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Sydney Free Saddlery
N E W S L E T T E RAPRIL / MAY 2015
PUBLISHED BY SYDNEY FREE SADDLERY LTD DELIVERED FREE
WELCOME TO YOUR APRIL/MAY SYDNEY FREE NEWSLETTER
April already! Spring has final ly managed to fight its way through and, as we write this, the sun is definitely startingto bring some real warmth with it when it turns up. Before we know it we wil l be in the heat of summer (we'repositive thinkers here at Sydney Free!) and winter wil l be a dim and distant memory. The hunting season isdrawing to a close and the Pony Club and eventing seasons are starting to really get under way. Another importantseason has just passed - the Chocolate Season! Easter is the one time of year - other than Christmas - where it isacceptable to buy, give and consume chocolate in industrial sized portions! We hope that you all had a lovelyEaster break.
NEW ARTICLE We have a great new article starting in this issuethat we think you wil l al l love. Nicky Holford is a feature and travelwriter for The Telegraph and other national newspapers, and haskindly offered to keep us updated on her travels. This month shehas sent us a great feature on Riding in Rajasthan with somephotographs of some stunning horses from her trip. Keep youreyes open for a new Equine Physio article in our next issue.
SECOND HAND TACK & BOOTS Our second hand saddles haveundergone a transformation! We think it looks great and makes itmuch easier to find the saddle you are after. Come in and have alook and let us know what you think. I f you have a saddle or anyother tack that you are thinking of sel l ing then feel free to bring it infor us to have a look at. Don't forget that we also sell second handbits, bridles, headcollars, body protectors and boots.
BADMINTON HORSE TRIALS We are proud to have spotted that at least five of our customers have beenaccepted as confirmed entries to compete at Badminton this year, with another on the waiting l ist. We wish you all ,
and all other competitors there, the best of luck and hope that you all get roundsafely. We have already had two Badminton winners - perhaps we can add athird this year! ! For some fun facts and figures turn to page 1 4. You wil l also findthe provisional timetable and entry fees and information. We hope this is usefulfor any of you hoping to go.
THE HAT RULE EXPLAINED The change to hat standards has got everyonetalking - and most people confused! We have tried to explain it a bit more onpage 11 and hope that it helps those of you struggl ing with the change in rules,or those of you who weren't even aware that anything had changed! I f any ofyou are worried about whether your hat is up to standard then feel free to bringit in for us to check.
Phone: 01285 655384 ~ www.sydneyfree.co.uk - Facebook - Twitter #sydney_free
Phone: 01285 655384 ~ www.sydneyfree.co.uk - Facebook - Twitter #sydney_free
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Copy Date: 1 5th of the previous month. Send fi les via
email newsletter@sydneyfree.co.uk or hard copy to the
shop. 1 /4 page box advertisers can write an article relating to
their profession. Please ensure that your article is
informative and of interest to our equestrian readers, approx
400 words. All pictures wil l be reproduced in black and white.
TToo aaddvveerrttii ssee:: Call Keith Clampton - 01 285 655384
Box Advertising rates:
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£50
1 Month Period: ¼ page £80; 1 /8 page £40; 1 /1 6 page £20
Classified Ad’s:
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l istings or services
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for description please see our Box Advertising Rates above.
Inserted leaflet drop: £1 75 (contact to discuss)
Sydney Free Newsletter is del ivered free to all of our account
holders, emailed to loyalty club members and wil l be given to
all customers visiting the shop. We reserve the right not to
publish articles or adverts. All text and pictures are the
Copyright of Sydney Free Saddlery Ltd.
PPRROODDUUCCTT FFOOCCUUSS -- NNeeww AARRIIAATT FFoooottwweeaarr aatt SSyyddnneeyy FFrreeee
We are an official ARIAT power seller, we can order in any English ARIAT product youlike and you wil l earn your loyalty points! : -)
Heritage Contour Field Zip Boot
Premium ful l-grain long leather boot with a ful l leather l ining. The
contoured ankle design and tighter fit system provide a svelte fit and
silhouette. The ful l-length elasticated side panel and elastic gusset at the
inside of the knee provide superior fit and comfort. This is a superior boot
with first-class features. RRP £229.99
Ariat Women's Chelan
BRAND NEW PRODUCT This great shoe from Ariat features a ful l grain
leather upper and a breathable, moisture wicking l iner. A sl ip on style
shoe featuring the stretch-fit system ensures a great fit from this product.
I t has a shock-absorbing midsole and a Duratread outsole making
it both comfortable and hard wearing. RRP £89.99
INTRODUCTORY OFFER!
Save 1 0% on our new
Ariat Footwear
AIR JACKET HIREat Sydney Free Saddlery
We now have Point Two Pro AirJackets available for hire.
Please pop in, cal l or email tofind out more.
Pop in : Monday to Saturday 9am - 5.30pm
Call : 01 285 655384
Email : shop@sydneyfree.co.uk
Phone: 01285 655384 ~ www.sydneyfree.co.uk - Facebook - Twitter #sydney_free
3
by Nicky Holford
Dust gets in my eyes, as my Marwari steed swerves to
avoid a startled camel loping across my path. I ’m inches
from the horse in front whose thundering hooves
transport me to the days of the Rajput warriors
galloping into battle.
We are in Shekawati, north of Jaipur, on the edge of the
Thar desert, 400 kms from the Pakistan border. We
have abandoned the golden triangle of Rajasthan and
are travell ing on horseback, camping under the stars,
through a landscape of tumbling forts and palaces.
