Equi-Ads October 2012

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October 2012 The UK’s No.1 Equine Health, Management and Training Magazine

Soaked and un-soaked feeds explained

Top tips for winter survival

Bedding down for winter

WINWORTH OF

PRIZES FROM BLUE CHIP

over £500

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Equi-Ads

reader

offer:

Product Description Size/Price Qty Total (£)

EquiFlex® – joint health care 496g @ £19.95

EquiHoof® – hoof health care 372g @ £13.45

EquiMSM™ – joint health care 600g @ £14.95

EquiSenior™ – complete health care 496g @ £14.95

NEW EquiCalm® – natural calmer 434g @ £16.95

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PLEASE DEDUCT EQUI-ADS READER OFFER OF £2 -£2.00

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Developed by leading veterinary experts, our advanced supplements are

packed full of high strength quality ingredients in highly palatable

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Prices worth celebrating!

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Only£14.95Pure distilled MSM, the perfect partner to EquiFlex.2 months’ supply

Only£14.9515 vital nutrients for older horses.1 month’s supply

Only£13.45All-in-one hoof formula.1.5 months’ supply

Only£16.95For naturally calmer horses.1 month’s supply

Only£19.95Super strength glucosamine HCl.2 months’ supplyVe

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All VetVits equine products are sold and delivered by Healthspan UK Ltd. To order by mail, please make cheques payable to ‘Healthspan UK Limited’ and post with this order form to: VetVits, PO Box 64, St Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 3BT. Prices featured are valid until 30.11.12. 1Free postage and packaging applies to UK only. Allow 10 days for delivery. Calls may be recorded for training purposes. Our Customer Charter provides a no-quibble refund on our products and a guarantee that your personal data will not be passed on to any third party. 2Last three digits on the back of your card. If you would prefer not to receive any future product updates please tick this box:

Name (Mr, Mrs, Ms, Miss): ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Address: ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Post Code: ........................................................................................................................................................................Tel. No: .................................................................................................................................................................................

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Valid until 30.11.12

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EQA-VOT

Healthspan UK Limited, Registered in England and Wales, Company Regisration No. 7485064, VAT No. GB 108880305 Witan Gate House, 500-600 Witan Gate West, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK19 1SH, United Kingdom.

Equi-Ads

reader

offer:

Product Description Size/Price Qty Total (£)

EquiFlex® – joint health care 496g @ £19.95

EquiHoof® – hoof health care 372g @ £13.45

EquiMSM™ – joint health care 600g @ £14.95

EquiSenior™ – complete health care 496g @ £14.95

NEW EquiCalm® – natural calmer 434g @ £16.95

Subtotal

PLEASE DEDUCT EQUI-ADS READER OFFER OF £2 -£2.00

FREE Postage and Packaging1 FREE

Total order value £

Developed by leading veterinary experts, our advanced supplements are

packed full of high strength quality ingredients in highly palatable

forms at a fraction of the price of other leading brands.

Prices worth celebrating!

Spend less... Get more!

Only£14.95Pure distilled MSM, the perfect partner to EquiFlex.2 months’ supply

Only£14.9515 vital nutrients for older horses.1 month’s supply

Only£13.45All-in-one hoof formula.1.5 months’ supply

Only£16.95For naturally calmer horses.1 month’s supply

Only£19.95Super strength glucosamine HCl.2 months’ supplyVe

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October 2012 www.equiads.net 1

Events 2, 52 - 53Blue Chip Competition 4 Field & Stable 7 - 9News 7Arenas 8Bedding 8 - 12Feed Hygiene 13Feeding 13 - 28Horslyx Competition 16Have your say 18Soaking Feed 20 - 28Health Care 28 - 34Worming 28 - 29Physiotherapy 32Choke 34Horse Behaviour 36Insurance 36 - 39Training 38 & 40Tack & Turnout 41 - 47Schooling 42Winter Survival 44 - 52Horses for Sale 55Photographers 56Interview with Natasha Baker 56

Contents

Available on the 1st of the month. Equi-Ads is published monthly by:

Equi-Ads LimitedOffice 1, Tay View Estate, Friarton Road, Perth PH2 8DG. To advertise, please call

01738 567700 Fax: 01738 567776

www.equiads.netPlease send editorial to:Office 1, Tay View Estate, Friarton Road, Perth PH2 8DGFax: 01738 567776 Email: [email protected]

Vetrofen, an all natural powerful anti-oxidant for comfort and mobility.Vetrofen is a proprietary blend of natural plant extracts from Scutellariabaicalensis and Acacia catechu.

