us on facebook at facebook.com/yourhorse Tweet us on twitter.com/yourhorse Follow us on instagram.com/yourhorse…

“The next time someone asks you about your riding, note the language you’re using. It starts with noticing it and then you can rephrase it” MEET THE EXPERT OLIVIA TOWERS is a dressage rider and trainer with a passion for inspiring people to develop a positive mindset, self-belief and confidence. Through social media, videos and vlogs, she portrays the real-life ups and downs of the equine world and life in general. By inspiring and motivating people, Olivia aims to help them thrive, not just as riders but as people. Visit oliviatowersdressage.com. JUST LIKE WARMING up to ride, climbing into the saddle with the right mindset will not only help you to make the most of your session, but it will improve your relationship with your horse too. Get into the…

Lucy Kemplay is an event rider who has competed at Badminton and Burghley. At the moment, she’s focusing on dressage. Eires Rock, a nine-year-old mare owned by Mrs Saunders Watson, has competed up to one-star level in eventing. Eires Rock was bred for dressage, so she and Lucy are now having fun at this discipline and they qualified for the summer regionals 2019 at elementary level. This is their first test riding clinic and they’ve come along to get some advice on gaining more marks to prepare for their next challenge.…

There’s nothing worse than fumbling around in the dark due to a blown bulb, or fighting with a broken stable door latch when your horse is bouncing off the walls to get to his field. Here’s a simple checklist to work through before the cold weather arrives with a vengeance: ■ 1 Check all electric wiring for vermin damage — if necessary, tape it up safely. If it’s anywhere horses have access to, call an electrician and get it replaced. ■ 2 Clean or replace light bulbs and covers, and clear away any cobwebs around lights to avoid the risk of fire. ■ 3 Test all outdoor lighting and fit energy-saving bulbs where possible. ■ 4 Check all the catches, hinges and kick-over bolts on stable doors. Secure loose screws…

CASE STUDY Feeding a veteran Rhett, a 29-year-old mountain & moorland x Thoroughbred, lives in North Yorkshire with his owner Sam Colman. Last winter an otherwise fit and happy Rhett began to face some dietary and digestive challenges, losing much more weight than Sam was happy with. Having found no clinical issues, Sam’s vet advised her to address this with appropriate dietary changes. Jasmin Grogan answers Sam’s questions about managing Rhett until the spring grass returns. Loose droppings QRhett struggles to retain water in winter now. He gets a lot of diarrhoea or faecal water alongside solid droppings, and this seems to worsen when he eats hay or haylage. What would you suggest as an appropriate forage replacement for him over the winter? Jasmin says... When a horse suffers from…

The owner: Georgie Latham The horse: Dan The Man, a 15.3hh seven-year-old ex-flat racer The problem: Dan is a fusspot! Georgie has had Dan on loan for 18 months and they are enjoying showjumping at British Novice level. Although he has plenty of energy, Dan is struggling to keep his weight despite quality ad-lib haylage and good daily turnout. Georgie says that she had the same problem last winter when Dan really lost his shine. Clare says: Dan’s problem is that he’s a picky eater. He never usually finishes his hay and will take or leave the high-oil conditioning cubes Georgie has been feeding him. Georgie is right to address the problem now before Dan loses too much weight, and to make sure that he’s in optimum condition to tackle…

Features editor Stephanie Anthony: I can think of many memorable hacking moments, but picking my best hack ever is tricky. Discover our #Hack1000Miles challengers’ favourites on page 10. Freelance features writer Julie Brown: Often the end of the year arrives and we’ve forgotten all of the amazing things that have happened. Our ‘Review of the year’ allows you to look back at all the good stuff. Page 25 Vet Claire Dixon MRCVS: Horses love routine and in this feature I explain why it’s so important to stick to your routine over the festive season. It only takes a little forward planning and your horse will thank you for it. Page 68 Amanda and Matthew Mills: Retraining a racehorse can be challenging, but it’s also extremely rewarding. We share the training…

Jack, a 15-year-old chestnut gelding, was found abandoned in May 2018 in an appalling condition at stables near Llanelli, Carmarthenshire. RSPCA inspector Rohan Barker said: “His ribs and spine were visible and he was badly emaciated. It was just miserable to witness.” After many months of rehabilitation and expert care, Jack was adopted by Tina, who has since given him his forever home at her yard in Shropshire. “Tragically, we lost two of our horses within just 10 weeks,” recalls Tina. “We were desperate to get some new company for our mare who had lost both her mother and her friend. Jack was a fantastic addition at such a stressful time. “His rehabilitation has continued — the weight he’s put on, his beautiful shiny coat and his fantastic personality are…

