Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 504 i Your Horse

I HAVE ENJOYED hacking since I was a child and, as the years have rolled by, I've grown to love it even more. It is clear how it boosts mood and wellbeing, allows a brief escape from a sedentary work routine, and, when my daughters were younger, it enabled us to spend time together engaged in an activity that took them away from the electronic gadgets so loved by their peers. It is for all of these reasons, and many more, that the Your Horse team is delighted to bring you the relaunch of our hugely popular #Hack1000Miles challenge, with another super set of prizes for contenders who cross the ‘finish line’, as well as those who submit great stories and pictures during the 12-month run (page 12). #Hack1000Miles is…

Vanir Kamira, the mare piloted to victory at both Badminton and Burghley by Piggy March, has been retired from top level competition, although the 18-year-old is expected to continue eventing at one-day level. Piggy, who was featured in our Interview slot last month (Your Horse, Spring), said of the quirky horse known affectionately as Tilly: “It's ironic that she has given me the most wins because I've found her the hardest to ride… but she was stand out and showed her ability to pull it out of the bag at the big occasion.”…

EVEREST HORSEBACK QUEST CAPTURED ON FILM An inspiring new feature documentary that charts the quest of a disabled man as he tries to conquer a section of Mount Everest on horseback is set to hit cinema screens at the end of the month. My Everest features Max Stainton-Parfitt, who was born with a disability that severely affects his physical movement to the point that he needs 24/7 care Together with “a motley crew of friends”. Max takes on the first trek of its kind as ne attempts to reach Everest Base Camp on horseback. With over 100 hours of astonishing Everest footage and intimate recordings of his early life. Max is given a platform from which to tell his story. He invites the audience to understand his world as a…

CHALLENGER PRIZES FROM WINTEC SADDLES One Wintec saddle (left) of the winner's choice* Wintec saddles make riding easy and comfortable. Combining world-leading innovation and high-tech materials in lightweight, weatherproof and easy-care saddles, it is easy to see why Wintec Saddles is the world's number one synthetic saddle brand. Whether enjoying time with your horse, or schooling for a competition, there is a Wintec saddle in the range to suit everyone. Wintec Stirrup Straps — four up for grabs (between April and October) for the best story in the group Wintec Stirrup Straps were developed with rider comfort and safety in mind. They are durable, easy-care, soft and supple and feature a stainless steel riveted buckle design to eliminate any interference with the rider's leg. They also feature a webbing core for…

FAYE O'HARA WAS staring up at an ebony sky. Every few seconds the black vastness was punctuated by a flashing electric blue light. Thirty minutes earlier Faye, full of attitude and the invincibility of a 15-year-old, had climbed into a car with a teenage driver. As it sped up and the speedometer edged close to 80mph there was an explosive thud of metal hitting metal and glass shattering. The door next to Faye sheared off and she was catapulted from the disintegrating vehicle. She may not have been knocked unconscious, but this rapid exit and subsequent slide along the hard, rough ground severed every nerve as well as the artery in her right arm, broke her collarbone, shattered numerous ribs, her pelvis and her femur and severed her spinal cord…

WORK HORSE balance As the sole employee of Norway'ls only polo club, work days with 14 ponies to prepare for chukkas are full on but fun My job… I am head groom for The Norwegian Polo Club, Norway's first and only polo club, and the equine manager for Stall Kråketorp, home of the club. Because it is still a fairly small club, I'm the only official member of staff. My bosses, Thea and Nick May, started the club in 2013, and it has since gone from strength to strength. There are currently over 20 horses, with plans to get more. Last year, we expanded into offering livery services, equineassisted therapy with Falabellas Mio, Stella and Tulla; we also provide horsemanship training, lessons and clinics. How I got here… In 2018…

1 SPOKE CONFIGURATION (DIFFICULTY RATING 2/5) This configuration can be negotiated in all three paces, but make sure that before you attempt canter your horse is comfortable in walk and trot. No matter which direction you approach the triangle, you will either ride over a base and out through a point, or you will come in through a point and out through a base. The former is easier because it gives the horse a much bigger area to aim for on the approach, plus he will be stepping into a bigger space and so it will be less ‘claustrophobic’ for him. Entering via a point, though, has its merits, not least because it tests the horse's ability to stay on a narrow straight line. 2 THE PINK LINE (DIFFICULTY RATING…