The plants have been used in foods and health products for thousands of years, especially in Japan and China. The two key ingredients, in Vetrofen have been studied extensively around the world and recognized for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as their exceptional safety profile. The ingredients in general are the healthful ingredients that give color to vegetables, fruits, cocoa, red wine and green tea.

The plant extracts of these ingredients found in Vetrofen have been scientifically formulated to find key extracts of the plant flavonoids, baicalin and catechin. Flavonoids are compounds with anti-inflammatory and

anti-oxidant properties, and these have been studied extensively and are recognised for their potency.

Vetrofen can help provide short-term relief from a strain or bruising, as well as long term support for the stiffness and arthritis associated with old age, with no side effects and no banned substances. Vetrofen represents a whole new approach to managing knocks, bumps and joint mobility/ osteoarthritis by uniquely addressing the dietary imbalances of the metabolic processes involved, rather than merely focusing on the symptoms and masking the problem.

Please contact Animalife® for more information on VetrofenWebsite: www.animalife.co.ukTelephone advice line: 0845 365 00 50

Keep in Touch!Don’t miss out - keep up to date with all the latest news and events by following us on Facebook.

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Buy from your local equestrian retailer or visit www.animalife.co.uk.FREE nationwide delivery. For more information call 0845 365 0050Express worldwide delivery available.

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NEW RANGE IN STOCK Ask about our new range of performance nutraceuticals.Also available for your horses joints:

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October 2012www.equiads.net2

FEATURING

LORENZO GILLES FORTIERCLÉMENCE FAIVRE LOS RIOS

JOEL CHACON HAP Ô TEMPO

A UNIQUE CHANCE TO SEE AN AMAZING LINE-UP OF WORLD-LEADING EQUESTRIAN ARTISTS IN THE UK

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VISIT HORSEWORLDLIVE

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ProPerty AbroAdBrittany & NormandyCardyke Overseas PropertiesProperties suitable for horses at a fraction of UK prices.Tel: 01775 630 008

SAddlerySoUTh EaSTAndrew Reilly SaddlersSpoods Farm, Tinkers Lane, hadlow Down, East Sussex TN22 4ET. Tel: 01825 830484.

WormingEaSTRegular worm egg counts can save money! 6-8 weekly spring through autumn £5 each. Church Farm FEC [email protected] or 01728685638

FeedingThe Haylage Co.a cost effective alternative to hay. Based South hertfordshire, we deliver to locations nationwide.Telephone: 07836 514 435 or 07831 454 166Email: [email protected]: www.poloforage.com

WHoleSAle Thinking of starting your own equestrian retail business?Then contact us Hucklesby AssociatesEquestrian Wholesalers to the tradeWebsite: www.hucklesbyassociates.co.ukEmail: [email protected] for a free trade e-catalogueTel: 01362 696309 Fax: 01362 696582

Directory

Incredible fast-moving stunts, amazing acrobatics, breath-taking special effects and beautiful horses! Adrenaline is guaranteed to get your heart racing. This is a unique chance to see an action-packed line-up of amazing artists performing together for the first time in UK. Buy one ticket and see six shows in one. Lorenzo will perform his Emotion show – demonstrating his ability to guide 12 horses as they run free in the arena. Without reins or saddles, Lorenzo stands tall on the backs of two of the horses as they perform amazing jumps and dance to the music. This performance has to be seen to be believed. Gilles Fortier and his troupe Zarkam will perform their Ma show combining Chinese acrobatics in darkness and at high-speed through pillars and rings of fire. The combination of special lighting effects, pyrotechnics, powerful music and acrobatics creates a rush of excitement through the audience.