ERISKAY PONIES ARE the last surviving remnants of the original native ponies of the Western Isles of Scotland. These ponies were invaluable to the islands’ crofters who used them to carry creel baskets of peat from the moorland for winter fuel and seaweed from the shore to fertilise the land. They were also used for light ploughing. The Eriskay pony we see today evolved to survive on meagre food supplies, and their coats, ears and tails are well adapted to coping with a harsh, wet and windy climate. Eriskays also lived in a society where the islands’ women and children did most of the work on the crofts while the men were away at sea. Over centuries of domestication, the ponies therefore evolved into the hardy, versatile and people-friendly characters…

Ellen Foster is a professional musician who splits her time between teaching and examining. When not working, she enjoys competing Prince, her Welsh section D. My job… My job is incredibly varied, which I love. Music examining work for Trinity College London can take me all over the world, from India to New Zealand and Italy to Egypt, as well as many centres in the UK. I spend about three months of each year working abroad. I’ve also performed a variety of musical genres around the UK. Teaching tends to be local. I use a rehearsal space in my village and I also do music editing work from home. How I got here… I started working as a musician while still at school — classical and early music initially, then…

Laura Buckle has had challenges with Gemini — but this has been their best year yet “As always with Gemini, this year has been another challenge, but we’ve accomplished more than ever before. In 2016, Gemini was kicked in the field and fractured the accessory carpal in her left fore. Box rest for six months saw her back in work, but six months later she was displaying signs of back pain. It was kissing spines and in 2018 she underwent surgery. “Following careful rehabilitation, we competed in dressage, but two days after the competition she was lame. Further X-rays and an MRI scan showed that Gemini had strained the medial collateral ligament in her right fore. “Over a spring and summer of joint medication, physio, remedial shoes and therapy, we…

When it comes to tack, all of Matt and Amanda’s horses wear Micklem bridles. “We can lunge them off the ring on the noseband so we’re not touching their mouths, and they all accept them much better than a normal bridle,” says Amanda. “My 20-year-old former racehorse Baikaline instigated the use of them as she wouldn’t accept anything else. “We also ride the horses in KK Sprenger and Neue Schule bits as they sit better in their mouths, and for those who are numb on one side of the mouth, we use a straight bar which helps to spread the pressure.”…

■ Working on your riding mindset is as important as working on your physical riding. ■ Before you get in the saddle, have in your mind what you want to achieve. ■ Keep your goals achievable and break them down into sections to work through one at a time. ■ Always finish on a good note to build your confidence. ■ Don’t worry if you don’t achieve your goal in one session — a goal is something to be worked on continually. ■ Talk to yourself about how you’d like your friends to speak to you — kindly and positively. ■ Turn negative thoughts into positive ones. ■ Only train with people who offer constructive criticism and build you up, not bring you down. ■ Don’t take social media comments…

MEET THE EXPERT NIKKI ROBINSON qualified as a physiotherapist in 1993 and started her specialist Myofascial Release (MR) practice in 2006. MR is a gentle hands-on treatment that works with the body to find and treat the cause of symptoms. Her book Pain-Free Horse Riding helps riders to reduce and prevent pain. ALTHOUGH SOME WINTER days can be glorious, for many of us these darker months can prove a bit of a challenge. Extra yard duties, riding in less than ideal conditions, feeling cold to the bone, hands in and out of freezing water, not to mention the wellysucking mud — that’s a lot to contend with. Often we’re so good at looking after our horse’s every need that we ignore our own aches, pains and strains. And the stiffer…

THERE ARE SOME simple measurements of brain function that all horse owners can try and these can tell you a lot more about your horse than you might think. At the National Equine Forum, held in London in March 2019, I reported that by counting the number of times a horse blinks we can learn a surprising amount about how his brain works, particularly structures such as the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (NA) in the ‘reward circuit’ of the brain. Another naturally occurring chemical called dopamine also plays a key role in the normal functioning of these areas, and as dopamine levels increase so too does the eye blink rate. Count the blinks The neurotransmitter dopamine fulfils a multitude of roles and, in particular, has a bearing…

Fantastic filming Q I’m about to try my first online competition. What are your top filming tips so that judging can be done fairly? Sarah Hutton, Cardiff Chesca says... Filming is easy to get right if you pay attention to the three golden rules of online dressage camerawork: 1 Film from just behind letter C (where the judge would normally be) and in line with the centre line). 2 Film in landscape, not portrait — turn your phone on its side. 3 Film with the sound on, so the judge can check that the rider is not receiving any ‘training’ from the sidelines. That said, online dressage generally allows the use of a caller/test reader. Remember that the judge can only mark what they see, so try to ensure that…