When you tip forwards and tense, you learn to ride with less space in your body. This means that sitting up can feel scary and as though you are less supported — but this isn't the case; you just need to bring more awareness to other muscles, such as your core, to help stabilise you. This exercise will help you to do that, as well as become more familiar with the feeling of having more space in your body, which in turn will make you feel more comfortable in the saddle. You can do this exercise standing or sitting in a chair.…

Horses’ lives are adapted to the timing of sunrise and sunset each day (circadian rhythm) and to the seasons of the year (circannual rhythm). Routines, like the time the owner arrives at the yard and feeding and exercise times, further set the horse's daily clock. Circannual rhythms also govern coat growth and loss and reproductive cycles. Levels of natural blue light and length of dark nights are the chief signals that set the daily rhythms, and these, plus temperature and available food, set the yearly pattern. Consequences of circadian disruption include sleep disturbances, low alertness, impaired performance, immune suppression, illness and disease.…

One recently published study supports a growing body of work which suggests that standard de-worming treatments can cause dysbiosis. This is perhaps unsurprising as worms/parasites form part of the gastrointestinal ecosystem. While the clinical impact of these changes remains unknown, it may be prudent to support the microbiome when de-worming. Another recent paper assessed the impact of the gut-brain axis in a group of horses. The gut-brain axis describes the two way link between the gut and the brain which is mediated by the nervous system, the cells of the gut lining and the microbiome. Researchers fed a group of horses a high starch diet and measured any microbiome changes, as well as behaviour changes. They found “a clear link between diet, faecal microbial community composition and behaviour”; in short,…

Spillers is inviting owners of overweight horses and ponies to join its Spillers Slimmers’ Club for support, advice and encouragement to help keep their horse or pony at a healthy weight. This motivating and friendly club provides practical support and camaraderie for owners of overweight horses and ponies to aid them on their weight loss journey. It provides information and advice, including weight loss tips, details of how to body condition score and how to use a weigh tape. OR SEARCH SPILLERS SUMMERS ON FACEBOOK…

Sign me up Q I really enjoy dressage and compete in affiliated classes at local shows. I would love to volunteer with British Dressage (BD) and get more involved. Are people like me able to do this? Becky Hutton, Greater Manchester Vikki says: BD has some great volunteers, and their help and support is invaluable. I would suggest the following steps: There are some new and exciting training opportunities with BD in the pipeline, including online opportunities that should make training easier to access for all members in the future. A trainer in your pocket Q I Can you recommend a good app that will help me to prepare for I dressage competitions as I can't afford regular lessons? Poppy Willow, Devon Vikki says: There are some great apps on…

Shopping list Q What should I look for in a gut supplement? Winnie Mansfield, London Katie says: A good gut supplement should be able to support the health of the entire digestive tract, including the all-important hindgut microbes. Look for the following: Pro and prebiotics, like Yea-Sacc, MOS and FOS to support and nurture beneficial bacteria and help to promote a balanced, stable hindgut microbiome. Pro and prebiotics are potentially more effective when fed together, working symbiotically to support optimal digestive health which, in turn, provides support for the immune system. You should also look for ingredients like sodium bicarbonate and calcium which can help to buffer excess acid and help to maintain healthy acid levels throughout the digestive tract to further promote optimal digestive health. Naturally occurring vitamins and minerals…

Coach Nina Gill: Polework provides an all-round workout. It can help to improve the rider's performance in the saddle, too, and appeal to those who don't want to jump, page 48 Emma Stamenkovic, Equipilates coach: When you go into flight mode in the saddle, you tip into the foetal position. This is great if you're going to be attacked, but not so good when you're on the top of a horse, page 52 Sarah Clark, equine behaviourist: You can clicker train and reward your horse for coming out of the stable slowly. Reward him for stopping and thinking rather than barging out, page 62 Vet Liam Gamble: The microbiome is hugely complex and is influenced by many factors, such as genetics, diet and the environment. It exists in a delicate…