This region was once an important caravan route
across the Thar desert between Delhi and Sindh,
(which is now part of Pakistan) and the Gujarati coast.
I ts history comprises battle and rel igion, today both
Muslim and Rajput influences are part of its character
and its history of Rajput warriors is ripe. My horse with
his lovely lyre-shaped ears is cal led Chandrarekha
(which means lining of the moon). All the horses’ tack is
polished and glistening. Their martingales and
saddlecloths are great sashes of red denoting rel igion
and saffron the colour in battle for courage and
sacrifice.
Our guide and leader for the five-day journey is Kanwar
Raghuvendra Singh, a descendant of Rajput ruler,
Kesari Singh, better known as Bonnie. He is dressed in
the ful l uniform of the Indian cavalry. With his maroon
beret, good looks and manicured moustache he looks
straight out of a movie set. His mission to save Marwari
horses from extinction and to keep the 1 750 family fort
at Dundlod going, began with the fi lming of “The Far
Pavil l ions.”
Bonnie was sent to find these former warrior horses and
when fi lming finished, he ended up buying them. Now
tucked away off a dusty track in the family seat of
Dundlod is the Royal Equestrian and Polo Centre, one
of the largest breeding centres of Marwari horses in
India.
Every year, during the cooler months of October to
March Bonnie leads riding holidays, to fairs such as
Pushcar and Nagaur, camping in tents under the stars
or staying in former forts or palaces. The longer trips
are not for the faint hearted. Marwari horses are
spirited beasts, able to gallop for long periods of time
and travel for miles in the heat and dust of their desert
homeland.
The day we set off for Alsisar Mahal, 45 kilometres
away we leave through the imposing iron gates of
Mahansar castle, bui lt to keep out charging elephants.
Suddenly the empty streets are fi l led with children and
vil lagers waving and smil ing. We avoid roaming cows
and women laden with huge great pi les of wood unti l
we leave all signs of habitation behind.
When we mount up again the intensity of the sun has
waned, and we find the wide open desert. A few hours
later on the horizon we can see the turrets of Alsisar,
our destination. The road to the fort is cobbled and I am
swept back in history, as we pass the main gates and
clatter up a steep ramp into the courtyard.
INFO : In the Saddle (01 299 272997; inthesaddle.com) offers
a Fairs and Festival riding through the ancient kingdoms of
Shekhawati staying in palaces and tented camps. There are
other itineraries to coincide with the Pushkar Fair in
November, the Nagaur Fair in January/February and a ride
each year running over Christmas and New Year.
Riding in Rajasthan
NICKY HOLFORD IS A FEATURE AND TRAVEL WRITER FOR THE
TELEGRAPH AND OTHER NATIONAL NEWSPAPERS.
PLEASE MENTION TO ADVERTISERS THAT YOU SAW THEIR ADVERT HERE FIRST
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Rectory Farm Arena
COMBINED TRAINING RESULTS
We're proud to be sponsoring the 201 5 Combined
Training Series at Rectory Farm. The turnout for the first
two Combined Trainings has been superb and the depth
and quality of both horses and riders stunning. Despite 5
arenas going all day on 1 8th March there was sti l l a
waiting l ist!
Results for 4th March :
Class 1
1 st Hannah Goddard Shooting Stars 24.5
2nd Bex Hibberd Cannabel 26.0
3rd Tom McEwen Dennis 26.5
Class 2
1 st Elena Parmer Tommy 22.0
2nd Mike Jackson PSH Promise Me 25.3
3rd Camil la Browne Wil l 28.5
Class 3A
1 st Jonty Evans Alamo 24.5
2nd Jul ie Tew HHS Foracruise 26.5
3rd Flora Harris Bil ly Bandit 27.0
Class 3B
1 st Laura Smith Berry 29.0
2nd Askier Nicholas Alertamateb'on 29.5
3rd Flora Harris Lakota Ghost 29.5
Class 4
1 st Jul ie Tew Lord of the Owls 31 .1
2nd Ryuzo Kitaj ima Chocolate 32.3
3rd Flora Harris Cooley Lord Lux 32.7
Results for 1 8th March :
Class 1
1 st Bex Hibberd Cannabel 28.3
2nd Jane Langdon Chequers 29.5
3rd Mike Jackson Special 31 .3
Class 2A
1 st Kathryn Harris Cracker 21 .0
2nd Sam Dempsey Emperor Clover 32.3
3rd Mike Jackson Special 32.8
Class 2B
1 st Catherine Burrel l Romeo 28.0
2nd Lizzy Brown Jonny 29.0
3rd Roberto Scalisi Spud 29.8
Class 3A
1 st Harry Meade Finn 33.5
2nd Catherine Burrel l Duke 33.5
3rd Harry Meade Margot 33.8
Class 3B
1 st Serena Norton Jonjo 25.3
2nd Charlotte Agnew Benji 25.8
3rd Tom McEwen Roxy 26.5
Class 4A
1 st Aoife Clarke Biscuit 30.9
2nd Charlotte Bacon Buzz 32.3
3rd Tom McEwen Wiberley 32.3
The final competition was on Wednesday 8th Apri l .
Did You Know?"The Red Folder"
In the shop we have a red folder. I t's the local Equine
Bible for l ivery yards, horses for sale, loan or share,
dogs for sale, equine situations wanted and vacant,
instructors, therapists, items for sale. Many people
regularly come in to fl ick through this wonderful
resource or bring in new adverts. We charge 50p per
week for ads in this folder and it has become a real
local service.
Schedules
We have a whole section of wall space dedicated to
show schedules, training days, cl inics, competitions,
fun rides and anything going on in the surrounding
area that horsey people may want to attend.
