Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 470 i Your Horse

BEING A HORSE-MAD teenager but not having horsey parents there were constant conversations about whether I could have my own pony. Eventually, after much discussion, I was lucky enough to share my first pony, Ginny. This arrangement worked perfectly for both me and my sharer, and it was a very sad day when Ginny was sold a couple of years down the line as I had outgrown her and my sharer’s daughter was keen on having her own pony. Sharing showed me just what a huge responsibility it is to have a horse. If you’re not sure whether you’re ready for full-time ownership, loaning or sharing could be the answer - see page 22. One of the best things about hacking out in the countryside is the wildlife you can…

The British-bred Super Nova II, a horse with an excitable outlook on life, came up for sale in 2010. Spencer had seen the dark bay gelding being ridden in a demo at Badminton Horse Trials by Carl Hester. “I first spotted them on the big screen and I thought, ‘what an incredible horse’. A month or so later, Carl rang to say that he thought the horse would suit me. I could feel my heart racing as I pulled into a layby to phone Jen [Goodman of Goodman Equine Ltd]. That was the first time I had ever asked anyone to buy me a horse. I said to Jen, ‘I’ve just heard about a horse who may be on the market’, and I told her to google him. Once she’d…

A helping hand Following the death of my 27-year-old horse in February 2018, I bought Kevin, an eight-year-old cob. I kept him on a small livery yard but found Kevin a very different ride to my old cob. To cut a long story short, arthritis and confidence issues led to my riding being minimal. While I lunged and did groundwork, a combination of lack of exercise and too much grass led to Kevin becoming very overweight and by August 2019 I was getting increasingly worried about him. The yard where I was based was unable to offer exercise, so I decided to move yards to Bogs Hall Livery and Training Centre. Kevin was put on a weight management programme and over the last year he’s lost 176kg. The yard owners…

MEET THE EXPERT SAMTURNER has successfully competed at grand prix level dressage with her traditional cob Billy Whizz. Based in Worcestershire Sam offers freelance training to riders of all levels. She has a particular interest in biomechanics and qualified as a Ride with your Mind (RWYM) trainer in 2019. HEAR THE WORDS ‘In sitting trot…’ from your trainer and many riders will cringe at the very thought. It’s just one of those skills that many of us find difficult to master and you’re not alone if you find it tricky. You watch top riders competing and they make it look so effortless and harmonious, yet when you give it a go it’s hard work and not at all elegant as you struggle to keep your bum in contact with the…

MEET THE TRAINER Rutland-based VICTORIA JONES runs Team Jones Equestrian with eventer husband Richard – see teamjonesequestrian.com. They’re supported by sponsors Dodson and Horrell, Deanne Ward Photography, Eco Voltz Electric Bikes, Sedelogic UK and Stierna Equestrian Sportswear. MEET THE RIDER BEN PARRY has owned 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood Karla for three years. The pair event at intermediate level and hope to progress to advanced next season. “Often training problems stem from a balance issue, so you need to take the pressure off and allow your horse to relax” WE’VE ALL COME across them: those horses who possess bags of potential but struggle with the concept of calm, rational thought when asked to learn something new. We think we’re asking, quite reasonably, for a few steps of inside flexion or leg-yield, but…

MEET THE EXPERT LUCY GRIEVE MA VetMB MRCVS is an ambulatory vet at Rossdales in Newmarket. She works with all types of horses, from happy hackers to elite sports horses and racehorses. Her main areas of interest are lameness, diagnostic imaging and poor performance, and she is passionate about horse welfare. Lucy is currently president elect of the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA). Fit not Fat All animals require fuel in the form of glucose so that their body’s cells can work. Various ways of acquiring this energy source have evolved, largely dictated by the food sources available in the animal’s environment. An important source of glucose for horses are the carbohydrates that they have adapted to eat, including naturally derived fibre, sugars and starches. Sugars and starches are known…

Winter weight worries Q My 17-year-old Thoroughbred has always been a poor doer in winter and I battle with his weight every October to February. I’m concerned that this will only worsen as he gets older. What can I do to ensure he keeps a healthy weight in winter as a veteran TB? Sam Millington, Cheshire Stephanie says… Most horses maintain their weight well over the spring and summer months when grazing is plentiful and of good quality. Come the autumn and into winter, though, many appear to lose weight and we typically class them as poor doers. For many of these horses, their weight loss is likely due to the lack of available forage and a reduction in the quality of forage they receive when we are relying much more…