The therapeutic power of horses was apparent recently when a terminal cancer patient and lifelong equine enthusiast was immensely cheered by a horse called Darcie, who paid her a visit at her Wigan hospice — all thanks to the efforts of a childhood friend. Suzie Valkyrie, 49, who was receiving end of life care for pancreatic cancer in Wigan and Leigh Hospice, was surprised and delighted to hear the clip-clop of hooves on tarmac as she was wheeled from the building. Michelle Ross, who had known Suzie for 30 years, learned about her friend's devastating diagnosis in November. “As I run a very large Facebook page, I put out a plea for anyone in the area with a well behaved horse who could visit Suzie so that she could be…

YOUR HORSE'S GEAR BIG TEST | SADDLE PADS GONE ARE THE days when the sole purpose of a saddle pad was to keep a saddle clean and free from a horse's sweat. Nowadays saddle pads offer a host of extra highperformance features, including breathability, shock absorbing properties and much more. With the fit and comfort of a horse's tack at the forefront of every rider's mind, a well-designed and fitting saddle pad is crucial to ensure that he can perform at his best. To help you make the best choice for your horse, our new team of testers has been using and reviewing eight saddle pads. Each of the pads has been rigorously tested for the last three months and assessed for fit, performance and value for money. How we score:…

The form of driving trials seen today — a triathlon for horses and drivers — was launched in 1968 by the Duke of Edinburgh. This exciting, sometimes fast-moving sport involves a first phase of dressage, which consists of a sequence of set movements. This is followed by a marathon that is made up of three sections of a cross-country course, with the final stage boasting up to eight obstacles. This phase is run against the clock. On day three, competitors take part in cone driving (the equivalent to the showjumping phase in eventing), which is a test of accuracy, obedience and driver skill. A driver must be accompanied by a groom, who plays a vital role in case of emergencies, but also to guide the driver through obstacles as well…

Make sure that your horse has access to good quality daylight in the day and total darkness at night. Living out is the best way to keep him in synch with his circadian clock. Having a well-regulated body clock will ensure optimum health and a good coat and will improve his musculature and wind and his behaviour and mental wellbeing. Use blue light in the stables, and if you need to visit at night, use a red light. Put the stable lights on a timer so that dawn and dusk happen at the same time as in the paddock. Consider exercising at different times of the day so that you don't train his muscle metabolism to peak at a certain time. Don't reach for the rugs this autumn. Let your…

If you suspect that your horse's microbiome has been disrupted, your vet should be your first port of call. Have a thorough conversation with them about diet, lifestyle, worming, or faecal worm egg count history, medication, and the reasons you are concerned. Tests are available which can provide more information on the components of your horse's microbiome. However, science in this area is in the early stages an so don't expect all of the answers.…

The equine microbiome plays a crucial role in horse health, and disruptions to this complex community of microorganisms can have significant health consequences —throughout the body, not just in the gut. Owners can help to maintain a healthy microbiome through proper diet, exercise and stress management, and they should consult with their vet if they suspect a problem. As our understanding of the equine microbiome continues to evolve, new strategies for promoting and restoring a healthy microbiome may emerge, providing avenues for improving horse health and wellbeing.…

Brenda Turner's 16-year-old, 17hh, Irish Sport Horse, Douglas, has come on “in leaps and bounds” since he started receiving regular acupuncture treatment four years ago. “Douglas was lethargic, his skin wasn't good and he was suffering from bouts of colic. I tried many things, including supplements, but they didn't do anything,” says Brenda. “The acupuncture has made all the difference, though. His skin has improved, he looks much better and he no longer has colic issues. He now has acupuncture every three months and it is noticeable if he doesn't have it as he starts to get tight.” Having seen how successful acupuncture was with Douglas, Brenda also tried it on her 32-year-old Irish horse. Mulligan. “Acupuncture has really loosened him up, particularly in his hindlegs. He had also suffered…

Meet this month's pannel of experts Western riding Amanda Melton BHSAI is a Western coach at Valley Farm Equestrian Leisure in Suffolk, which offers training in a range of disciplines. Visit valleyfarm.co.uk Dressage Vikki Hayton is a UKCC Level 3 dressage coach, a British Dressage (BD) judge and a British Horse Society (BHS) instructor and examiner. Visit collegefarm.com Saddlery Jade Holly-Smith is director of The Saddle Bankand a master saddle fitting consultant. Visit thesaddlebank.com Gut health Katie Loker is director of H Bradshaw's Equine Supplements, which has pioneered Coligone to help maintain digestive health. Visit coligone.org GOT A PROBLEM? Need an answer? We'll know someone who can help… Welcome to our Ask The Experts section. Over the next nine pages we solve your horsey problems with help from trusted professionals.…