Clémence Faivre and her huge stallion Gotan perform a beautiful ballet to music. This incredible relationship shows amazing control, grace and elegance. Los Rios is a family troupe with 3 brothers and one of their 12 year old daughters demonstrating gymnastics whilst jumping on and off horses at break-neck speed. Bright lights and real action makes this performance truly breath-taking. Joel Chacon provides some light-hearted entertainment so that you can catch your breath. This comedy double-act between Joel and his horse is reminiscent of a Parisian silent movie. Hap Ô Tempo gives the audience a glimpse into their love affair. With traditional acrobatics, trapeze work and vaulting, these Cirque du Soleil heroes are excited to be performing in London for the first time.

DON’T MISS OUT – tickets are selling fast. See www.EquiCirque.com for more information.

NEW LONDON EVENTAdrenaline 16-18 November, ExCeL, London


Feeding • Horsebox • Tack & Turnout

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The greatest range on earthThe “low salt miles” salt lick for all stockRockies are made in Cheshire from salt extracted from the ground only 14 miles away. The salt we use is human food grade PDV salt-exactly the same as that on your table. We then add top quality essential trace elements in exactly the right amounts to suit your horse, and press it into very hard licks.Why burn all that fuel by dragging lumps of Himalayan rock salt, with accidental levels of minerals and impurities, all the way from Pakistan when you can get the real stuff on your doorstep?Rockies are made to do a specific job. That job is to ensure the health of your horse. Don’t settle for anything less.Rockies. Protect your horse. Protect the planet.

Contact Rockies on: 01606 595022 or [email protected] www.rockies.co.uk



Field & Stable • News

We know that caring for your horse is not a simple matter. That’s why, since 1947 we’ve combined first class form with unbeatable style to match that of even the highest quality thoroughbred.

From perimeter fencing to stables and field shelters, all of our great British products are designed to your specification, and installed by specialists. Our expert advice from start to finish ensures the highest security. And our 25 year guarantee means that all of our products will stand the test of time.

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To view our full range visit www.jacksons-equestrian.co.ukor call 01233 750393 for a brochure.

YOUR VISION OUR GUARANTEE

Head Office: 653 Stowting Common, Ashford TN25 6BN. Also at Bath and Chester.Visit our ‘Show Yard’

in The Village at HorseWorldLive 16-18 November,

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62 • June 2009 • Equi-Ads

Classified • Directory

CUMBRIA SCHOOL OF SADDLERYIntensive, enjoyable one-week coursesSmall groupsRE-FLOCKING COURSES AVAILABLEEstablished 12 yearsYou never know where it might lead!Ring (01768) 899919email: [email protected] find all the details at:www.saddlerycourses.com

WINTER SPECIALSWALL MATS, PROTECTION & ANTI CAST

FROM £7.49M 2 + VATSTABLE MATS ALL TYPES FROM ONLY £8.33M 2 + VAT

QUATTRO - 01768 864977

Stephen WilliamsEQUINE DENTAL TECHNICIAN

Equine Dental Care At Its BestBEVA Qualified, Fully Insured Member of BAETD

Devon/Cornwall Areas CoveredTel: 07831 359 299

Ron Fields Nutrition

SEE THE DIFERENCE,TRY

REMOUNTTHE PROVEN PRODUCT

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'You name it, I’ve tried it.Until 7 weeks ago

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Can be obtained frommost stockists and manyveterinary practices orFOR INFORMATION

01432 851001www.ronfieldsnutrition.co.uk

WESTCOUNTRYHAYLAGEProduced Supplied & Delivered

By NICK HILLIERLarge & Small Bales of QualityHaylage, Hay, Straw & Alfalfa.

