Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 531 i Your Horse

THE YEAR SEEMS to be racing past and as I write one of the blue riband shows in the equine sporting calendar has just played out in front of thousands of spectators. Fan favourite Ros Canter and her spring-heeled mount Lordships Graffalo beat a class field to lift the Mars Badminton Trophy for the second time (page 6). Ros’ dedication of her victory to her late “selfless” trainer Caroline Moore was a reminder in this age often filled with trolls and vitriol that a number of people in the horse world are self-deprecating and endlessly giving of their time. Perhaps there is something about horses that brings out the best in some. Sophia-Ella Aitken certainly thinks so (page 22). She's had an unenviable route to navigate through life. Born with…

Tickets for Your Horse Live (7-9 November) are now on sale. Our exciting line up will be announced very soon, including Your Horse Live favourites, plus never-been-before demonstrations, surprises and new additions for the three days. Your Horse Live remains the biggest equestrian shopping show in the UK, with attendees given the opportunity to shop until they drop. VIP tickets for the weekend are nearly all gone, so secure your tickets now by visiting yourhorse.co.uk/yourhorselive Qualifiers for the SEIB Search for a Star and Racehorse to Riding Horse competitions are ongoing. Enter now for your chance to appear in the saddle at Your Horse Live.…

Jewellery companies Hiho Silver and Coco & Jane Loves have launched new jewellery lines in support of the Georgie Campbell Foundation. Popular eventer Georgie died following a fall at Bicton International Horse Trials in May 2024. The Georgie Campbell Foundation was set up by her family to support young eventers to establish their own eventing businesses. Eight new pieces were launched by Hiho Silver at Badminton, named after Georgie's Patterdale cross terrier Twig. Coco & Jane Loves has released a collection that recalls Georgie's purple and white cross-country colours. Visit cocoand janeloves.com and hihosilver.co.uk…

Mr Zi is the boss This is me and Mr Zi (my hubby's horse), who's a 17hh warmblood and very much in charge of my two mares. We all live on Orkney and love to potter about together enjoying the beautiful views. Claire Allan, Orkney Forever friends I have been the human to my gorgeous boy Jack since he was eight months old and he's 13 this summer. He's 50% Friesian and 50% Connemara and he's a very people friendly, kind and funny boy, although he was quite a challenge as a youngster and took a long time to grow up. I love him to bits. Bev Gaskin, Nottinghamshire Star photo What's in a name? My gorgeous Arabian mare, Aja Ningella, is 24 years young and I've owned her for…

Remedial farriery can do wonderful things for horses, but owners shouldn't rely on miracles. “You can't fix everything with remedial farriery,” says Craig D'Arcy, lecturer and farrier trainer. “Once you've got a mature horse, you are assisting that horse within his capabilities. “Be realistic about the type of horse you have and his training and competition plans,” he continues. “Loads of people start the New Year with a trip to the gym, but by 2 January they can hardly walk. It's the same with horses — they need to be built up, especially as they age.” There are things that owners can do, too, to set up their farrier for success. “The farrier needs the right conditions to complete their work to a full and high standard, especially if the…

1 LITTLE AND OFTEN — It may take longer for an older horse to reach fitness, so take it slowly to avoid injury. Once he is fit, regular shorter sessions are better than fewer longer ones. 2 STAY ALERT — Get the horse checked by a vet or physio regularly to ensure that he doesn't pick up injuries and always remains mobile. 3 KEEP HIM MOVING — Where possible, light exercise can be better for a senior than being turned away, both physically and mentally. 4 FIT NOT FAT — Check that you aren't overfeeding your horse for the level of exercise he's doing. 5 HOOF AND MOUTH — Keep up the farriery and dentistry visits to ensure that an older horse's feet and teeth stay in great shape.…

MCTIMONEY ANIMAL CHIROPRACTIC - HARRIET BLICK says… Q Over many years of horse ownership I've become ever more interested in ‘holistic’ treatments as I find them so powerful when I have them myself. Someone recently mentioned McTimoney, which I've heard of, but don't know anything about. Can you explain what it is? Debbie McDonald, Cambridgeshire Harriet says: The McTimoney Animal chiropractic technique is a gentle, noninvasive manual therapy that's used to treat pain and dysfunction within the body. It does this by optimising the alignment of the spine and pelvis in order to restore function to the skeletal system, nervous system and surrounding musculature. In other words, if your horse is crooked in his body and unable to bend to one side then chiropractic treatment can identify where this crookedness…