Schedules regularly arrive through the post and we
pop them out on display for you when you are
browsing around the shop. I f you are running a show
bring in your schedules and ask for them to go on
display (schedules must be A5 and posters no bigger
than A4)
Schedules currently in the shop :
Rectory Farm Unaffi l iated Showjumping - Apri l & May 1 5
Rein & Shine Unaffi l iated Evening Dressage - to August 1 5
Northleach Welsh Pony & Cob Show - 27th June 1 5
Rectory Farm Evening Unaffi l iated Dressage - Apri l to June 1 5
Rein & Shine Summer Showjumping Series - Apri l to July 1 5
Rein & Shine Unaffi l iated Saturday Showjumping - to August 1 5
Chelworth Fields Dressage & Showjumping Series - to Apri l 1 5
Cirencester Park Fun Ride - 24th May 1 5
PLEASE MENTION TO ADVERTISERS THAT YOU SAW THEIR ADVERT HERE FIRST
5
Hire @ Sydney Free
Clipper Hire - £25 per 24 hours
Choose from Wolseley Swift professional mains cl ippers
or Liveryman Harmony Clippers. Both come with spare
blades and clipper oil .
Bit Hire
This is a try-before-you-buy service so that your horse
gets the best bit for its mouth. You pay the hire rate and
try the bit. I f you l ike the bit you just pay the balance, if
you don't l ike the bit just return it to the shop.
Bits costing up to £40 cost £5 per week to hire
Bits costing over £40 cost £1 0 per week to hire
Equilibrium Massage Mitt
£20 per week (£99.95 to Buy) A quick,
effective and easy to use Massage Mitt
which helps to promote relaxation, improve
flexibi l ity and improve muscle condition.
Equilibrium Massage Back Pad
£35 per week (£278 to Buy)
There are three different settings:
Low - To cool down after
exercise. Medium - To warm
muscles prior to exercise. High -
To help al leviate back problems.
Ice Vibe Boots
£25 per week (£200 to Buy)
ICE-VIBE Circulation Therapy Boots are rechargeable
vibrating boots that boost circulation for injury repair.
Each pack of ICE-VIBE circulation therapy boots
contains 2 boots, 2 cold packs, 2 vibrating panels, 2
batteries, 1 battery charger and 3 adapters for universal
use. ICE-VIBE boots can be used
before exercise using vibration only to
warm the leg or combining both the cold
pack and vibration boot helps to reduce
soreness and swell ing in the leg. The
ICE-VIBE boot increases blood flow and
assists in the healing process and
regular use of the ICE-VIBE boot
reduces the risk of injury or damage to the horses leg.
The ICE-VIBE circulation boots won the innovation
award at BETA international 201 2.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are a new customer please
bring 1 photographic proof of identity and 1 current
proof of address when you come in to collect your hire
item from the shop. Call to check availabi l ity.
AApprriill//MMaayy OOffffeerr
BUY ONE OF THESE BODY
PROTECTORS
GET1 0%OFFTHE
TOTALPRICE
GET1 0%OFFTHE
TOTALPRICE
*PLUS* ONE OF THESE
RIDING HATS
INFO: Not in conjunction with any other offers.
PLEASE MENTION TO ADVERTISERS THAT YOU SAW THEIR ADVERT HERE FIRST
6
The Farrier
Andrew Poynton FWCF (Fellow of the Worshipful Company
of Farriers 1 998) has practised farriery since 1 980 and is a
well known and respected farrier
01 666 82953 - http: //www.poyntonfarrieryclinic.co.uk
TO BARE OR NOT TO BARE - PART 1 OF 3
I t’s possibly the most burning farriery issue of the
moment, ANDREW POYNTON, FWCF, addresses the
question and offers some realistic guidance to help
owners make an informed decision
IS THIS a new idea? Obviously not; the equine is not
born with shoes, and neither are they found in the wild
shod with anything other than hooves. So why not keep
them as nature intended? Yes, we do and can leave
them unshod and even untrimmed in the wild. Native
breeds in their natural environment cope very well
without human intervention, even the mustang, a horse
original ly introduced from Spain into a new environment,
has adapted well to its surroundings.
This success is l ikely to be due to both environments
being arid. Horse’s feet reflect the ground conditions
they walk on; if the ground is dry, the hooves wil l be dry
and hard, and tend to be tighter and more upright. The
soles retain the horn because they are more vaulted and
dry. These hooves are tough and resil ient and can
withstand much wear. The donkey’s hooves are much
like this; it is no surprise that they were crossed with
horses to produce the mule, the epitome of a beast of
burden.
Historical ly, writing in the 1 3th century Marco Polo,
famously travell ing on the Silk Road to China, said of
Badakashan: “The country is extremely cold, but it
breeds very good horses, which run with great speed
over these wild tracts without being shod with iron.” The
Romans apparently did not shoe their horses unti l the
Empire spread into northern Europe, where they learned
the skil l of shoeing with iron from the Celts and
Germanic peoples. Why? Presumably it was not to
humour the locals, but out of necessity to keep the horse
‘on the road’.
So what had changed? Certainly the climate, and
possibly breed of horse had altered. In northern Europe
we are blessed with a cooler and predominately damp
LLooyyaallttyy PPooiinnttss &&CCaasshh VVoouucchheerrss
Don't forget to claim your loyalty
points every time you make a
purchase. Our ti l ls automatical ly
print you out a £5 cash voucher to
spend in the shop when you reach a
Loyalty Point Milestone.13 year old dressage horse which has never been shod
climate. Being subject to their environment, when wet,
the hooves absorb more moisture, which softens the
horn rendering it more pliable, and, due to the weight
borne by them, prone to spreading.