We also supplyDust Extracted ShavingsPlease Call 07860 298330

NFUMutual insure

Your horse and Your horsebox

Call your local agent Fiona Traquairon 01629 582 025

Visit NFU Mutual Office,The Old Carpenters Shop,The Cliff, Matlock,Derbyshire DE4 5EW

Agent of The National Farmers UnionMutual Insurance Society Limited.

www.equestriancourier.co.uk

Freezemark Ltd. Oxbow Farm, Avon Dassett, Southam,Warks CV47 2AQFax: 01295 690080 e-mail:[email protected]

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Unwanted intruders can be anywhere!So get your horse freeze marked to deter theft

and give positive identificationFreezemark Ltd offer standard marks

or you can choose your own mark - e.g. BEN - GEM - 007.Give your horse the protection it deserves.

Details / Bookings telephone 01295 690090or visit our website www.freezemark.biz

Don’t delay - tomorrow may be too late…

FREEZE MARKAND STOP THEFT!

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Are pleased to launch the 20kg small bale 25/30 bales to the pallet delivered.A cost effective alternative to hay!

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The Haylage Co.• Big bale size: 1.25m x 0.90m x 0.90m rectangular • Weight: 220kg • Protein: 9-11% • Moisture Content: 27-30%

• Delivered: 2 bales to the pallet; Off loaded by driver/forklift; Fully wrapped on delivery;Open bales last 10-14 days before spoilage occurs; Prices on application

Telephone 01923 268609 Mobile 07836 514 435Order/Fax 01923 268380 Mobile 07775 736 376Telephone 01923 268609 Mobile 07836 514 435Order/Fax 01923 268380 Mobile 07775 736 376

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CrematoriumHorse & PonyCremationGenuine IndividualCremation.Leyland & CheshirePet Crematorium.Tel: 01772 622466

Horse TransportSouth CentralHoofmoveBrighton, Sussex.Tel: 0845 0620088.Mob: 07958 701651.www.hoofmove.co.uk

South EastChiltern and ThamesHorse TransportDefra Approved. FullyLicenced. Fully Insured.London Immission ZoneCompliant. Fitted with CCTVMonitors for horses safety.24hr Emergency Call Out. Formore information please callTel: 07711 1700 01 or email:[email protected]. www.cthorsetransport.co.uk

Property AbroadBrittany & NormandyCardyke OverseasPropertiesProperties suitable forhorses at a fractionof UK prices.Tel: 01775 630 008

SaddlerySouth EastAndrew ReillySaddlersSpoods Farm, Tinkers Lane,Hadlow Down, East SussexTN22 4ET.Tel: 01825 830484.

WormingEastChurch Farm FaecalEgg CountingThe Spring grass is growingand it is time to consider yourworming strategy. Worm eggcount £5 [email protected] 685638

EQUJun09-E.qxd 21/5/09 12:21 Page 62

Blue Chip’s sponsored show team at Glenwood Stud International have had an amazing 2012 with Senruf Primula taking the Champion In Hand, Supreme Champion In Hand and eventual Supreme of Show at the Connemara Breed Show at Osbaldeston last month. Adam Forster from Glenwood Stud says “We have had an incredible year so far and Senruf Primula taking the Supreme title at the breed show is such a fitting accolade to a fantastic, promising young mare.”

Senruf Primula is a stunning 4 year old, who was bred by Margaret Furness. She is a class one Connemara mare who has recently been broken in and is already showing enormous promise under saddle.

Lizzy Wadey has joined leading feed company TopSpec, well known for their range of feed balancers and other innovative horse feeds, as an Equine nutritionist.

A keen horse rider and competitor, Lizzy gained a BSc (Hons) in Biology from the University of Nottingham, and has been involved with horses from an early age coming up through the Pony Club where she gained her B test.

Lizzy currently has two horses, a Belgium Warmblood and a Connemara/Irish Sport

Horse who are eventing at Intermediate and BE100.

“As well as eventing I enjoy team chasing, dressage, side saddle and competing on Riding Club teams,” said Lizzy. “I am very much looking forward to the new opportunities my role at TopSpec will bring and feel very fortunate to have gained the position in such an experienced and forward thinking team.”

Outside of riding Lizzy enjoys cross country running and photography.