While fibre is integral to the horse’s health and condition, the importance of a daily intake of essential vitamins, minerals and protein mustn’t be forgotten. For potentially stressy or excitable horses like Rhett, this should be in the form of a low starch (less than 10%) and low sugar cube or mix, with a high oil and fibre content for non-heating calories, as well as micronutrients for a balanced diet. High oil supplements can be added for further calories. Little and often The size of meals is another vital consideration. The horse has a small stomach in comparison to his size and it’s inflexible, so it can’t expand to accommodate large meals. Bucket feeds should therefore be kept small and fed frequently to aid the digestion and utilisation of nutrients…

ENERGY BOOST The Vitality Boost Bracelet combines an embedded hologram with the powerful chemical element germanium. Designed to boost both body and mind, the hologram is contained within a sleek silicon bracelet and is said to help optimise energy levels and improve strength, balance and flexibility. Germanium is used for its therapeutic properties, helping to balance positive and negative ions in the body, relieving stressed muscles and alleviating aches and pains. RRP £20 BUY AT pegasusjewellery.net SHINE AND CONDITION British Horse Feeds Cooked Linseed is 100% whole linseed that’s been cooked and micronised. Linseed is an ideal addition to any feeding regime, providing protein and oil to help benefit performance, condition, skin, coat and general health, as well as being an excellent source of slow-release energy. RRP £24.99 for 20kg…

MARK TODD KNITTED BOBBLE HAT RRP £12.99 COLOURS Navy, grey SIZES One size FOR STOCKISTS marktoddcollection.co.uk A practical, knitted bobble hat with a warm and cosy fleece lining and fluffy faux-fur pompom. It has a classic cable knit design with the Mark Todd logo on the turn-up. Available in two traditional colours, which are sure to match your winter yard clobber. A matching headband and scarf are available too. CAVALLO OMIRA HAT RRP £24.90 COLOUR Black, wild berry, silver SIZES One size FOR STOCKISTS zebraproducts.co.uk The new Omira bobble hat boasts a classic design, is cosy warm and embellished with that all important on-trend sparkle. The matching yarn pompom is a stylish addition to what will soon become a yard favourite. Extra warmth is provided by the cosy fleece lining,…

LOVE IT OR hate it, winter is here and the next few months can be particularly challenging for horse owners. It’s a constant juggling act as you battle through the ever-changing weather conditions, struggling to stay warm — plus you have to keep your horse happy and healthy too. To help you be fully prepared for the colder months, we’ve put together this handy Winter Essentials guide. It’s packed with advice from leading experts and we reveal some of the top products that will help to take you and your horse through to the spring fit and raring to go. Whether you’re in search of practical clothing to keep you warm and dry, high-quality feed and supplements, or grooming equipment that will make your horse’s coat look great, you’ll find…

When I first saw this challenge, I thought it would be easy. Then I started tracking my miles and realised I’d need to do 20 a week to complete it in 12 months on a horse with navicular disease who can’t trot on roads. I really wanted to do it all on my own horse, Cooper, but it wasn’t going to be possible, so I started clocking up the miles on the horses I ride for work. I really admire everyone who is doing the challenge. It’s highly motivational and the Facebook group is really friendly. I enjoy everyone’s posts and photos. Next year I’ll see if I can do it all again on my new loan horse, Noel. Tamsin O’Connor…

❋ The Eriskay Pony stands between 12hh and 13.2hh. ❋ In winter, a dense waterproof coat enables them to live out in the harshest conditions. ❋ The predominant colour is grey, with the occasional black or bay. No other colours normally occur, but other whole colours are acceptable. ❋ Their legs are fine, with only a small tuft of hair at the fetlock. ❋ The breed’s hardiness and thrifty nature makes them well suited to conservation grazing. ❋ There are currently around 400 Eriskays worldwide. ❋ Somewhat surprisingly, the Eriskay pony and the Highland pony are genetically distinct.…

CELEBRATIONS FOR PIPPA Sixteen years after her first and last win at Burghley Horse Trials, an emotional crowd watched as Pippa Funnell took this eventing crown once again by a sliver of a margin. Riding MGH Grafton Street, only 0.1 of a penalty separated Pippa from second-placed Piggy French riding Vanir Kamira. In her post-event interview, Pippa said she had been terrified when she arrived at the event and she couldn’t understand why she was still putting herself through such stresses. Reassuring to know that even the best have wobbles. Shining in the spotlight (again) For the seventh time in her showing career, Jayne Ross took the coveted Supreme Horse of the Year title at HOYS riding Jill Marden’s impeccable heavyweight hunter Twinshock Warrior. DOING GOOD WORK The…