To rug or not to rug… Q I am dreading the seasonal battle about what rug, if any, to use. Please could you provide a definitive guide to what we should be doing, to help everyone stop over/under-rugging. Kathie Jameson, Wiltshire Clare says… All horses are unique so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to prevent over-rugging. Over-rugging poses the biggest issue during the transitional seasons - late summer to autumn, and late winter to early spring. During these periods, temperatures can fluctuate wildly, dropping overnight and increasing in the middle of the day. As winter sets in, over-rugging becomes less of a concern as temperatures become more consistent. Weather: On average, horses with a natural (unclipped) coat have a thermoneutral zone of between 5°C and 25°C, meaning that the horse can…

For a chance to get your hands on these goodies*, enter at yourhorse.co.uk/470 1 STIERNA STORM RAIN COAT You’ll be ready for whatever the winter throws at you with the Storm Rain Coat from Stierna. This practical and stylish long coat will protect you from snow, rain and wind, while releasing excess heat and moisture from your body, so you stay at a comfortable temperature. The EquTex outer material is waterproof, windproof, and breathable, too. It also has stretch to it, so the coat moves with you, making it comfortable to wear all year round. There are lots of other great features that make this coat the practical choice when the weather’s bad, including a detachable hood, high collar, pre-shaped sleeves for greater mobility, and a zippered slit at back…

MOUNTAIN HORSE MINOUE HYBRID VEST RRP £65 COLOURS Dark navy, sugar pink SIZES XS — XXL FOR STOCKISTS mountainhorse.co.uk The Minoue Vest offers functionality and a great look in one. The insulated quilted material is water repellent and windproof, while elastic tech fleece at the sides allows you to move freely and keeps you comfortable in the saddle. DUBLIN NINA PUFFER VEST RRP £54.99 COLOURS Charisma, navy SIZES XS — XXL FOR STOCKISTS dublinclothing.co.uk A practical addition to your wardrobe for both casual wear and riding through the colder winter months. A nylon shell with full front centre zip, two zip front pockets and two back zip vents make this gilet ideal for riding. It also features a detachable hood. AUBRION EALING SOFTSHELL GILET RRP £59.99 COLOURS Navy, olive SIZES…

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE * Gridwork to improve his flatwork and jumping * Work the walk Exercises to enhance your horse’s way of going * Yard security and microchipping All you need to know to keep your horse and your kit secure * No more coughs How to support your horse’s respiratory system so he stays in the best of health * Keep him moving The importance of movement to boost fitness and keep your horse slim * 20-page RUG GUIDE All of the latest turnout and stable rugs for autumn/winter 2020 PLUS Fitting advice * shoulder savers * Hoods * and lots more……

Features editor Stephanie Anthony: It often amazes me how readers combine such busy careers with keeping horses. Our work-horse feature is always a fascinating insight and this issue is no exception. Page 20 Freelance features writer Julie Brown: Gridwork has so many benefits and not just for your horse — it can help you too. Trainer and former top eventer John Thelwall gets you started and shows you how to use gridwork to boost your horse’s confidence. Page 48 Olympic dressage rider Spencer Wilton: It can be easy to confuse bend and flexion, but they are quite different things. I help you to understand the difference between the two and why you need to perfect them. Page 34 Mary Frances, chief executive of Moorcroft Equine Rehabilitation Centre: Keeping a horse…

Rescued back in 2016 with two other horses from a site in south Norfolk, the lovely Cookie was severely emaciated when she was taken in by the team at Redwings Horse Sanctuary. Sadly she was the only survivor from the rescue as the other mares had severe damage to their digestive systems due to heavy worm burdens and irreparable liver damage. But, what a difference four years makes… just look at Cookie now! Rehomed last year to Angela, her new Redwings Guardian, as an unbacked ‘project’, Cookie is now well on the way to a wonderful life as a much-loved riding pony. Today Angela and Cookie even volunteer for Suffolk Police as they go about their hacking routes and the pair recently won their first dressage test too. “She was…