The hoof wil l conform to some degree irrespective of
type, but the low angle thinner walled, larger horses’
hooves wil l be most affected. The hooves wil l be more
open, the soles flatter, and therefore more prone to
injury than the tight hard and dry hoof. The wet flat
hoof is not able to retain a thick strong sole. I t is no
surprise that these hooves are prone to sole bruising
and puncture wounds when on wet stoney ground. So
does this mean that al l the problems occur in the
winter? Not necessari ly, when the ground is hard and
dry, it is unyielding and likely to be more abrasive. . .
Flat foot, notsuitable for barefoot
PLEASE MENTION TO ADVERTISERS THAT YOU SAW THEIR ADVERT HERE FIRST
The EventerEvent Schedule
Now is the time we look towards the upcoming eventseason with excitement. Each horse wil l have a differentgoal and we aim to plan the events it wil l attend careful lyto achieve those goals with success. As we are famil iarwith the events in our area we are able to decide whichcompetitions are good move-up courses, which footingis best in the wet or the hard, which have good warm-upareas, and which have well designed cross-countrycourses. All of these and many other factors go intoconsideration when planning a competition scheduleand fortunately we are based in an area that lets us bepicky as to which events we attend.
Before we map out the events for each horse wediscuss how we felt they finished their last season andwhat the realistic plan for the year wil l be. We wil l set outa calendar of competitions and pick from that whichevents wil l suit which horse and where they wil l move upto the next level, with alternative events if necessary. Asthe weather can be somewhat unhelpful in March, wetry to start at competitions where the footing can handlethe wet. I t can really knock a horses ‘confidence if thefirst time they compete that season the footing is verydeep and holding.
Often we wil l compete the young horses two weekendsin a row early in the season, this is especial ly useful inteaching them about being at an event and gallopingfrom one jump to the next. We also decide if some of theolder horses need to run at a level below where theyfinished the year before i.e. if they completed a CCI**the previous season as a seven year old, then usuallywe would start them at novice for the first one or maybetwo events. This gives us an idea as to how confidentthey feel and if there are any areas in their training thatneed to be given more attention to.
When moving the horses up a level we are careful topick an event that would be on the softer side for boththe cross-country and show jumping. This helpsconfidence with the longer, larger courses and fasterspeeds. We also try to pick the competitions that aresl ightly quieter for their first time, large crowds and tradefairs can be over-whelming for a green horse. Once theyare comfortable at the level we then pick morechallenging events that are higher profi le, with the goalusually being an International event towards the end ofthe season for the horses at that level.
I t goes without saying that the work you do before thecompetition is the key to success at the competition, sothe horses need to be in serious work and have been tolocal arenas for show jump and dressage practice, aswell as multiple cross-country schooling. We neverassume that if a horse finished the season in winningform we can rest on our laurels al l winter and it wil lcome out the next year winning!
Web: www.wayfarereventing.net / Phone: 07889 1 34343or 07730 465291 / Address: New Barn Farm, Fields Rd,
Sponsor Update.. .Update from SFS Sponsored Rider: Jenny Lawton
Sydney Free Saddlery started sponsoring JennyLawton in 201 4. She have enjoyed watching hersuccesses with Brodie and are very much lookingforward to seeing her improve this year andhopefully over the years to come. Here is a quickupdate from Jenny about the new "man" in herlife.
The last few months have been very exciting as I haveacquired a new equine friend in the form of Moose, a 6year old 1 6.1 hh bay Irish sport horse. He is the mostchil led out horse I 've ever known and is also a realgentleman. He has come up from Devon where hewas being produced by Lucy Wiegersma and PadraigMcCarthy. I am SUPER excited about him as he wil lhopeful ly be the horse that I ride at Juniors with. He isso much fun to jump and although there is a lot ofwork to be done on his flatwork, he has crackingpaces and a positive mental attitude, so I 'm confidentwe wil l get there. I 'm aiming for our first event togetherto be at the beginning of Apri l so we have plenty oftime to cl ick properly.
MMaarrcchh PPrriizzee DDrraaww RReessuullttss
1 st Prize £20 voucher - Fiona Burnett
2nd Prize £1 0 voucher - Charlotte Case
3rd Prize £5 voucher - Jul ian Weston
Entry into the draw is simple. Simply spend
£40 or over and your name wil l be entered.