Q I'm about to call out a McTimoney practitioner to work on my horse. Can you explain the types of issues McTimoney can help with? Cheryl Williams, Hampshire Harriet says: McTimoney Animal chiropractic can help with all sorts of issues — whether you've noticed a drop in your horse's performance at competitions with no explanation, or he's started to grumble when you're tacking up, or when you're looking to bring him back into work after an injury. Horses didn't evolve to carry riders, but due to their fairly strong skeletal frame we are able to ride and teach them to perform all manner of tasks. However, it is these activities that put our horses at risk as well. Saddle issues, falls or slips, or weak conformation leading to crookedness or…

Q My horse weaves and box-walks in his stable and a friend told me that installing a mirror would help. Is this true? Amelia King, Fife Mary says: Weaving and box-walking are signs of anxiety and unhappiness and can also signal pain and discomfort. My experience, though, is that once a horse sees his image in a mirror he believes that he isn't alone and his stress levels are immediately reduced, leaving him more inclined to rest and eat hay or lie down and sleep. Resting time is so important for horses and constant movement as you describe badly affects their mental and physical health, and potentially their soundness. Sometimes horses have to be on box rest, perhaps after injury, but it is unnatural to be confined and isolated. Therefore,…

Q I have lots of thistles growing in my fields and my horses love nibbling the flower heads off as well as the leaves. It worries me, though. Are thistles really safe for them to eat? Chloe Barber, Surrey Han says: In the UK, thistles with purple, pink, or blue flowers are considered safe for horses. Having a sweet, earthy flavour (akin to chamomile), most horses love thistle flowers as an added flavour to their grazing. The purple milk thistle (Silybum marianum), which does so well in Britain's south eastern regions, may be a natural self-medicating choice for your horse if he has digestive problems or is feeling stressed. The key constituent, silymarin, isn't particularly nutrient rich, but its six major flavonolignans deliver the value. With antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties,…

Q My daughter has an event pony who needs more stamina, but she has EMS and is overweight. I'm at a loss to know what I can do. Can you help? Linda Johnson, Cornwall Lucy says: A suitable diet for a pony with EMS would be low in starch and sugar but high in fibre. Choosing a good quality vitamin and mineral supplement or balancer designed to support your pony's workload will be ideal as they will provide minimal calories and are low in starch and sugars, especially due to the rate at which they are fed. Balancing the diet is one of the first things I review when assessing energy requirements because an unbalanced diet can effect energy levels, including stamina. Stamina, alongside fitness, comes from slow-release energy sources…

AN EYE-CATCHING pair of long leather riding boots aren't just an addition to a smart riding outfit, they're a vital piece of equipment that supports and protects the rider's lower leg, improves stability in the saddle, and will stand up to the rigours of daily riding. Long riding boots aren't just the finishing touch to an outfit intended to impress those judges and induce a little envy in fellow competitors. Whether schooling at home or heading out to the competitive fray, the right boots can make a real difference to an equestrian's comfort and even how they perform in the saddle. Looking online and in retail outlets, however, will show up a huge, and perhaps confusing, array of styles, fits and features available. To make the selection process a breeze,…

■ Emotions ran high as this year's Mars Badminton Horse Trials came to a spectacular conclusion, Ros Canter beating Oliver Townend to the £117,600 winner's cheque in the closing minutes by a single penalty. A tearful Ros dedicated the win to her great friend and mentor, the late Caroline Moore, who passed away in March and so for the first time in the rider's career was not by her side for this monumental occasion. Ros’ mount was the indomitable Lordships Graffalo (aka Walter) who, following on from their success in 2023, became the first horse to regain the title in non-consecutive years. “I'm so happy to have him in my life,” said Ros. “I'm just the lucky girl who gets to ride Walter.” The green pole that fell during two-phase…