When it comes to passing livestock, the British Horse Society (BHS) advises equestrians to follow these important guidelines: 1 Walk quietly through the field, keeping to the track or bridleway. 2 Don’t ride through any field containing livestock with a dog. 3 Avoid coming between mothers and their young. If your actions may separate them, stop until they are together and then continue slowly. 4 If stock are following you closely, turn your horse to face them - they are more likely to retreat. Shout or move towards them if necessary. You may need to do this repeatedly while crossing the field. Keep calm at all times. 5 Ensure that the livestock know you’re there. Stop until they become aware of you, especially if they have young. 6 When riding…

THE HAFLINGER Is named after the Tyrolean village of Hafling, once part of Austria, but today within northern Italy. The breed is believed to have been developed during the late 19th century. All Haflingers are descended from the stallion Folie 249, who was born in 1874, a cross between a Tyrolean mountain mare and an Arab stallion. There is a common misconception that the Tyrolean mountain horse was a heavy draught or pack animal, but it was more of a warmblood, distinct from the commonly seen Noriker horses of the area. Today, all purebred Haflingers can trace their ancestry back to Folie through at least one of seven stallion lines. Historically, these horses lived alongside mountain farmers in the Alps, where heavier types weren’t agile enough to work. The more…

Caroline Burrow is a busy business studies teacher who juggles two children with five horses who she keeps on her own yard 10 miles from her home. She also contests affiliated dressage competitions. Work life… From September I’ll be working full time at a school in Farnham, Surrey, teaching business studies to 14-19-year-olds (year 10 to sixth form). Prior to this, I taught at a school in Guildford. After having my daughter, Molly, I decided to get a teaching job to fit in with her holidays. I worked as a teaching assistant for a year before studying for my PGCE. After a year of full-time study I qualified as a teacher. Before having children, I had a business background: I worked in retail, sales and recruitment. My horses… I have…

Showing him the ropes Police horse Pollard showing the old police station to new recruit police horse Buddy in Snow Hill, London, while on tasking patrols. @CityHorses, Twitter Spa day At The Horse Trust we treat our retirees to only the most exclusive of spa treatments. Here you can see Caton trying out a mud bath, much to the amusement of his grooms. He’ll be wanting a massage next! thehorsetrust, Instagram Walkies! My boy loves going for walks. It’s a great confidence builder for us both and we get to see so much. Oh, and sometimes this middle-aged lady gets her feet wet! Clare Crain, Facebook Just a few of the ways horses wear their fly masks Bramble thinks he’s a unicorn. Paula Hallin, Facebook No comment! Victoria Sophie Turner,…

MEET THE EXPERT Dressage star SPENCER WILTON is a popular face on the scene, adored by his many fans. The former eventer was part of the silver medal-winning team at the Rio Olympics riding Super Nova II, and also a team bronze medallist at the 2018 WEG. His sights are firmly set on Tokyo 2021. For more information, visit spencerwiltondressage.co.uk. IT CAN BE easy to overlook the importance of bending and flexion — it’s just something you do, right? But this isn’t strictly true. Yes, you’ll be riding both of these movements over and over every time you ride, but the key is to make sure they are executed with precision. If not, it will be difficult to progress your horse’s training, and it can cause issues with his physical development…

MEET THE EXPERT Having competed at the pinnacle of eventing, JOHN THELWALL now trains riders of all levels. His patient approach is backed up by an enormous amount of skill and knowledge, resulting in him being able to get the best from any horse and rider combination while increasing their confidence too. IT’S EASY TO think that to jump successfully it’s essential to train regularly over a course of showjumps or on a cross-country course. This is true to some extent - horses need to know how to tackle a full course and deal with everything that throws up. However, when it comes to teaching your horse the technicalities of jumping, nothing beats gridwork. It builds trust in your partnership and develops control, and these two things combined mean that…

To enter, visit yourhorse.co.uk/uvex470 * FIRST PRIZE*: SECOND PRIZE: THIRD PRIZE: AUVEX RIDING HELMET is the perfect headgear for hacking, dressage and showjumping. The Uvex riding helmet collection guarantees the perfect combination of style, safety and ventilation. With high-quality materials, appealing designs, excellent fit and ultimate comfort, all Uvex riding helmets feature soft, washable pads that ensure optimal size adjustment and superior comfort at all times. The Uvex Suxxeed Active riding helmet combines an elegant look with exceptional strength, excellent ventilation and comfort. The Uvex Exxential II riding helmet ensures a high level of safety while also being light in weight. This all-rounder offers first-class ventilation and a great fit. To perfectly complement the range…