Star prize Our star letter from Margaret sees her win a luxury candle from Albion England. This bergamot and amber scented candle smells divine and will lift your mood as well as leaving your home smelling amazing. Find out more at albionengland.co.uk. Star letter ‘Rugs are often used to make life easier for the owner — less mud!’ It was refreshing to read in your editorial (Your Horse 457) that the choices we make about how we keep our horses are often for our convenience and benefit rather than our horses’. I think rugs are overused and are often just to make life easier for the owner — less mud! I’ve been involved with horses for many years and it seems that the nearest we can get to a natural…

Double trouble This is my baby boy River at six weeks old. We cause mayhem every day! Chesca Potts, Hampshire Pucker up Me and my lovely pony Whisper, aged 21. Kate Pheasant, Birmingham Sunny days My girl Zena and I sporting our sunnies. Alice Campbell, Oxfordshire Unbreakable bond I’ve owned Tally-Ho since weaning. She’s now five years old and blossoming into my dream ridden pony. Emma Lawrie, Ayr Hair-raising This is what happens when I leave my husband in charge of the horses. Mel Murchison, Lincolnshire The Skye’s the limit Me and Skye. Sue Staszewski, Essex Lean on me This photo completely sums up my Andalusian Dakota and I. Jade Bianca Wilkinson, Lincolnshire Ginger ninja Jemima with her cheeky pony Amber. Joanna Hopkinson, Derbyshire Here come the girls This is…

IN THIS ISSUE we’ve teamed up with Uvex to offer one lucky reader an exclusive lesson with ever-popular international showjumper Jay Halim, plus other goodies too. Based in Burford, Oxfordshire, Jay is well known for his sociable and approachable take on the sport. He’s competed at some of the biggest shows in the world with great success. Designed to perfection, the Uvex Suxxeed Active Riding Helmet combines an elegant look with exceptional style. It’s available in black matt and navy matt. Whether schooling at home or riding in a competition, the Uvex Exxential Riding Helmet is made to perform. In-mould technology combines the highest protection while helping the helmet to remain super lightweight. Available in brown matt, black matt, blue matt and anthracite matt. When you’re not wearing it, slip…

Many horses are stabled for 18 hours a day or more, so ensure that your horse has plenty to do to occupy his time: ■ Pack a traffic cone with hay — leave some poking out of the top and hide treats inside. ■ Make root vegetable kebabs by threading them onto strong cord or rope. Hang them from the stable ceiling or tree branches in the field. ■ Part of a horse’s diet would naturally be bark and branches, so put horse-safe logs and suitable branches around the stable and field for your horse to browse on. Check that they aren’t poisonous first, though! ■ Make treat branches. Find a suitable branch and smear it with honey or low-sugar jam and stick vegetable treats or Polo mints onto it,…

A HORSE’S TEETH ARE very hardwearing, but chewing rough fibre for more than 18 hours a day can wear them down at a rate of approximately 2-3mm per year. To compensate for this wear, a horse’s teeth continue to erupt through the gums into the mouth over time until they reach an age when there is simply nothing left to erupt. When this occurs, a horse loses his teeth. In the wild, horses spend a large proportion of their time eating and this constant chewing action generally wears the teeth evenly, preventing the formation over time of sharp edges and spikes. However, as it is now more normal for us to stable our horses and feed them concentrates, their normal chewing activity is reduced. This can result in sharp edges…

“Different insurers provide a varied range of cover, so it’s important to understand the true value of your policy and not shop around based on price alone” Uninsurable body parts? Q The other day, I heard a friend at my yard say that her horse’s front legs “weren’t insurable any more”. What did she mean by this? Charlotte Preston, Truro Sarah says... Your friend will be referring to exclusions on her insurance policy. An exclusion is a policy provision that removes cover for a condition, group of conditions or an event that is usually covered under the policy, but isn’t for an individual horse. This means that if he has a previous injury or illness, you may no longer have cover for that problem. Some insurance companies may review exclusions…

Vital core conditioning Q Why is core strength so important for horses? Alison Miller, Skipton Lee says... Most horses would benefit from strengthening their core and abdominal musculature. These muscles are essential for maintaining the optimal shape and alignment of the vertebrae so, in the most basic terms, they help the horse to take the weight of the saddle and rider without forcing the spine into extension (dipping the back), which is one of the main causes of back pain and poor performance. Post-treatment soreness Q My horse seems stiff and sore after physio treatment. Is this normal? Nell Edwards, Hereford Lee says... In my experience, this isn’t a normal response and may be a sign of over-treatment or a treatment that wasn’t ideal for your horse. As with people,…