A drug used to treat horses with Cushing's syndrome can also help equines who suffer from a type of laminitis, a study has shown. Researchers from the University of Melbourne, in partnership with Spillers, have been looking at additional uses for the drug pergolide mesylate, the most common drug used to treat horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), commonly known as Cushing's. They found that in horses who have PPID and insulin dysregulation (ID) — the most common form of laminitis — the drug may reduce the amount of insulin produced by the horse in response to eating. However, Sarah Nelson from Spillers cautioned that even when treated with pergolide, such horses produced higher levels of insulin in response to eating a starch and sugar-rich meal than was seen…

A second fundraising challenge has been launched in memory of Caroline March, the paralysed event rider who died by assisted suicide last year. As Your Horse went to press, her brother, Tom March, was about to cycle 870 miles from Balmoral to Windsor Castle and climb Britain's three highest mountains on the way in just 100 hours. He is aiming to raise vital funds for Spinal Research. “While we couldn't save [Caroline], perhaps we can make a difference and help others who suffer a spinal cord injury,” said Tom, who is married to leading event rider Piggy March. Last November, Tom, Piggy and other equestrians took on a 1,200km bike ride, raising close to £350,000 for charity. To sponsor Tom, visit justgiving.com/page/pedal3peaks…

NEW SERIES HORSES ARE EMBODIMENTS of their lived experience. A result of their experiences through life, their management, training and handling have all contributed over the years to how their nervous systems form and function. Horses can come in all states and sizes, from an emotionally balanced all-rounder to one who is flighty and fearful. Working with the nervous system really is the depth of equine interaction. But before exploring how to work with that system, let's get a little more familiar with what the nervous system is and how it works… What is the nervous system? The nervous system is a complex network of cells that transports electrical signals between the brain and every corner of the body in a constant feedback loop. These nerve cells, individually called neurons,…

Remedial farriery comes at a higher cost than routine shoeing and within its context it is easy to see why. Remedial work requires highly specialised skills, and while diploma farriers are required to have a working knowledge of corrective shoes, farriers can only receive formal, practical tuition if they invest in additional training. “If you had a private medical and your doctor had to ring a specialist for their opinion, that would incur a charge,” says Craig D'Arcy. “It's the same with remedial shoeing. There's a lot to consider in terms of chargeable time. I think people only recognise the product of a farrier's work — a shod foot — but in order to get those skills, he probably had to go on a course to learn how to apply that…

Chronic (ie, long-term or recurrent) laminitis sufferers can be made comfortable with pads, which they might wear for as little as one shoeing cycle until the inflammation has subsided. However, the approach to laminitis is 75% management, 25% shoeing. If a horse comes in with a sudden onset of acute laminitis the last thing you want is a farrier poking at his feet — this will only exacerbate the inflammation. This is why I would always look at the management first, speak to the vet and calm the inflammation before intervening. Of course, the best management is to prevent laminitis in the first place with weight and grass/sugar control. It's important to remember that if a farrier points out that a horse is looking slightly overweight, it is for the…

Caring for senior horses is a journey filled with love, dedication and unique challenges. Spillers understands the special place older horses hold in equestrians’ hearts, which is why the company has created the Spillers’ Super Seniors’ Club — a supportive community for horse owners who share the same passion for keeping their senior horses happy and healthy. Whether that horse is thriving in retirement, remains active, or is showing signs of ageing, the team is available to provide expert guidance, practical advice and a platform on which to celebrate a horse's golden years. Join today and connect with other horse owners. Visit the Facebook group Spillers’ Super Seniors’ Club to get started.…

Q My horse is in his late teens and is starting to get stiff, especially after a night spent in his stable. A friend suggested that McTimoney could help. Is this true, and if so why is it good for older horses? Hannah Bevan, Devon Harriet says: McTimoney Animal chiropractic can and does help many older horses struggling with age-related issues by addressing the compensatory patterns they use to cope with their age-related conditions. For example, a horse with long-term arthritic changes may gradually become slower and stiffer to ride and this is often considered to be purely due to the arthritis. However, the arthritis isn't always the only issue. In order to relieve discomfort from the arthritic joints, the horse will often stand and move in certain patterns, such…