MEET THE EXPERT After spending five years in practice near Newmarket, LIS WATSON MRCVS joined Clevedale Vets in May 2014. Lis enjoys a variety of equine practice, but is particularly interested in all aspects of internal medicine and anaesthesia. She holds an RCVS Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice in equine internal medicine. THE HEART IS the body’s pump a muscle that contracts in a coordinated way to ensure that blood circulates continuously around the body. Continuous circulation allows oxygen and nutrients to be delivered to cells and also enables waste products, including carbon dioxide, to be removed. Circulation can be divided into two separate parts: Pulmonarycirculationpushestheblood through the lungs, allowing oxygen to be picked up by the red blood cells and carbon dioxide to be expelled. Systemiccirculationdeliversbloodto the entire body…

Troll bridge Q There’s a wooden bridge over a stream in quite dense woodland, which I have to cross to access more bridle paths. I worry that my new horse will find this spooky. How do I introduce him to the bridge and make a successful crossing? Karen Dean, Teesdale Evie says… Work on this at the yard first to see what your horse makes of different colours and textures on the ground. I use a roll-up wooden bridge made from rustic decking boards, plus a thick blue tarpaulin and some black rubber mats. Old stable mats in the arena are ideal to start with. Begin on foot, wearing your riding hat and gloves, and with your horse in a headcollar. Step 1: Initially just walk around the ‘bridge’ on both…

Good rug care Q What are your top tips for keeping turnout rugs in good order to reduce the risk of them rubbing, damaging manes and so on? Mariella Simpson, Cambridgeshire Clare says… One of the best things owners can do in order to maintain both their turnout rug and their horse’s coat and mane in good condition is to regularly remove rugs and practise good grooming. Ensure that the inside of the rug and hood are kept clean. Wipe down the lining frequently, using warm water and a cleaning concentrate to remove grease and particle build-up. Once the linings of both hood and rug are dirt free, spray show shine on these areas. This creates a glossy film on the surface that helps to repel dirt and allows the lining…

A GOOD BASE The Georgian Dollar Base Layer has a close fit and is made from a technical fabric that both regulates body temperature and wicks away moisture to keep you cool in the summer and warmer in the winter. It has a high collar design and the white side panels give it a flattering finish. RRP £38 BUY AT georgiandollar.co.uk A HEALING BOOST Zarasyl Equine barrier cream was developed in conjunction with scientists and vets. It contains a proprietary amorphous silica, which has been shown to support healthy connective tissue growth. Perfect for managing sore or irritated skin and helping to support wound healing, the cream adheres to your horse’s skin and provides an effective and soothing barrier while healing takes place. RRP £29.16 for 200ml BUY AT equineproducts-ukltd.com…

DRINK UP We love this horsey water bottle from Paper & Ink, which can be personalised with your name or a friend’s. The 500ml insulated bottle keeps drinks hot or cold. RRP £13.99 etsy.com/uk SHINE A LIGHT Give your bedroom a flicker of light with this stylish candle from X Dressage. The 9oz scented candle comes in a horse design jar. RRP £15.91 etsy.com/uk MAD HATTERS “If you can read this put me back on the horse” says this fun bobble hat from SaveThePeople. In 100% soft-touch acrylic, it’s available in six colours. RRP £14.95 amazon.co.uk…

Horses are likely to be seen as low risk to most wildlife, which is why you can get a lot closer in the saddle than you would on foot. It’s only when you get very close that the animal realises there’s a human there too. This can lead to complications as deer and pheasants will often spook right next to your horse, startling him in the process. Making a noise as you ride will tend to spook any local wildlife and so they’ll avoid you. Some people put bells on their saddle, advertising to any wild animals that they’re there. Rhythm beads are also good for this and challenger Nicki Masterson made her own set for her mare, Daisy. “They jingle and have pre-warned many a waiting pheasant or deer,”…

WEIGHT SHIFTER I clip Rocky as his coat just gets a bit much for the work he does. I find I start with an Irish/low trace-style mid to late-September and then step it up to a trace if need be. He’s a New Forest, so copes well rugless and clipped to start with — this also helps to get rid of any unwanted summer weight we’ve struggled to shift. I only bought my TB ex-racehorse in March, and although he came to me clipped I’m yet to see when I may need to clip him. I’ll start as I do with Rocky and only take off more if he needs it. Emma Faulkner MY OWN TEDDY BEAR I used to have a Fell x Dales pony and I never clipped…

