Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 469 i Your Horse

SINCE WE STARTED our Fit Not Fat series earlier this year, I’ve been following the advice to help my mare, Wish, shed a few pounds. The biggest change has been adding some variety to her work. She’s now hacking out regularly, and polework sessions are also a part of her weekly programme. The result is a much slimmer and titter Wish. Burghley 2019 winner Pippa Funnell also advises on variety in work to help with your horse’s fitness (and your own!), and you can read her tips on page 44. Do you sometimes feel as if your training is going round in circles (no pun intended) and not progressing as you would like? We’ve all been there, so our training section this month has pages and pages of inspiration to…

“Mothecombe Beach near Plymouth is fantastic, although make sure you check the tides – when the tide is in there’s no beach!” Elaine Nicholl “Kenfig National Nature Reserve/Sker Beach near Porthcawl in South Wales is lovely and you can have a nice canter. I also went to Pembrey Beach near Llanelli as part of an endurance fun ride. It was amazing, but you need a permit to go there during the rest of the year.” Melanie Derrick “Dunwich Beach in Suffolk is my recommendation. There’s free parking with toilets and a cafe, plus plenty of paths. My horse, Robbie, and I do local volunteering on horseback for Suffolk Police, so we do long, obscure routes, but this is by far our favourite. We go on a loop of about 10…

* At 13-15hh they are shorter than a typical draught horse, but are easily capable of pulling carts and caravans. * The breed is well known for its coloured coats, be that piebald, skewbald or blagdon, but the breed registry will accept horses no matter what their coat colour or pattern. * Owners often use mud knots and tail braids to help prevent breakage and to keep the long hair clean. * One of the best known foundation stallions of the breed in America was The Gypsy King, exported from England to the USA in 1998.…

Claps for clicker training Your Horse issue 467 received some great feedback on Facebook: So happy to see clicker training featured in your August issue. It’s a modern day training approach that features kindness, trust and science (learning theory) in training. Whether you want to problem solve a behaviour issue, teach a horse to cooperate with farrier work or vet care, or use it to train from the ground to under saddle, clicker training is amazing. My farrier loves that my horses will pick up their feet on a verbal cue and hand their feet to her. I’d love to see more articles that educate the horse community about clicker training. Susan Mitchell So happy to read about clicker training. It should be a regular in horsey magazines. Laura Grothier…

To enter, visit yourhorse.co.uk/horsehage469 * FIRST PRIZE: ■ A lesson with Emily King ■ 42 bales of High Fibre HorseHage THREE READERS WILL EACH WIN*: ■ 6 bales of High Fibre HorseHage FANCY BRUSHING UP on your eventing skills? Well, here’s the perfect competition for you. HorseHage is offering one lucky reader a lesson with its sponsored rider, Emily King. The lesson will be on your own horse and will take place at Emily’s yard in Flintshire. You’ll also receive a voucher for 42 bales of High Fibre HorseHage. Emily, daughter of eventing icon Mary King, has followed in her mother’s footsteps, forging a very successful career on the eventing circuit. She was a Junior European individual silver medallist in 2012, and represented GB at three consecutive Junior European Championships…

Riley, an 18-year-old Welsh section D, was treated for lameness related to bursal enlargements. He showed severe lameness during exercise and, on examination by Alistair Love from Cleveland Vets, the tendon sheath of Riley’s right hindleg was found to be enlarged and painful. A sample was taken of the swelling, which revealed blood-tinged fluid, indicating bleeding within the tendon sheath. His sheath was injected with local anaesthetic to see if this was the origin of the pain and Riley immediately came sound. After the source of the pain and lameness had been confirmed, the chestnut gelding was put under general anesthetic and tenoscopy was performed – the insertion of a camera into the tendon sheath to show the inside. This highlighted damage to the superficial digital flexor tendon, so damaged…