MIRRORS - MARY FRANCES says… Q Sometimes my horse has to be left alone in the stable block and he gets very anxious. I was told that putting a safe mirror in his stable may help. Is this true? Sally Lewis, Lancashire Mary says: It's never ideal to have to leave your horse alone, but if this can't be avoided then at Moorcroft Equine Rehabilitation Centre we've found that the use of mirrors reduces stress levels and gives the horse the sense that he isn't alone. Seeing an image of a horse that has movement psychologically gives others the impression that another member of the herd is present and this seems to make them a lot less anxious. You may find that your horse licks or stares at his image,…

HERBS & PLANTS - HAN VAN DE BRAAK says… Q My horse is on box rest for at least four months and I can't hand graze her as she's quite lively at the best of times. However, I wondered if there are any herbs I could give her to supplement her diet during this time and perhaps to help calm her? Danielle Spiers, Co Down Han says: Four months inside a house is a long time for anyone, not least for a horse. One of the most common reasons for such box rest is injury, where movement is discouraged. If your horse is naturally lively, box rest will be more challenging than usual, especially when she's feeling discomfort. Under veterinary care your horse may have been prescribed analgesics and anti-inflammatories,…

FEEDING - LUCY BASKEYFIELD says… Q My horse lives out 24/7 with plenty of grass. His weight is really good, and he doesn't need feeding, but he's very flat to ride and could do with more sparkle. What can I do to improve his energy without putting on the weight? Susan Fox, Northumberland Lucy says: For good doers who seemingly get fat off fresh air but need energy, the first thing nutritionists assess is whether the diet is balanced, based on the horse's size and workload. If we need to add something for more energy, we must be mindful because energy and calories are the same thing. The type of energy we want must also be considered because ‘oomph’ or sparkle comes from quick-release energy sources, such as cereals or…

1 PRIZE BUNDLE FROM HORSLYX UP FOR GRABS One lucky reader will receive a fantastic bundle of Horslyx products worth in excess of £200. The prize includes a 15kg and 5kg Horslyx Holder, a 15kg Garlic Balancer, a 15kg Original Balancer, a 5kg Mobility Balancer, a 5kg Digestion Balancer and a Horslyx Mini Selection Box. Horslyx balancers are scientifically formulated lick-based nutrition that supports a horse's health and wellbeing. Formulated to complement forage, providing a comprehensive supply of vitamins, minerals and trace elements that are crucial for optimum equine health and vitality, their unique lick-based approach encourages natural trickle feeding and saliva production. This aids digestion, reduces stress and contributes to a happier, healthier horse. Find out more at horslyx.com ❋Worth £200 3 PAIRS OF GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS TO THE GAME FAIR Three…

WOOF WEAR RIDING BOOT BAG RRP £34.99 COLOUR Black grey WOOFWEAR.COM This boot bag is tall enough to take the largest riding boots and it has a unique toe protector insert to keep competition boots in tip top condition and protected from damage. Made from a tough polyester outer material and waterproof base, this boot bag features a full end-to-end zipped opening to make putting boots away effortless. There is also an inner mesh pocket to store extra items. ARIAT TEAM TALL BOOT BAG RRP £65 COLOUR Blue ARIAT.COM/GB/EN Keep boots stowed away and well protected with Ariat's Team Tall Boot Bag. Made of durable poly canvas, with a comfortable shoulder strap and carrying handle at the top, this tall boot bag features a double-zip opening for easy access. Inside,…

LEMIEUX ESSENCE ACOUSTIC FLY HOOD RRP £39.95 COLOURS Rosewood, stone, navy SIZES Medium, large, X-large LEMIEUX.COM Help to improve a horse's relaxation and concentration with this fly hood. Hand crocheted in a specialist patterned knit, with a coordinated soft shell patch trim, the soft, comfortable ears with acoustic lining absorb noise, making this hood ideal for aiding focus during training and competitions. MATTES FLY VEIL RRP From £67 (without piping), £70.50 (with piping), £74 (two piping colours) COLOURS 30 colours available SIZES Medium, large, X large ZEBRAPRODUCTS.CO.UK Made of the highest quality Egyptian cotton that boasts an attractive sheen, Mattes Fly Veil also has a section that is crocheted by hand, while the stretch polyester ears offer superior comfort. There are more than 30 colour options for the fabric, crocheted…