Glenwood Stud takes Supreme of Show

Lizzy Joins TopSpec Nutrition Team


Arenas • Bedding • Field & Stable


Bedding • Field & Stable

Fiona Reed

The nights are drawing in, the temperature is dropping, the horses are producing their winter coats and we need to prepare for the inevitable winter routine. Daily mucking out and general stable management is an essential part of the daily ritual and the bedding we use is vitally important to ensure we have the time and finances to also enjoy our horses when time and daylight are in short supply.

Everyone’s situation and set up is different so the bedding that will suit one person (or horse!) will not necessarily suit another. Gone are the old days when the sum total of choice was which variety of straw you preferred, and now there is a wide and varied choice of bedding options and combinations. Most of us will be happy to use the same type of bedding we have always used and are unlikely to change, but many are looking to see what the options are. Whether it be to save time, money or space, it is always good to keep our minds open to change and keep an eye on new ideas and products.

All types of bedding should provide the following:• Warmth• Comfort• Encouragement to lie down• Encouragement to urinate• Cleanliness for both the horse and his rugs

In addition we also need to consider things that may be essential to our own individual needs, including some of the following, which will have a differing level of importance to each of us:• Cost of initial bed• Cost of weekly topping up• Efficiency of drainage in stable(s)• Availability• Space for storage of new bedding• Ease of disposal, space and time of breakdown • Amount of Dust or Spores (if horse or human has allergies)• Time to muck out each day• Policy of yard if on DIY Livery• Personal preference Straw, although the most traditional of bedding, and probably still the most widely used particularly in larger yards, is used less and less with one or two horse owners or with those who have

limited storage space. Usually only available in larger quantities, and more time consuming in mucking out, it’s quality is also very variable depending on the weather when harvested and baled, and small bales are becoming much harder to come by as farmers prefer to bale in larger bales. However it gives a very warm, cosy bed and is comfortable for the horse. Wheat, barley and oat straw are all slightly different to work with and the choice is down to individual preference.

Shavings are probably the first choice of bedding in most yards nowadays and offer the opportunity for purchase on a small order basis, therefore needing little storage or no large single outlay. Mucking out is usually quicker and produces less to fill the muck heap, although this will rot down slower if being utilised for field or garden. Readily available with consistency of product and can also benefit from extras such as dust extraction and variation of ‘flake’ size. Works well in conjunction with rubber mats and is equally suited to skipping out or full muck out daily. Suitable for most horses and owners

In the current financial climate many horse owners are looking at ways of reducing costs without compromising on the quality of care they provide.

MEGAZORB could be one solution. Its amazing absorption capacity means that once the initial bed is down very little bedding is required for the upkeep.

By simply removing the very wet patches and topping up the bed

as and when required costs are dramatically reduced. Not only that but the time taken to muck out and the amount of waste for disposal is greatly reduced.

Why not give MEGAZORB a try and see if you can save time and money on your bedding costs this year? For details of your nearest stockist visit our website www.northerncropdriers.co.uk

Bedding down for winter

Save time and money this winter with Megazorb

cont. on p.10



with COPD and dust allergies.

Hemp/Flax was launched onto the market a decade or so ago as a by-product of the linseed crop and is available in most feed and agricultural outlets, but not used as regularly as shavings. Daily maintenance and management is similar to shavings however, although it is quicker to rot on the muck heap and makes better manure and compost. Most manufacturers recommend little or no interference with the base of the bed once established; only removing droppings.

Paper/Cardboard is much favoured by racing yards and competition yards as it is completely free of dust and spores, therefore excellent for horses with intense allergies, or where freedom of the airways is essential for optimum performance. Recycled from the paper

industry, paper is usually in shredded form and cardboard in small discs. Soft to lie on and very absorbent, all soiled bedding needs to be removed on a regular basis to avoid the build up of ammonia, therefore not suitable for those who like to semi-deep-litter during the week and fully muck out when they have more time at the weekend. It breaks down well and speedily on the muck heap, but is prone to blowing around the yard if not contained.