A scientific study into automatic drinkers suggests that intake is reduced if this is the only source of water the horse has access to. “The smaller bowls in particular caused problems,” says David. “They tended to be noisier and often the horse shied away from using them because their nose only just fitted, which was off-putting. The larger bowls fared better.” The best option is a simple bucket. Not only can your horse get his nose in fully, buckets can be cleaned easily and you’re able to more closely monitor his drinking activity, which you can’t with an automatic system. “If you’re using an automatic bowl and become concerned that your horse is dehydrated, offer him buckets as well,’’ urges David. “Some horses, such as those who are older or…

Bailey, an eight-year-old Irish Sport Horse, had been having nosebleeds for a couple of days. As far as his owner knew, the gelding hadn’t suffered a knock or trauma of any kind and otherwise he seemed well. There had been no changes to Bailey’s management regime before the nosebleeds occurred. A initial physical examination by a veterinary surgeon revealed a small amount of dried blood on the skin of each of Bailey’s nostrils. Blood samples were taken and endoscopy and radiological examinations were subsequently performed. Endoscopy showed both nasal cavities, the sinus drainage angle (where the sinuses drain into the nasal cavity), the nasopharynx, the guttural pouches, larynx, trachea and mainstem bronchi. No abnormalities or haemorrhage were detected. Bailey’s head and sinus radiology were also unremarkable, but his bloods revealed…

* Buy a print copy If you’re out doing the weekly shop you can slip the latest issue into your trolley. Your Horse magazine is stocked in many supermarkets and independent newsagents. * Order a single print issue Head over to shop.kelsey.co.uk/YHR to buy the latest issue of the magazine, or a back issue. Delivery is free. * Subscribe Save money and never miss an issue. For all our latest offers visit shop.kelsey.co.uk/subscription/YHR. * Download a digital issue Get the Your Horse magazine app from Apple, Google Play or Kindle stores.…

To vet or not to vet… Q Is it unwise not to have a horse vetted, even if he’s a fairly inexpensive purchase? Would the result affect my insurance policy? Cara Thomas, Pembrokeshire Shirley says… I would always recommend having a horse vetted before you buy him; however, it’s not as straightforward as a simple pass or fail. If a horse fails a vetting, it doesn’t mean that you can’t still buy him. Likewise, even if a horse passes, the vetting process may draw your attention to factors that may make you reconsider the purchase. I always tell clients to view the process as a way of gaining as much information about the horse as possible before they buy. Any horse is a risk from a veterinary point of view –…

Be still Q My horse will rarely stand still in halt. How can I teach him to do this? Vicki Lord, Hertfordshire Karin says… To achieve a calm, still, correct halt in the saddle, you need to: 1 Adopt the right position ■ Stay on the vertical (shoulders, hips and ankle bones in alignment) with your seat bones connected to the saddle, pointing straight down. ■ Keep your lower legs and heels discreetly away from your horse’s sides as these are your ‘go’ aids. ■ Have your torso solid enough that if your horse pulls on the reins you don’t tip forwards. 2 Move ‘into’ the halt ■ Keep both thighs snug on the saddle, reducing then stopping your seat bones’ movement. ■ Keep your body vertical and stop allowing…

EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS The Yard Essentials Collection from Equine Products is an affordable range of everyday items, with everything from haynets to headcollars. You’ll find all your essentials here, including this Himalayan salt lick that provides a balanced intake of sodium, iron, potassium and magnesium for your horse. RRP £5 (salt lick) BUY AT equineproducts-ukltd.com COMFORT AND BEAUTY Passier’s Neptune Snaffle Bridle looks smart and elegant and has a number of features designed to enhance your horse’s comfort. It has an anatomically shaped and padded headpiece and an anatomically shaped cavesson with patent leather trim. The wave browband with the dark shine of Swarovski elements in graphite adds a touch of class and glamour. RRP £196.49 FOR STOCKISTS passier.com A SHOW OF SOLIDARITY The ‘Equitation Nation’ Fjord Tank from Honest Riders…