Jenny and Moose jumping at home
7
Phone: 01285 655384 ~ www.sydneyfree.co.uk - Facebook - Twitter #sydney_free
8
AREA 9 APRIL/MAY FIXTURES
(from the VWH PC Website)
01 .04 Set-up ral ly for ODE at Ampney Downs Farm
02.04 Arena SJ and XC at Wickstead Horseplay
03.04 Dengie SJ Final at Moreton Morrel l
03.04 Pony Racing at Cheltenham
03.04 VWH PC Horse Trials at Ampney Downs Farm
04.04 Dengie Dressage Final at Moreton Morrel l
04.04 Easter Egg Hunt at Bazeland Farm
04.04 Dressage Rally at Talland
07.04 XC Training at Lyneham
07.04 Mini & Junior SJ Rally at Wickstead
07.04 Arena Eventing at the Unicorn Trust
08.04 Int/Open XC Training at Lyneham Heath
08.04 ODE at Shipton Moyne
09.04 Mini Eventers Dressage at Rectory Farm
09.04 Horse & Pony Care Competition at Old Berks
09.04 Introduction to Coaching at Rectory Farm
1 0.04 Dressage Rally at Talland
1 0.04 Flatwork with Poles at View Farm, Minety
11 .04 B Tests and Lunge Test at Rectory Farm
11 .04 Polocrosse Rally at Hurstead Farm, Purton
11 .04 Novice/Int/Open ODE at Ason Le Walls
1 2.04 Novice/Int/Open ODE at Ason Le Walls
1 2.04 Flatwork & jumping 5-8yrs at Sheppards Farm
1 2.04 Open/Intermediate SJ Rally at Talland
1 3.04 Working Rally at Bazeland Farm
1 7.04 Gridwork Rally at Barnsley Park
24.04 Open/Intermediate SJ Rally at Talland
24.04 Working Rally at Rectory Farm
25.04 Mini/Novice Eventers XC at Rectory Farm
26.04 Polocrosse Rally at Hurstead Farm, Purton
26.04 Mini/Junior ODE at Andoversford
27.04 Working Rally at Bazeland Farm
28.04 SJ Rally at Field Farm, Minety
29.04 AH Standard Setting Day at Rectory Farm
01 .05 Open/Intermediate SJ Rally at Talland
03.05 Mini & Novice SJ Rally at Rectory Farm
05.05 Working Rally at View Farm, Minety
06.05 Polocrosse Rally at Hurstead Farm, Purton
1 0.05 Open/Intermediate SJ Rally at Talland
1 5.05 Working Rally at Barnsley Park
1 5.05 Working Rally at Rectory Farm
1 7.05 Mini/Novice Eventers Dressage at Rectory Fm
1 8.05 Working Rally at Bazeland Farm
22.05 Open/Intermediate SJ Rally with Brian Hutton
22.05 Working Rally at Rectory Farm
25.05 VWH Pony Club Show at Kemble
27.05 Mini & Novice SJ Rally at Rectory Farm
28.05 XC Rally at Rabson Manor
30.05 Dressage Rally at Talland
30.05 Mini/Junior/Novice ODE at West Littleton
30.05 Novice/Int/Open ODE at Hambledon BE Course
30.05 Junior Regional Tetrathlon at Moreton Morrel l
31 .05 Junior Regional Tetrathlon at Moreton Morrel l
CHANGE TO HAT STANDARDS
DOES THE NEW HAT RULE AFFECT YOU?The Main Points
~ If riders have hats certified to the EN1 384 they can
continue to use them unless stated otherwise by rules
of competition.
~ The Pony Club wil l not be allowing hats which are
only marked with the standard (BS)EN 1 384 after 31
December 201 5
The hat tagging procedure for 201 5 wil l now be:
~ Hats with only (BS)EN 1 384 wil l need a purple tag
~ Hats also marked PAS 01 5, Snell E2001 and/or
AS/NZS 3838 should be tagged with one of the new
white hat tags before the 31 st of December 201 5
In 201 5 hats bearing either white and purple tags wil l
be permitted in Pony Club activities. After 31 Dec 201 5
no hat bearing a purple tag wil l be permitted in Pony
Club activities
Pony Club
PONY FOR LOAN
To stay at home (north of Cirencester)
1 3.2hh Connemara pony needs a new rider
and friend. Loves being ridden, outings and
jumping. 1 00% on the roads. Needs a keen
young person or wil l take a small adult.
Tel 07502 934403
Previously it was always compulsory to wear a body
protector if the Member was wearing an air jacket.
With immediate effect this rule now only applies in
Cross Country and Pony Racing. In any other
circumstances air jackets may now be worn without a
body protector.
I f a rider chooses to wear an air jacket in Cross
Country or Pony Racing it must only be used in
addition to a normal body protector. Parents and
Members must be aware that riders may be permitted
to continue after a fal l in both competition and training
rides. In the event of a fal l , i t must be ful ly deflated or
removed before continuing, the conventional body
protector wil l continue to give protection. Air jackets
must not be worn under a jacket and number bibs
should be fitted loosely or with elasticated fastenings
over the air jacket.
CHANGE TO AIR JACKET RULE
9
Phone: 01285 655384 ~ www.sydneyfree.co.uk - Facebook - Twitter #sydney_free
JJUUNNIIOORR RRIIDDEERRSS && PPOONNYY CCLLUUBB
Please return to the shop for entry
You must be 1 6 or under to enter
APRIL/MAY JUNIOR COMPETITION
Answer 1
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Answer 2
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Answer 3
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Answer 4
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Answer 5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Name : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Phone : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WIN A GEL HANDLEDRIDING WHIP !!
How to enter:
Cut out this half of the page and drop it into
the shop when you next visit. I f you can't
come in then email shop@sydneyfree.co.uk.
You wil l need to be able to come in if you are
the winner to collect your prize.
Be sure to fi l l out your name and phone
number below so we know who you are and
how to contact you if you are the lucky
winner!
Find the answers to the questions below to
enter:
The answers to all these questions are in
this issue of our newsletter. Either fill in
the form below and drop it into the shop or
send your answers by email to
shop@sydneyfree.co.uk by 31 st May 201 5
to be in with a chance to win
Question 1
What item do the Gambian Horse and Donkey
Trust need people to donate?
Question 2
What safety item have Sydney Free just
started to hire out?
Question 3
Name one of the NAF products that you can
get from our shop
Question 4
What was the horse called that Nicky Holford
rode in Rajasthan?
Question 5
When did the first Badminton Horse Trials
take place?