Paper or Wood Pellets are the newcomers to the bedding market but proving very popular once their unique way of use is understood and accommodated. With the initial bed being wet to expand the pellets and make a soft and workable bed, any further top up is added dry and will soak up any urine within the bed. Ideal for those who skip out during the week

cont. from p.9

Stable Mats can assist you in mucking out more efficiently and smarter - your horse will be healthier, you will have more time to ride and more money left in your pocket. However if you use EQUIMAT stable mats there are more benefits to have than just providing a low dust environment for your horse and saving on the volume of bedding required.

EQUIMAT is made using a unique blend of rubber and EVA. Pure EVA mats can thin and stretch out of shape, the special blend used by EQUIMAT means they retain their cushioning over time. This guaranteed cushioned support creates the safest of environments for your horse or pony, lessening the danger of capped hocks.

The team at EQUIMAT continue to lead the field to improve the stable

environment by developing the innovative anti-bacterial Equimat Plus which incorporates Silver Ion technology, a natural anti-bacterial, to safely destroy the bacteria and ammonia build up which cause respiratory infections.

Finally if you like a girly splash of pink around the yard, then look out for the limited edition Pink EQUIMAT, which has been launched by customer demand and aims to raise £1000 to support breast cancer research through Cancer Research UK.

Available in two thicknesses EQUIMAT is easy to fit and light enough to lift by yourself should you wish to clean underneath.

For more details call EQUIMAT on 01536 513456 or visit www.equimat.co.uk

Verdo Horse Bedding is more cost effective than traditional bedding such as shavings, because it’s cleaner, more comfortable, less smelly, less wasteful, easier to use, more hygienic and is also biodegradable. Verdo wood pellets are made in the UK from locally sourced timber. They are FSC certified, meaning that they are produced from well managed forests

and do not contribute towards global deforestation. A pallet of Verdo Horse Bedding is typically a nine month’s supply for an average horse and costs £290 (includes VAT and delivery to mainland UK). Visit www.verdohorsebedding.co.uk or find us on Facebook www.facebook.co.uk/verdohorse

The benefits of Equimat

Horse bedding delivers cost, comfort and environmental benefits

cont. on p.12



Lay-Soft Equine, Horse and Animal Bedding is a soft chip bedding that moves very little making it a hygienic comfortable, warm bed for the horse. It is dust-extracted and super-absorbent - making it a cleaner, healthier solution for drier stables whilst also helping “mucking out”.

In addition Lay-Soft’s inherent properties include: • Sterilised without the use of any chemicals - for a cleaner, healthier horse• Made from recycled white wood - ensuring an environmentally friendly product• Odour elimination properties - reducing the smell of ammonia in the air• A lower spore count than most other available animal beddings, and it is also free from all known contaminants• Does not attract vermin as with other bedding material such as straw • “Stay-dry” top layer - the Lay-Soft chip bedding stack allows liquids to run through and be absorbed at the bottom of the stack, whilst allowing the top parts to dry off and remain warm for the horse • Provides excellent protection against C.O.P.D. through a massive reduction

in stable dust (excellent for “box walking” horses)

Additionally, because Lay-Soft does not cling to either the horse or its accessories (rugs etc.) this ensures that your horse stays cleaner, and means that YOU have fewer chores to do!

But Lay-Soft is not just good for the horse, it has advantages for owners also, including: it is cost-effective and economical; won’t blow about the stable or yard; the plastic wrapping enables you to store the 25kg bales outside and they won’t degrade or spoil, even in Winter.

All this makes for more riding time and less on the mucking out and ... after use Lay-Soft is bio-degradable and an excellent temporary weed suppressant - so you can be sure that you are “doing your bit” for the environment and lowering yours and your horse’s carbon footprint! To find out more - Telephone: 01709 524115Fax: 01709 521700Mobile: 07957 377237Email: [email protected]: www.lay-soft.co.uk

Lay-soft advantages for horse and rider


Bedding

and then removing the wet patches at the weekend. Very biodegradable and as soiled bedding is heavier than many others is less prone to blowing around. Takes up very little storage space, but a minimum order is often required.