STÜBBEN EQUI-SOFT GIRTH RRP from £249 COLOURS Black, ebony, tobacco SIZES 40cm – 150cm BUY AT stuebben.co.uk A modern-looking girth designed to follow the contours of your horse’s body to eliminate the problem of pinching. The elastic rings in the middle of the girth distribute pressure evenly across your horse and allow him to expand and contract his ribcage without restriction. The girth cover can be changed and is available in neoprene, lambskin or leather. KM ELITE MEMORY FOAM GIRTH RRP £49.99 COLOURS Black, brown SIZES 20in – 32in (dressage), 42in – 58in (GP) BUY AT kmeliteproducts.co.uk This synthetic girth has an outer layer of Coolmax material for breathability. The underlayer of memory foam moulds to your horse to offer a comfortable material next to his skin. Roller buckles make…

Features editor Stephanie Anthony: Pack your bucket, spade and your equine friend and head to the beach. We list the best horse-friendly beaches in the UK for sea, sand and fun in the sun. Page 10 Freelance features writer Julie Brown: Writing a feature about bullying was a first for me and it left me both enlightened and saddened. It seems there’s much work to do around this issue in the equine world, and the first step is to talk about it – so we have. Page 24 Olympic event rider Andrew Hoy: It can be all too easy to over-complicate jumping your horse, but you can simplify it by considering three factors. I reveal what these are and suggest exercises to try with your own horse. Page 34 Scientist Dr…

Jenny was advertised for sale as a fully shod ride and drive pony – at only two years old. It was obvious from her photo that she was living in squalid conditions and suffering from neglect. When Roleystone Horse Sanctuary tracked her down Jenny was in a very bad way, with cuts and scrapes all over her body and deep whip marks on her back. She was also struggling with her balance and her neck was bent to one side. She flinched if anybody went near her. It’s likely that Jenny had been forced to pull a cart by being whipped. On arrival at the charity she had to go on box rest for two months because her balance was so poor. “The process of getting Jenny to trust humans…

■ Check that the beach you have in mind is open to equestrians. ■ Ensure there’s a car park close by that will accommodate the height of your horsebox/trailer. ■ Look at tide times before planning your trip (go to tidetimes.co.uk). ■ Double check when/where horses are allowed on the beach. ■ Respect beach wildlife and avoid disturbing birds, particularly in sand dunes. ■ Do a recce to check that your proposed path is clear and safe. Potential dangers to look out for include rocks, holes, sea life and ocean shelves. ■ Don’t ride in the water if you can’t see the sandy bottom. ■ Look out for fun rides with beach locations – you can often cross areas you’re not normally allowed to, plus a clear, safe path will…

WHEN HE WAS 15 years old, Abdulkareem (‘Abdul’) Musa Adam climbed into the small dark space above a lorry’s wheel arch. He was wearing thick gloves and a green padded jacket, gifts from Walid, an elderly Tunisian man who had brought the teenager to this French industrial estate where lengthy lorries were lined up for long-distance travel. In order to fit into the cramped cubbyhole of the artic that boasted an English numberplate, Abdul had folded his body, and clung on to a piece of metal with those gloved hands. He remained like this for the next 15 hours, long enough for night to turn to day and back to night again as mile after mile of tarmac whooshed past in dangerously close proximity to his fragile form. “Just trust…

“I worked through lockdown, but most of the other liveries didn’t and would be there during the day drinking wine and watching others ride,” says Elle. “They started saying I was a bad rider, but jokily so that I didn’t really take any notice. Then one day I was asked to take a slo-mo video of one of the young girls jumping. I pressed the wrong button and didn’t catch it – which, unbelievably, is what started all the trouble. “It was just words at first – I was too fat for my horses, my horses should be shot – they would literally screech at me. Then my kit started to go missing and I’d find it hidden in the muck heap. I felt my safe place had been taken…

There are lots of ways to feel more secure when out hacking, from wearing the appropriate safety gear and hi-vis, to newer technology like tracking apps. However, a very simple way to give yourself peace of mind if you do get separated from your horse is to use ID tags. Not only will these provide essential contact details and information, they’re also a deterrent for tack theft. Here’s what our Facebook followers say about using these handy accessories… MAGIC NUMBER I bought a set of three – they’re fab. I have one on my saddle, one on my bridle and one for me. It’s got my horse’s name, my phone number, my mum’s number and my vet’s. Kate Webb A BRIGHT IDEA I have engraved discs on my saddle, but…