MEET THE EXPERT MELISSA CHAPMAN’S teenage passion was eventing, but she made the switch to dressage in 2009. She runs Team Chapman Equestrian near Richmond, North Yorkshire, and offers livery and training to horses and riders of all levels and disciplines. Find out more at teamchapmanequestrian.com. WHAT ARE THE SCALES OF TRAINING? These six building blocks form a guideline for trainers, riders and judges alike. It’s important to achieve each stage before moving on to the next, although they shouldn’t be treated as a checklist - the lower rungs should be revisited throughout your horse’s training. By mastering each level you will dramatically improve your horse’s performance. Find out more about the Scales of Training in our series introduction in issue 465. DID YOU KNOW that, just like us, horses…

MEET THE EXPERT LEVI william hunt is an international grand prix dressage rider based in i’ Herefordshire. Alongside competing and producing a variety of young horses, Levi is a UKCC level 3 trainer and hosts clinics, camps and demonstrations around the UK. WHETHER YOU COMPETE in dressage or jumping, or hack and school for pleasure, having your horse feel equal down both reins and around both legs is paramount to the outcome of each ride and, ultimately, your horse’s physical wellbeing. If your horse falls in or out through the shoulder on a circle or in corners, drifts to one side when approaching a jump, or feels heavier on one rein compared to the other out hacking, this is often a sign that one side of his body is overruling…

MEET THE EXPERT MARY FRANCES BHSII BHS.SM has over 40 years’ experience in the equine sector. She joined Moorcroft in 2006, developing the centre into a specialist equine rehabilitation facility — the only one of its kind in the UK. Visit moorcroftracehorse.org.uk. IS YOUR HORSE labelled as grumpy, a bad doer, a fussy eater? Does he become tense or nippy when having his girth tightened? If so he may be suffering from a gastric ulcer, which can negatively affect his weight, condition, general health and comfort when riding and/or training. Sadly, gastric ulcers are often misdiagnosed. At Moorcroft Equine Rehabilitation Centre we feel duty bound to solve the problem of gastric ulcers for the long term to ensure that horses don’t suffer again from this condition as it can often…

MEET THE EXPERT LEONA BRAMALL MVB CertAVP(EM) MRCVS, an equine vet at Oakhill Veterinary Centre in Lancashire, holds an advanced veterinary practitioner certificate in equine medicine. Her primary areas of interest lie in foal medicine, dermatology and gastrointestinal disease. Visit oakhill-vets.com/equine. A HORSE’S STABLE ENVIRONMENT plays an integral role in his health, wellbeing and, by association, his athletic performance. While we are all aware of the implications of stable dust on a horse’s respiratory tract, stable ammonia, a noxious gas, is frequently forgotten. Urea, a protein breakdown product, is eliminated from the body in urine. Ammonia gas is formed when bacteria which produce an enzyme called urease break down the urea in this urine. Bacterial numbers subsequently increase and the process perpetuates. Ammonia- producing bacteria live on the stable floor…

Every gate is different - some are sprung, others are heavy, and there are dozens of different latch mechanisms, but doing your homework will help you to negotiate all but the toughest while mounted. Never throw a gate open and rush through in case it springs back, and don’t let your horse push into the gate in case part of his tack catches on it, or he injures himself on a piece of rusty metal or broken wood. As you approach the gate look at the hinges and drag marks on the ground to identify which way it opens, and check for any nearby hazards, such as broken rails, ditches or barbed wire. There’s nothing wrong with getting off to open a gate if that’s the easiest option — just…

SPILLERS™ registered nutritionist Clare Barfoot answers your feeding questions The owner: Fiona Tanner The horse: Paragon, a 12-year-old maxi cob The problem: Paragon is always watching his waistline! Clare says: Fiona tells me that if there was a competition for horses who gain weight on thin air, Paragon would win hands down! He lives out all summer, but despite Fiona’s carefully managed regime of grazing, no supplementary feeding, and an hour’s exercise five days a week, he is still gaining weight. This means that Paragon is receiving too many calories for the amount of work he’s doing. Fiona should ideally increase his exercise, perhaps with some longer rides and more intensive workouts. She could also consider a grazing muzzle or a track system to raise Paragon’s activity levels during turnout.…