Phone: 01285 655384 ~ www.sydneyfree.co.uk - Facebook - Twitter #sydney_free
1 0
SYDNEY FREE &NAFDid you know that Sydney Free are main NAF area suppliers and we have a huge range on
display in the shop. We are able to supply you all your NAF products, PRICE MATCH ALL
LOCAL SUPPLIERS* and have out of stock items delivered next working day.
*within a 20 mile radius but if you are visiting the area please ask
1 00's of NAF products
~
Loyalty points with
every purchase
~
Access to advice and
nutritional support
~
Next working day
delivery on any item
from the NAF range
~
Mail Order Nationwide
PLEASE MENTION TO ADVERTISERS THAT YOU SAW THEIR ADVERT HERE FIRST
11
There have been a lot of confused people since
the change in the hat rule was announced. You're
not on your own, it confused us too! Even staff at
the hat manufacturers have been confused when
we've called to ask questions! ! We hope that this
wil l help shed some light on the matter and how
things stand at the moment.
The hat standard that has been "removed" is the
BSEN 1 384. I f your hat is only certified to this
standard it is important to remember that this does
not mean that your hat is no longer safe, it sti l l
offers you the same great level of protection that it
did when you bought it. You can sti l l wear this hat
in competition unti l the end of 201 5 and out of
competition with no time limit (as long as it remains
in good condition, of course).
Most hat standards are revised roughly every 5
years but in the case of the BSEN1 384 no-one
could seem to come to an agreement so instead
they've taken the whole standard away! As it
stands at the moment, hats which were tested to
the BSEN standard are now being tested to a new
interim standard called the VG1 . You wil l see this
label coming through as manufacturers sell off
The Hat Rule - What Does It Mean?! !their BSEN stock and bring through the newly
tested hats.
IF YOU COMPETE YOU ARE ONLY AFFECTED
IF YOUR HAT IS ONLY CERTIFIED BSEN1 384.
IF YOUR HAT HAS PAS01 5 2011 OR SNELL
YOU WILL NOT BE AFFECTED.
The only hats that we have stocked that are only
BSEN standard are the Shires Lexington,
Gatehouse Conquest, Uvex, Charles Owen Fiona
and Champion Euro Jockey Deluxe. I f you have
bought any other hat from us then you wil l be
fine. We have a huge range of hats that wil l keep
you in standard : HS1 , Charles Owen 4-Star,
Charles Owen Junior Skull , Champion Junior
Plus Skull , Charles Owen AYR8, Charles Owen
H2000, Charles Owen SJ2000, Champion
CPX3000. Coming soon the Charles Owen YR8
and Charles Owen Hampton velvet hat,
Gatehouse Chelsea Air Flow Pro in suede and in
matt.
This table below is the clearest way we have
seen so far to tel l what hat standards you are
allowed (kindly sent from Gatehouse):
PLEASE MENTION TO ADVERTISERS THAT YOU SAW THEIR ADVERT HERE FIRST
1 2
SPRING / SUMMERRUG FEATURE -Torrent Lightweight Full Neck
Properties : Waterproof, ful l neck, 600D, cotton l ined
Useful for : protection from cooler wind and rain when
a medium weight rug is too warm
Price : £46.95
Horseware Mio Lite
Properties : 600D, waterproof, breathable, poly-l ined
Useful for : a great spring/summer/autumn rain sheet
in warmer temperatures
Price : £50
Amigo Bravo Turnout
Properties : Waterproof, breathable, 1 200D, hood and liner
loops, front leg arches
Useful for : tough outer great for horses that l ike to rip rugs, can
be worn with or without hood and or l iner so very adjustable
Price : £1 00
Amigo Bravo Neck
Properties : 1 200D, waterproof, breathable
Useful for : added protection on wet and
windy days with the Bravo turnout
Price : £40
Castle Light Weight Turnout
Properties : 600D, shoulder vents, waterproof
Useful for : protection from wind and rain especial ly for
broader horses as has shoulder vents and adjustable front,
neck cover available
Price : £59.95
Torrent Turnout
Properties : cotton l ined, 600D, shoulder vents, waterproof
Useful for : protection from wind and rain in warmer
weather, economical to replace!
Price : £34.95
Castle Light Weight Neck Cover
Properties : Lightweight, waterproof
Good for : extra protection from wind
and rain, attaches to Castle rugs
Price : £22.95
PLEASE MENTION TO ADVERTISERS THAT YOU SAW THEIR ADVERT HERE FIRST
1 3
How To Choose Your Rugs This SeasonRambo Sweet Itch Vamoose
Properties : 1 000D, si lky mane & tail l iner, Vamoose technology
Good for : top to toe protection for itchy & irritated horses & ponies! Impregnated fly repellent keeps
flying insects away. I f they get close there's not much of your horse available for them to land on! !
Price : £1 40
Rambo Plus Vamoose Fly Mask
Properties : detachable noseguard, formed for maximum
eye protection, No Fly Zone Vamoose technology
Useful for : horses with sensitive eye areas, horses easily
irritated by fl ies or get rubbed by other fly masks
Price : £37
Amigo Bugbuster Vamoose Limited Edition
Properties : sun reflecting fabric, deep sides and tai l
flap, Vamoose technology
Useful for : horses that are bothered by fl ies and biting
insects, l imited edition design
Price : £75
Horseware Mio Fly Rug
Properties : knitted polyester outer, deep tai l flap, integrated
neck cover
Useful for : l ight, soft fabric, ful l coverage for neck and body
Price : £44
Fine Mesh Fly Mask (available with or without nose)
Properties : fine mesh material , velcro fastenings,
ergonomic shaping
Useful for : great every day mask for horses bothered
by the fl ies.