* Remember to keep things simple. The key things to focus on are rhythm, balance and the correct take-off point. * Adjusting your position so that it’s a little more forward will help both of you to stay in balance. Riding and standing in your stirrups is a great exercise to improve your balance. * Alter where you jump the fence rather than changing the rhythm. This will help to save valuable energy for the rest of the course. * Give your horse direction and don’t expect him to guess where he’s going next. Look up and ahead to the next fence.…

There are situations where your horse may drink more than he needs. This is called polydipsia. He may simply be bored, or it could be an issue with his kidneys; in an older horse it may signal Cushing’s disease. “If your horse starts to drink more than normal and you haven’t changed his diet to something with more salt, always seek advice,” says David. “Some horses will munch straight through a salt block, too, which will cause an intense thirst, so watch for that.”…

MEET THE EXPERT SUE TAYLOR runs mixed animal veterinary hospital Connaught House in Wolverhampton. She’s also a racecourse vet at Wolverhampton, Uttoxeter, Haydock and Aintree, and an examiner for the Worshipful Company of Farriers. In her spare time Sue trains point-to-pointers and hunter chasers. Visit connaughtvets.co.uk. IF YOUR HORSE is lame, intermittently at first, but with the lameness gradually becoming more persistent and severe, he could be suffering from a keratoma. This is a rare but benign tumour of the horn-producing epidermal hoof wall cells that form inside the foot. A keratoma is generally seen in the toe or toe quarter. Any hoof can be affected and the tumour usually starts close to the coronary band, with the dividing horn cells gradually forming a cone of horn tissue that grows…

Toe trouble Q What is seedy toe and how should it be treated? Danni Barker, Wiltshire Glyn says… Seedy toe is white line disease in the toe area of the hoof. It is a fungal/ bacterial issue. It generally starts in the white line on the ground surface of the hoof and causes separation within the hoof wall. In serious cases, it can involve the laminae, causing pain and lameness. It is identified as a chalky, crumbly area, and it may create a cavity, yet it often looks worse than it is. Treatment The best form or treatment is a joint effort between owner and farrier. The owner should provide the horse with a clean, dry bed, not turn him out on wet ground, keep the hoof as clean and…

The owner: Janine Charlton The horse: Minuet, a five-year-old Belgian Warmblood The problem: Minuet is a good doer, but he needs extra vitamins Janine and Minuet have a busy summer of novice dressage planned. The five-year-old is a good doer and is kept on restricted summer grazing 24/7, but as a youngster who still has some growing to do, Janine wants to make sure Minuet has a well-balanced diet and she’s worried that grass alone probably isn’t giving him all that he needs. The conundrum is that Minuet doesn’t need any extra calories because he’s already battling with his waistline! Clare says: Janine is right to be concerned about Minuet’s diet, especially given that he is on restricted summer grazing. He would benefit from a daily balancer: this will supply…

MUST-HAVE MASK An equestrian print and a comfortable fit – what more could you ask for? The mizgeorge mask is available in four sizes and a huge range of fabric designs, including this smart and colourful horseshoe pattern. RRP £14, etsy.com GIN O’CLOCK Presented in a stylish box, this beautiful Animo Glass Galloping Horse Gin Balloon Glass would make a wonderful gift for a horse lover – and gin lover! RRP £19.99, countryandhome.co.uk GIVE IT SOME WELLY Handmade in the UK by The Orchard, this solid steel horse boot rack makes a delightful addition to any tackroom. Holds two pairs of boots or wellies. RRP £55.20, notonthehighstreet.com…

BREAN BEACH Somerset Parking: Small lorries and trailers can park on the beach. Access: Seven miles of space to gallop to your heart’s content. CAMBER SANDS East Sussex Parking: Camber Central car park, although note that on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings the gates are locked at 8pm and don’t open again until 8.30am. During the winter season the gates aren’t locked. Access: Riding is permitted at low tide only. Summer season is restricted to weekdays; early mornings (before 8.30am) and evenings (after 7pm). Winter weekends can still be busy, so visiting is recommended early morning/evening. FORMBY BEACH Lancashire Parking: Lifeboat Road car park. Access: Bridlepath through woodlands and access to beach via Lifeboat Road path. Great for a gentle beach ride. HOLKHAM BAY Norfolk Parking: There is dedicated parking…