Rubber Mats or the more permanent granulistic rubber flooring are a major investment that can bring huge savings in the long run as they can greatly reduce the size and amount of bedding required. Available in a variety of sizes, density (sponginess), with ridged, pimpled or rippled surfaces, some interlocking and in a range of colours... there is even a limited edition of pink

currently on the market in aid of Breast Cancer! They are suitable below most bedding types, but with straw the stables need to have good drainage to prevent pooling of urine beneath the mats. Be wary of damaging the mats with sharp mucking out tools, as they are easily ‘stabbed’. Although not suitable for overnight stabling without any form of additional bedding, rubber mats do tick most of the boxes for the essential bedding requirements. They create warmth – indeed water buckets are far less likely to freeze over in a stable with mats, even in the coldest weather – comfort, and encouragement to lie down, but on their own they will often deter a horse from urinating.

Unless the box is swept clean of dung and urine on a very, very regular basis it is difficult to keep the horse or his rugs clean. Whether a light scattering of bedding is used, a small bed or even the same size of bed as you would use without mats, then these disadvantages are completely overcome. In addition matting can help prevent capped hocks and elbows, relieves stress on joints particularly on horses who do not lie down often, or those who weave at the door.

If you are interested in any new bedding but do not wish to commit without seeing it in use, your local merchant may be able to supply you with names

of users in your area who could show the bed in situ and give their opinions on how it works for them.

Whichever bedding you choose for your horse, it will only perform to its optimum with good stable management. Be generous with the depth of bed you put down and thorough with your mucking out. Leaving half-dirty bedding in your box is a false economy, as it will only contaminate the good bedding.

Ultimately the best bedding is the one you feel happiest working with, and I personally like to see a nice bed that I would be happy to curl up in!

cont. from p.10

Stable Fresh

BedSoft Equine BeddingAquamax- Experience the difference

Equimins’ Stable Fresh is a dry disinfectant powder that can be used in the horse’s stable as well as around the yard, in horseboxes, trailers and even in kennels.

The product eliminates the smell of

ammonia, and is anti-viral, antifungal and antibacterial. It works on both

concrete and matting and is easy

to use, just sprinkle onto a clean surface, as and when required, and that’s it. This powder is particularly good for those who don’t have time to let a stable floor dry after disinfectant application, as it can be sprinkled on and then the bedding replaced immediately.

Stable Fresh is available in 5 kg and 10 kg quantities, and prices start from £26.50.

Also now in a smaller 2.5 kg eco bag priced at £14.45

Stable Disinfectant Concentrate (Microlat)

Stable Disinfectant (Microlat) is a more conventional disinfectant product, supplied in a concentrated form, making it exceptional value for money.

The product is safe and is made from essential oils. It’s bactericidal and fungicidal yet safe enough to use on open wounds when diluted correctly. It can be used from a bucket, and can also be a sprayed into the air or onto surfaces using mist sprayer, or even onto chopped straw where it will act on

bacteria.

Microlat Stable Disinfectant is available in 1L and 5L quantities, where 1L will make up 160L of ready to use disinfectant and has a RRP £17.89. Now also available in a handy 250 ml bottle

which will make up to 40 litres of disinfectant priced at £7.99.

For more information see www.equimins.com, email [email protected] or call 01548 531770.

The BedSoft range of equine bedding products are specially formulated from locally sourced wheat straw, oilseed rape straw and woodshavings. The straw is processed using a unique shredding process; it is then treated with a state of the art dust-extraction method. All BedSoft bedding then receives the special BedSoft Trus-

STEED bio-security treatment, which features anti-viral, antibacterial and insect repellent properties – protecting both horse and owner.

Trus-STEED is a leading bio-security treatment that provides extra protection at home and when stabling at shows. There are four available products in the range - BedSoft Original, Bedsoft Blend, BedSoft Bio and Bedsoft BioPlus – providing bedding suitable for all horses.

For more information and to find your nearest stockist, please visit www.bedsoft.co.uk or call 01277 375647.