Price : £1 4.99 or £1 5.99 with nose
Weatherbeeta Airflow Combo
Properties : soft mesh, ful l tai l & belly flap,
elastic insert at base of neck
Useful for : great quality with good coverage
Price : £64.99
Cameo Fly Combo
Properties : close knit mesh, ful l
neck with elastic base, large tai l flap
Useful for : Great value fly rug
Price : £39.99
SYDNEY FREE ROLL CALL
Good luck to our customers confirmed
as entries this year:
Paul Tapner Charlotte Agnew
Julie Tew Ben Way
Zara Phil l ips Alex Peternell (waiting l ist)
1 4
Phone: 01285 655384 ~ www.sydneyfree.co.uk - Facebook - Twitter #sydney_free
Badminton Horse Trials 2015
GRASSROOTS EVENT
Tuesday 5th May
9am - 5pm Dressage
Wednesday 5th May
9am - 5pm Dressage, SJ, XC
6pm approx Prize Giving
MAIN EVENT
Wednesday 6th May
8am Gates open
9am - 4.1 5pm Burghley Young Horse Event Class
4.30pm First Horse Inspection
Admission free after 4pm
Thursday 7th May
8am Gates open
9am - 5pm Dressage
1 2.30pm Dressage Display
Friday 8th May
8am Gates open
9am - 5pm Dressage
1 2.30pm Dressage Display
5pm Stall ion Display
Saturday 9th May
7am Gate open
1 0.45am Shetland Pony Grand National Display
11 .30am - 5pm Cross Country
Sunday 1 0th May
7.30 am Gates open
8.30 am Final Horse Inspection
1 0 am Church service
11 .30 am Showjumping (First Part)
2pm Band Display
2.30pm Parade of Competitors
2.45pm Showjumping (Top 20)
3.45pm Hound Parade
4 pm Prize Giving
PROVISIONAL TIMETABLE(as at 31 .03.1 5)
ADMISSION CHARGES 201 5
Vehicle Pass
£1 0 per day in advance / £1 2 on gate
Season Pass £28 in advance only
Vehicle pass does NOT include driver or passengers
Personal Admission
Wednesday £6 in advance/ £7 on gate
Thursday £1 4.50 in advance / £1 7 on gate
Friday £1 4.50 in advance / £1 7 on gate
Saturday £26 in advance / £28 on gate
Sunday £1 2.50 in advance / £1 5 on gate
Season ticket £50 in advance only
Grandstand Seating
Dressage £6.50 - £1 2.50
Dressage - unreserved also available FOC
Cross Country - no charge
Showjumping £9 - £35
Badminton Horse Trials is now one of the top three day
events in the world, let alone the UK, so here's some
fun facts and figures about our local event.
When the first competition took place in 1 949 and was
won by Golden Wil low there were only 22 starters from
two countries (Britain and Ireland) but this year there
wil l be 85 runners. The weather has fl ipped between
baking hot sunny days and torrential downpours over
the years, yet bad weather has only forced the event to
be cancelled four times : 1 966, 1 975, 1 987 and 201 2. I t
was also cancelled in 2001 due to Foot and Mouth
disease.
For the first event in 1 949 the prize money total led
about £500 with £1 50 going to the winner. At the 201 4
event the prize money total led approx. £330,000 and
the winner took home an impressive £80,000. Horses
Ballycotton, Over To You, Lenamore and Comanche
share the record for the most times a horse has
completed the event, whilst Lucinda Green (nee Prior-
Palmer) has won the event a record 6 times and
Andrew Nicholson has completed the event more times
than anyone else - an astonishing 33 times! The first
female to win was Margaret Hough on Bambi V way
back in 1 954.
One fact you won't find on the Badminton website -
Sydney Free customers have one this prestigious event
twice.
PLEASE MENTION TO ADVERTISERS THAT YOU SAW THEIR ADVERT HERE FIRST
1 5
Tack Repairs @ Sydney Free WorkshopWe can repair your tack, boots, luggage, shoes, gun cases, leather car seats and so much more!
7 Great Reasons to use the Sydney Free Workshop
1 ) We can guarantee a quick turn around of your repairs if you need them back for a show or competition. Just let
us know in advance
2) Saddle fittings and/or reflocking can usually be arranged within 1 week.
3) Our workshop is now open for you to visit and speak with the Master Saddler.
4) We can repair or service your riding boots, new zips, soles, heels, repair of holes and worn out leather.
5) Your repairs will be carried out by qualified saddlers not apprentices or trainees.
6) Our Master Saddler, Nigel Higgs has so much experience with the most complex or unusual jobs since starting
with Sydney Free in 1 978.
7) We are the preferred TACK REPAIR service for hundreds of local Gloucestershire riders, come and see
why.
MAIN EVENT
Wednesday 6th May
8am Gates open
9am - 4.1 5pm Burghley Young Horse Event Class
4.30pm First Horse Inspection
Admission free after 4pm
Thursday 7th May
8am Gates open
9am - 5pm Dressage
1 2.30pm Dressage Display
Friday 8th May
8am Gates open
9am - 5pm Dressage
1 2.30pm Dressage Display
5pm Stall ion Display
Saturday 9th May
7am Gate open
1 0.45am Shetland Pony Grand National Display
11 .30am - 5pm Cross Country
Sunday 1 0th May
7.30 am Gates open
8.30 am Final Horse Inspection
1 0 am Church service
11 .30 am Showjumping (First Part)
2pm Band Display
2.30pm Parade of Competitors
2.45pm Showjumping (Top 20)
3.45pm Hound Parade
4 pm Prize Giving
BIT APPEALThe Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust are in desperate
need of donations of UK style bits to distribute to local
farmers. Many farmers work their horses and donkeys
using rusty Senegalese bits or simply rope tied through
the animal's mouths. As you can imagine, this causes
horrific mouth injuries. Many of the horses and donkeys
we treat have wounds which are so easily avoidable by
using a correct bit. Sadly, the poor quality of metal out
in The Gambia means that it is not possible to
manufacture UK style bits in the country and, as such,
we rely entirely on shipping out donated bits from the
UK.