THE GYPSY VANNER could have come straight from a L’Oréal advert with its beautiful long, flowing mane and tail just made for swishing. Traditionally they were bred by Irish and English traveller communities to pull their ornate wagons (or ‘vans’, hence the name), so they needed to be strong, but also good-natured around the families they lived in close quarters with. A vanner was generally a small, sturdy horse capable of pulling a light trade vehicle. They would be lighter of frame, quicker and probably smaller than the draught animals used on the farm, but not as tall or refined as carriage horses. Shires and Clydesdales are credited with giving the breed its height, robust physique and colouring. Although the breed has a history dating back centuries, it existed in…

After being made redundant from her pet shop role, Kent-based Louise Foster now works as a customer service assistant for Wickes. She has two horses, Shiloh and Lady, and volunteers with the RNLI. My job… I work as a customer service assistant for Wickes in Sittingbourne, Kent. My main duties include organising stock, picking click and collect orders and, most importantly, helping customers with queries and offering assistance with their purchases. I’m contracted for 21 hours a week, but I’m there for anything between three to five days, depending on when overtime is available. I started the role in May after being let go from my previous full-time job as a pet and aquatics assistant at Submarine Aquatics at Johnsons Garden Centre due to not being eligible for furlough. I…

‘Alun has lost 30kg in just under four weeks’ I just wanted to write in to share what has happened and how amazingly lucky we are. I am so, so proud of my Black Forest Shire horse, Alun. He was diagnosed with spasmodic colic and possibly a displaced colon – I was told by the referral vet that it would be 50/50 for surgery. But with Alun weighing 780kg at the time, they said both the operation and the aftermath could be catastrophic. I was advised to consider euthanasia. It was so out of the blue and I was absolutely devastated. With the side effects explained to me, I knew that surgery wouldn’t be an option and I was forced to come to terms with the very real possibility that…

Hola mi amiga! Bro, my very silly Spanish boy. Stephanie Davies, Nottinghamshire Literary inspiration Pepper and I are trying to recreate pictures from The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse This is ‘Life is difficult – but you are loved’. Emily Barrington, Buckinghamshire Just chillin’ Hero and I taking some time out after an intensive lesson. Michaela Sheedy, Leicestershire Slip of the tongue My best mate Zippy being daft as usual. Kirsty Jenkins, Gloucestershire Friends electric This is Lightning, 26 years young. Julie Rockley, Nottingham Nice weather for ducks Feeding time in the pouring rain – Diva, Jess and May all happily tuck in regardless, while I’m getting soaked to the skin. Mike Mills, Mid-West Wales Say cheese Henry and I need more practice at selfies. Jane Milton,…

Pippa is very keen to focus on rider fitness, as well as horse fitness. “I’d say that 95% of a horse’s problems stem from the rider on top,” she says. “It’s the rider’s job to always think about improving themselves. It’s about your own fitness, too.” Pippa does a series of exercises before she comes out on the yard, stretching and warming up before riding all day. As well as building up core strength through practising Pilates and yoga, aerobic work like cycling and running is also beneficial. And, of course, riding. “I spend about seven hours every day in the saddle. I’m also hands-on on the yard, carrying heavy buckets and things – that’s my weight-lifting!” laughs Pippa.…

Kipper, a 19-year-old Arab gelding, was examined by vets when he showed lameness in his off fore. At first an abscess was suspected, but the relevant treatment proved unsuccessful and the abscess returned. X-rays of the foot were then taken and showed the classic signs of a keratoma – a thumb-shaped indent in the white line. As the keratoma was relatively narrow, a dremel tool (a precision cutter with a spinning ball) was used under local anaesthetic to cut out the keratoma. Once it had been removed, the wound was packed with an iodine-soaked gauze and bandaged. Kipper was placed on box rest for two weeks and given gentle in-hand exercise. He was kept shod throughout to help support the hoof while it grew back. After about two months, the…