California's Santa Anita Park Racecourse has been announced as the venue for the equestrian events for the Los Angeles Olympic Games (14-30 July 2028). Following concerns about the future of equestrian events within the Olympics, it has been confirmed that the 320-acre estate, which also hosted the equestrian events for the 1984 Olympics, will be the location for the showjumping, dressage and eventing competitions at the 2028 Games. “Santa Anita Park will be a spectacular venue for the LA28 Olympic equestrian events,” said FEI president Ingmar De Vos. As well as race meetings, the park also hosts showjumping events; there is an on-course veterinary clinic; and a grandstand seats 26,000 spectators and can stable more than 2,000 horses. The venue for the Paralympic equestrian events (15-27 August 2028) is yet…

Anne Dunham, the para rider whose glittering career spanned 23 years, during which time she collected 32 championship medals, 10 of those at Paralympic Games, has died. Anne, who was 76 and who suffered from dystonia, first appeared on the international stage at the Dressage World Championships in 1994. She retired in 2017. She was trained by Pammy Hutton and, on her retirement, she said: “World Class and the Lottery have made it all possible for me.”…

Cerebral palsy (CP) is caused by changes in the developing brain, affecting its ability to control movement and maintain posture and balance. Ten key symptoms commonly associated with this disorder are… 1. Abnormal muscle tone. 2. Spasticity. 3. Poor coordination and balance (ataxia). 4. Delayed motor development/ milestones, such as sitting, crawling, or walking. 5. Involuntary movements (dyskinesia). 6. Difficulty walking, including abnormal gait patterns. 7. Speech difficulties (dysarthria), including slurring of words. 8. Swallowing or feeding problems (dysphagia). 9. Seizures. 10. Intellectual disabilities or learning difficulties.…

TO COVER THE A-Z of remedial shoeing would require a weighty tome with an extensive glossary — or perhaps a year's worth of Your Horse shoeing specials. It's impossible to condense such an extensive topic into a few pages, not least because remedial farriery is less about black and white answers and more about those shades of grey. “On one course I run the students look at a couple of cases and I give them about six different shoes that could be prescribed by the farrier,” says Dr Richard Stephenson from the University of Nottingham. “The point is, by the end of the lesson, actually all six options are right, and there's often even more perfectly valid and correct approaches to providing a solution.” While the average horse owner doesn't…

In partnership with Super Seniors’ Club DESPITE BEING A little hot to handle, since retiring from grand prix level dressage four years ago, Maria Eilberg's “talented and gorgeous” now 22-year-old Royal Concert (Rico) is as busy as ever, enjoying life as a dressage schoolmaster while still living at his original base. Gone are the days when a horse was considered senior in his early teens and had no prospects of his career extending beyond this milestone. Better veterinary care, physiotherapy and feeds formulated to support horses at all stages of their lives mean that many top equines like Rico are still firing on all cylinders through their teens and 20s. “Rico was cut [castrated] quite late and has always been quite riggy, and this made travelling to and stabling at…

Email your questions to yh.ed@kelsey.co.uk In partnership with Simple solutions for horse owners Meet this month's panel of experts MCTIMONEY Harriet Blick MSc, BSc (Hons), MAA is a qualified McTimoney Animal chiropractor and soft tissue therapist who completed an MSc in animal manipulation with the McTimoney College of Chiropractic in 2024. She travels around the South West helping a wide variety of animals. MIRRORS Mary Frances BHSII, BHS SM is the chief executive of Moorcroft Equine Rehabilitation Centre. She has spent most of her working life training young and wayward horses and has also specialised in physical discomfort in the horse dictating its behaviour, especially when ridden. Visit moorcroftracehorse.org.uk PLANTS AND HERBS Han van de Braak is the founder and MD of Aloeride, manufacturer of the pure aloe vera equine and…