When having a tackroom clearout, or when purchasing
a new bit, please give your old one a second life and
donate it to the Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust by
sending it to the address below. Donating a bit is one of
the easiest ways to make a difference to a working
equine in The Gambia. Thank you.
Please send bits to :
The Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust
Brewery Arms Cottage
Stane Street
Ockley
Surrey
RH5 5TH
Telephone 01 306 627568
OR NFU Mutual are allowing some of their offices to be
used as drop off points. Find out more at
www.nfumutual.co.uk/gambia
NeilHe may be small in stature but one of the biggest
characters at Gambia Horse and Donkey is Neil . He
has his own paddock made with wire imported from
the UK to keep him in and other animals out as he is
not very keen on sheep, goats and dogs. He has in
the past got us into big trouble by injuring trespassing
ruminants, but he adores attention and hugs and
although he drags Ngara (our donkey manager) at
high speed to and from the paddock, when he is
actual ly put to work he is probably the slowest donkey
in The Gambia! Having said that he has walked the
length of The Gambia pull ing a cartload of
photographic equipment, a journey of some 970km on
a charity exhibition to raise funds for Gardens for
Children. He came back in superb condition which just
goes to prove that providing donkeys are well cared
for, well harnessed and well fed they have the abil ity to
cover great distances and work hard.
Find all the information on Neil and other horses
and donkeys at gambiahorseanddonkey.org.uk
Donkey In The Spotlight
GGaammbbiiaa HHoorrssee && DDoonnkkeeyy TTrruusstt
Phone: 01285 655384 ~ www.sydneyfree.co.uk - Facebook - Twitter #sydney_free
1 6
Useful NumbersPolice / Fire / Ambulance 999
Cirencester Police 1 01
NHS Direct 0845 4647
Cotswold District Council 01 285 623000
Cirencester Town Council 01 285 655646
BT Fault Line 0800 8001 51
MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown 01 452 371 630
Cirencester Hospital 01 285 655711
Oak and Furrows 01 285 862439
DEFRA 08459 33 55 77
Westonbirt Concerts Line 03000 680400
ATS (tyre repairs at your yard) 01 285 657761
Dog Lost (local Contact) 07887 71 7586
Governing Bodies
BHS 024 76 84051 3
British Dressage 024 76 698830
BSJA 024 76 698800
FEI +(41 ) 21 31 0 47 47
British Eventing 024 7669 8856
HPA 01 367 242828
Pony Club 024 76 698300
British Riding Club 024 76 840590
BSHA 01 462 437770
BHRA 0207 1 520000
British Driving Society 01 473 892001
Diary Of Events
Vets
Bourton Vale(H) 01 451 8201 37
Wil lesley Equine Clinic (H) 01 666 880501
Benson & Babb 01 285 6531 51
George Group Horse 01 666 826456
George Group Small Animals 01 666 8231 65
George Group Farm Animals 01 666 823035
Wessex Equine 01 793 739220
Local Polo Clubs
Beaufort Polo Club 01 666 88051 0
Cirencester Polo Club 01 285 653225
Longdole Polo Club 01 452 864544
Asthal l Farm Polo Club 01 367 860207
Local Hunts
VWH Hunt 01 666 577399
Beaufort Hunt Hon. Secretary 01 666 823292
Cotswold Hunt Hon. Secretary 01 451 85031 9
Heythrop Hunt Secretary 01 608 676478
Sydney Free Saddlery
Shop 01 285 655384
Website www.sydneyfree.co.uk
facebook www.facebook.com/sydneyfreesaddlery
Twitter #sydney_free
To list in this monthly calendar please email newsletter@sydneyfree.co.uk
APRIL / MAY 201 5
8 Apri l - Rectory Farm Combined Training sponsored by Sydney Free Saddlery
9 - 1 0 Apri l - Easter Camp at Barton End Stables
11 Apri l - Cirencester Farmers Market
to 1 2 Apri l - Great Egg Hunt at Cotswold Farm Park
1 2 Apri l - Evening Unaffi l iated Dressage at Rectory Farm sponsored by Sydney Free Saddlery
1 8 Apri l - Sherston Market
26 Apri l - Evening Unaffi l iated Dressage at Rectory Farm sponsored by Sydney Free Saddlery
5 - 1 0 May - Badminton Horse Trials
8 - 1 0 May - Addington British Dressage Premier League
9 May - Basic Bushcraft Course, Forest of Dean
1 6 - 1 7 May - Chatsworth International
1 7 May - Evening Unaffi l iated Dressage at Rectory Farm sponsored by Sydney Free Saddlery
22 May - RAU May Ball Polo, Cirencester Park Polo Club
22 - 24 May - Lechlade Music Festival
23 May - Cirencester Farmers Market
24 May - Cirencester Park Fun Ride
25 May - VWH Pony Club Kemble Show
28 - 31 May - Houghton International
30 May - Owl Evening at Cotswold Falconry Centre
Please do check our Facebook page to see if we are open out of hours or do call the shop during the week
to check if we are working late. Remember we have FREE PARKING!!