Getting his feet off the ground Q I’d like to start teaching my youngster to jump. What’s the best way to begin? He’s been ridden on the flat for about a year now and has seen poles in the school, but nothing more. Sam Melton, Cumbria Victoria says… If he’s confident with trotting poles, you can now set out three poles on the ground, spaced 5ft apart, with a little cross-pole fence 9ft from the last trotting pole. Make the cross-pole your canter transition; the trotting poles beforehand will help your horse to know where to take off and will lead him in to the fence. Now add another cross-pole three canter strides after the first. He can make the transition over the first cross-pole, and then canter in balance…

Riding without stirrups Q What are the benefits of working without stirrups in the school? What kind of exercises would you suggest doing without stirrups? Alyson Bowker, Clackmannanshire Karin says… Generally I’m not a huge fan of doing lots of work without stirrups as it’s not always great for your horse’s back - especially in trot. However, there are certain benefits at the appropriate times: 1 lt’s good to have the confidence that you’re able to stick in the saddle without being dependent on your stirrups. 2 It’s a way to learn how to keep your feet light, as there are no stirrups to push into. 3 It can encourage riders to drop their pelvic floor by releasing the tension in that area. This allows you to have a better…

For a chance to get your hands on these goodies*, enter at yourhorse.co.uk/469 12 2KG TUBS OF TURMERAID TurmerAid, from The Golden Paste Company, is a natural turmeric supplement for horses that supports healthy joints, aids digestion and promotes a healthy skin and coat. The only pelleted turmeric supplement on the market, TurmerAid is carefully formulated with key ingredients for maximum absorption and bio-availability. The complete turmeric pellet contains a minimum 5.1% curcumin, yucca, black pepper, linseed and apple cider vinegar. The yucca is added to aid digestion and have positive effects on the microflora that occur naturally in the horse’s gut. Find out more at goldenpastecompany.co.uk 18 BAGS OF ROWEN BARBARY CONDITION & PERFORMANCE Eighteen lucky readers will each win a bag of Rowen Barbary Condition & Performance. This is…

DUBLIN SOCKS RRP £14.99 (three pack) COLOURS Navy/sky, black/ purple/grey, navy/red/white BUY AT dublinclothing.co.uk This three-pair pack of knee-length socks made from soft, comfortable cotton is an essential for your riding wardrobe. The socks are available in a range of great colours and prints that will coordinate well with the rest of your riding kit. LEMIEUX FOOTSIE SOCK RRP £8.95 DESIGNS Unicorns, bumblebees, peacocks, dachshunds, llamas, macaroons, doughnuts FOR STOCKISTS lemieuxproducts.com These fun socks not only look great but are super-comfy too. The padded sole provides a soft cushion, while the elasticated sections around the foot offer stability and support. There’s extra padded protection around the ankle, and the moisture- wicking yarn will keep your feet dry. The ultra-thin calf gives a close feel without any bulk. WOOF WEAR COMPETITION…

1 When fastened your girth should sit approximately one hand’s width behind your horse’s elbow. 2 If you’re using a shaped girth, the narrowest point should be in line with your horse’s elbow so he can move his elbow forward and back without restriction. 3 Ensure the buckles are well away from your horse’s elbows or you risk bruising. 4 Fasten your girth to the same number hole on each side so that it sits centrally and stable on your horse. Changing girths Changing your long girth for a short one, or vice versa, and not sure what size you need? Simply add or subtract 20 inches. For example, if your long girth is 48 inches, try a 28-inch short girth.…

New series ALSO IN THIS ISSUE * A walk on the wild side Confidently deal with animals you might meet out hacking * Master sitting trot with our easy to follow sequence of steps * Not ready for horse ownership? Loaning or sharing could be the answer * Bend & flexion Discover the difference between these two commonly used terms * The heart How this organ works and common problems * All you need to know about sugar in your horse’s diet * Buyer’s guide to clippers Advice on buying a smart new set ready for the season ahead…