Get stuffed! Q How often should my saddle be reflocked? Sally Evans, Dorset Jade says: Flocking, which is traditionally made from sheep's wool, is used as the ‘stuffing’ inside the panels of your saddle that sit on your horse's back. Over time, the flock can ball up, go hard, lumpy or flatten out, causing gaps. A wool-flocked saddle should be regularly maintained every three to six months, with a full strip and re-flocking every two years. There are various types of flock, including short fibre, long fibre, Jacob wool, synthetic flock and silicon flock. The most popular type is Jacob wool. Short fibre and synthetic flock isn't as soft and has a tendency to ball up faster. Silicon flock is used in some high-end brands, as well as GFS and Monarch…

YOUR HORSE'S GEAR ON TREND VENTILATED RIDING HATS UVEX EXXENTIAL II RRP From £93.50 COLOURS Black matt, blue matt,anthracite matt, sand matt, mocca SIZES 52-55cm, 55-57cm, 57-59cm, 59-61 cm Safety standard BSI Kitemarked to VG1 ZEBRAPRODUCTS.CO.UK The Uvex Exxential II is a featherweight, ventilated riding helmet that will help to keep the wearer cool while offering a high level of protection. It has an extended rear section that covers the back of the head and features a ponytail cut-out, removable washable liners and a 3D IAS size adjustment system that will give a perfect fit on virtually any head shape. CHARLES OWEN 4STAR RRP From £230 COLOURS Black, silver, navy SIZES 54-62cm Safety standards ASTM F1163-15, PAS015:2011,SNELLE2016, VG1 01.0402014-12 CHARLESOWEN.COM The 4Star cross-country skull incorporates the latest technology with a fibre-reinforced shell for improved crush resistance. It…

A member of the public raised the alarm after the tiny pony — only about the size of a Labrador dog — was found wandering next to the River Don in mid-March. Her wound, which was believed to have been caused by a tether, was so serious that the muscle had started to rot away, leaving her veins exposed. It is not known how long Thumbelina, as she has been named, had been next to the river and where she may have come from, although a barbed wire fence on nearby land had been cut.The long-standing wound is thought to have been left untreated for many weeks. BEFORE RSPCA inspectorTamsin Drysdale, who is investigating the incident, said that it was one of the worst injuries of its kind she had…

DARK MONSTER CLOUDS threaten rain, so is there any point in saddling up and heading out with the accompanying risk that there might be a soaking in the offing? If you are a member of the #Hack1000Miles group there are myriad reasons to keep going whatever the weather because, once you have passed the target — or even smaller ones on the way — there are plenty of awesome prizes up for grabs courtesy of our brilliant sponsors (see right). But there are other reasons to carry on hacking—it is simply fabulous for people and their ponies because……

‘The exhaustion from CFS was like nothing I'd ever known’ NAME: SUSIE DAVIS HORSE'S NAME: PENNY HORSE's DETAILS: A 16.1HH, 14-YEAR-OLD WARMBLOOD MARE I developed glandular fever at the age of 22 and it proved to be a trigger for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The next eight years, until I reached 30, were the most challenging. Initially I was in hospital, and I also needed several months off work. The exhaustion I experienced was like nothing I'd ever known. I would have to sleep frequently — Intervet, the company I worked for, gave me a room for napping — and on occasions I even fell asleep while on the phone. I became pregnant with my daughter at 30 and my symptoms reduced for nine months. After she was born, though,…

WHAT IS A tribe? Certainly it used to be thought of as groups of people in faraway lands, but now we have tribes of people who support us closer to home. This support network — whether friends or family — brings wine and chocolates when we feel down on our luck and in need of a little cheer. Social media has allowed people to extend their reach further, too, and expand this network, bringing many others into their tribe. Tribes aren't a new concept, but the modern take on them is. Previously, tribes would have been made up of people living in the same geographical location with the purpose of supporting each other in the business of surviving and thriving. Nowadays, with social tribes, geography has become irrelevant and in…