In partnership with Q My friend at the livery yard recently called in a McTimoney chiropractor to look at her horse. I watched while they were doing the treatment, but I couldn't see anything happening. Can you explain how it actually works on horses? Tamara Brown, Kent Harriet says: The treatment probably looks different to one that you may be used to, such as a veterinary physiotherapist's technique, for example, as McTimoney Animal chiropractic focuses on using quick but small hand movements to perform the necessary adjustments on body landmarks. The practitioner will look for asymmetry in your horse's body and adjust the key spinal locations to improve this. Due to the gentleness of the treatment it's relaxing for the horse and causes a relaxation of muscular tension, improved nerve…

In partnership with Q My horse can become very unsettled in his field when he's on his own and therefore his time spent grazing isn't as beneficial as I would like it to be. I've read about the use of mirrors in such circumstances, but I'm not sure if it would be safe or would work. Miranda Rose, Powys Mary says: In many cases the use of a well placed mirror in a field can reduce anxiety levels in the lone horse. All horses are herd animals, and although some do get used to being on their own, they always prefer one or two of their own kind present. For safety, the mirror should be placed above the ground, maybe higher than a normal fence, and a protective frame should…

In partnership with Q My young horse is very excitable, but I'm hoping to take him out to a handful of shows this summer for in-hand experience. I wondered if there are any natural herbs that I could grow at home and give to him that might have a calming effect? Rebecca Burns, Cheshire Han says: Alongside your training there are other considerations aside from just feeding calmers. There is an interesting train of thought on a process called the gut-brain axis, whereby your horse's gut flora makes neurotransmitters which, via the brain (hypothalamus and pituitary), affect how much cortisol is secreted by the adrenal glands (causing a stressed or excitable horse). The cortisol, in turn, changes the gut bacteria population, so this cycle goes around and around. If you…

In partnership with Q I've increased my mare's workload and need to improve her topline. Is there anything that I can add to her diet to assist with this? Becky West, Somerset Lucy says: Several muscles are made up of bundles of elastic fibres, primarily the proteins actin and myosin. Proteins are made up of amino acids which you can think of as the building blocks for muscle and other tissues, such as tendons and ligaments. To improve muscle tone and topline you should assess your horse's protein intake, which is important for muscle tone and condition — hence the importance of feeds containing good quality ingredients. Good quality protein within the feed supplies these essential amino acids and can help to support muscle condition along with correct exercise/training. The…

LIGHT ON WEIGHT, HEAVY ON PROTECTION Carbon Pro Techno Wool Tendon and Fetlock Boots from Premier Equine are made from a carbon fibre that is lightweight and absorbs and dissipates shock while also maintaining strength and flexibility. An artificial cartilage foam layer in the boots absorbs and disperses up to 97.1% of impact forces for exceptional shock absorption and protection against direct trauma. This helps to promote long-term leg health and performance. The Techno Wool lining is a synthetic material that offers breathability and comfort. RRP £130 (tendon boots), £110 (fetlock boots) PREMIEREQUINE.CO.UK PRIME(D) FOR A PERFECT PERFORMANCE WeatherBeeta's Prime Air-Tec Saddle Pad is breathable and durable and made of a pre-shrunk 100% cotton upper with friction-free binding. The soft lining wicks away sweat and is quick drying, while the…

WHEN IT COMES to competition clothing the right shirt is so much more than something that is hidden under a jacket. The right one helps the rider perform at their very best. Whether they are entering a dressage class, a showjumping show, or they are about to head to a horse trials, there are certain elements that equestrians should look out for when choosing a competition shirt that will fit the bill and perform for years to come. The right fit A good competition shirt should offer a close, flattering fit without restricting movement. Look for stretch fabrics that allow a full range of motion while maintaining a smart silhouette in the saddle. Let it breathe Competing can be intense, so technical fabrics that keep the wearer cool and dry…

Did you always want to be a milliner? To be honest, it was more of a creative evolution. I've always been drawn to artistic pursuits, but my degree was in English literature. I had a series of student jobs, one of which happened to be for a hat maker. That experience sparked my interest, so I enrolled at the London College of Fashion and gradually transitioned into the industry. Eventually I became apprentice to The Queen's milliner, and that's when I truly fell in love with the heritage and the craft. That was the moment I knew that I'd found my purpose in life. What does your job involve? As the creative director of Emily-London, the brand I founded, my role is a blend of artistry and business. I work…