Duo is Spot on This is Jessie, aged five, with her best pal Spotty. Their favourite place to visit on hacks is the local bakery, where they share a gingerbread man. Jessie regularly hacks Spotty and also attends Pony Club. They are on the mounted games team. Hannah Curley, Lancashire By the book I have been together with my horse, Colehill (aka Charlie), for 10 years. He's 16 and we've had brilliant fun together doing British Eventing and riding club activities as part of Cumbria Riding Club. I'm an equestrian author and I've written the Amber's Pony Tales books which feature real life ponies from my childhood. Maybe Charlie will end up in one of them one day. He'd be a great character because he's soft, loveable and enthusiastic while…

This exercise is the next step and it begins to incorporate the upper body and head to help you sit tall rather than tip forwards. To start with, practise this standing with soft knees or seated. Once you have nailed it on the ground, it is a great one to do in the saddle before your warm up, and again throughout your ride to check in with your position.…

Run outs If your horse runs out, keep your guide poles in the equation, focus on straightness and the trot/canter tempo, and stay calm but positive. In my warm up I incorporate some lateral work to ensure that the horse is clearly listening to my aids before I attempt any jumping. Refusals If your horse is stopping it could well be due to confidence issues. Remember that every horse is different, so continuously adapt your training to suit him. If your horse is unsure, go back to basics, get him super confident over poles and build up to riding skinnies over time Rushing If your horse is overly eager, you need to work on getting him to listen to your aids more. If you find him rushing into a fence,…

Researchers at Hartpury University are working with University College Dublin, Equilume and the Royal Agricultural University to compare the effects on the horse's internal body clock and behaviour of red/white light in stables compared to fluorescent light. CCTV cameras have been installed in each stable to record horse behaviour to enable the team to evaluate how they sleep and act. The horses will also wear a GoPro camera for 30 minutes to assess how many times they blink (spontaneous blink rate) as a measure of their response to the environment. The results of the study should be available soon.…

One of the most critical factors in maintaining a healthy equine microbiome is diet. Horses are natural grazers and require access to forage throughout the day to keep their digestive system functioning properly. Owners should provide their horses with high quality forage and/or pasture, and avoid overfeeding grains and processed feeds. Feeding fibre supports the microbiome, provides safe calories and promotes a healthy gut lining. And reducing starch in the diet helps to keep the levels of ‘bad’ bacteria low, and cuts down the acidity in the hindgut. Owners might also consider the use of pro and prebiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit to the host. In the UK and EU a probiotic must be registered and approved for use in…

Ride ’em cowboy! Q I would love to have a go at Western riding, but I don't know where to start. Any ideas? Sally Beswick, Norfolk Amanda says: There has never been a better time to get into Western riding. There are more trainers and clinics in the UK than ever before, and with podcasts, online videos and social media it is easy to get in touch with trainers and suppliers of equipment from all over the world. You don't need a specific breed of horse or any specialist tack to try it out. If you already have a horse you might be able to find a trainer to come to you. Alternatively, you could travel to an arena and try your horse with trail obstacles and perhaps borrow some…

Pre-show nerves Q My horse gets stressed and has loose droppings when I take him out to compete. Is there anything I can give him to keep him more settled? Katie Hammond, Lincolnshire Katie says: If your horse is prone to getting stressed before competitions, direct nutritional support can help to boost his gut health and keep him more settled. Stress may result in excess acid throughout the digestive tract which can unbalance hindgut microbes — the result of which is the runny tummy you are seeing. Offering both pro and prebiotics at times of stress can help to rebalance these gut microbes and mitigate the symptoms of stress your horse is showing. Acid buffers will also help to balance the gut and neutralise excess acid. Look for a directly…

When and where did you learn to ride? I started riding at Busby riding school in Glasgow when I was 11. If I helped with the stable chores and leading ponies in lessons at the weekend I would get a free hour group lesson on the Sunday night. I was obsessed with horses, so it was brilliant. Do you still ride? No. I last rode five years ago on a jousting experience at a hen do in Warwickshire. It was lots of fun, but I forgot how your riding muscles disappear The stairs were a challenge the next day. Tell us about the special horses you have ridden in the past At Busby I often rode an ex-showjumper called Prince, a 15.2hh Welsh cross who went in a hackamore. I…