Aquamax wood crumble bedding immediately soaks up urine, dries it out and takes harmful ammonia out of your horse’s environment in the stable or horsebox. Aquamax is a refined wood crumble made from pure pine whitewood fibres that are naturally antiseptic. It contains a natural property that suppresses ammonia, which is not only unpleasant, but can have a detrimental impact on the horse’s respiratory system…it’s also less than pleasant for the horse’s owner. This light and fluffy bed is simple to manage as mucking out involves removing the horse’s droppings and tidying up. Due to this, there’s a reduction in the time it takes to muck out, the waste removed from the stable and, therefore the size of the muck heap. Better still, after use, soiled bedding quickly biodegrades and can be spread onto the land – or given to local allotments for fabulous compost.

Despite all these positive benefits Aquamax is also very cost effective to use, with most people using just one bag per week. Aquamax is available in 13.6 kg bags which have a RRP £6.95. Experience the difference, visit www.aquamax.co.uk to find your nearest stockist or ring us on 01285 648240 if there is not a stockist near you or you would like to find out more.




Feeding

Dr Derek Cuddeford, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of EdinburghFeed hygiene

In this article I intend to focus on concentrate feed that includes cereals and compounds. Arguably, there is more legislation and regulation involved with the manufacture of products designed to be fed to animals than there is in the production of products for feeding to

humans. One can understand the need to control what is fed to animals when they are part of our food chain. But, as we do not knowingly eat cats or dogs and since horses, that are to be eaten, are mostly exported to our chums in the rest of Europe one wonders why the regulations are so strict. Of course, our horse-eating neighbours in mainland Europe force a lot of legislation upon us via Brussels which adds to our own UK laws! Thus, pity the poor feed manufacturer that has to comply with all this legislation. Have you looked at a bag of feed recently? It is covered in translated information covering all the EU countries so changing any data on a bag of feed requires huge expense. In some respects the extreme legislation that impacts upon the manufacturing of horse feed is all rather silly as the majority of horses survive largely on forages and, apart from racehorses, every daily ration for a horse is dominated by forage. Of course, if the forage is “manufactured” and put in a bag then the “rules” apply. In contrast, forages sold in the “loose” are uncontrolled and can be full of harmful agents such as poisonous

plants, fungal toxins, inhalable mould spores, bacteria such as Clostridium botulinum and Salmonella species, wild herbs (valium?), poppy seeds (opium?) and so on.

To give you some idea of the mandatory and voluntary controls in place for animal feed manufacture in the UK consider the following. All businesses that grow, manufacture, place on the market, import, mix, store or transport material that is, or will become animal feed, are required to be registered or approved as a feed business under the Feed Hygiene Regulations. Once registered, Companies can go further to ensure the highest standards of food hygiene.

For example, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is the world’s largest developer and publisher of international standards. ISO 9001 is the world’s primary quality framework setting the standard for quality management systems. The award of ISO 9001 to a feed company demonstrates that company’s commitment to providing products

and services that are of the highest standard. Another well-established attribute of a first class horse feed manufacturer is to be registered in the Universal Feed Assurance Scheme (UFAS). Essentially, this is a code of practice for the manufacture of safe animal feeding stuffs and is managed by the Agricultural Industries Confederation. This organisation uses independent sources to confirm compliance by a feed company with the UFAS code of practice. This scheme is based on the principles established by a process known as Hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) which is a systematic, preventive approach to food safety but is also used in other industrial processes. It is used to identify physical, allergenic, chemical, and biological hazards in horse feed production, processes that might cause the finished product to be unsafe and, it designs schemes to reduce these risks. I hope you are impressed by all this!! But, horse feed manufacturers producing feed for competitive horses can go further..............

cont. on p.16




Competition

The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) has introduced two assurance schemes designed to reduce the risk of Naturally Occurring Prohibited Substances (NOPS) such as caffeine, theobromine, morphine, etc appearing in equine feeds thereby reducing the risk of disqualification. There is also a sister scheme designed for the provision of raw materials and straights (such as soya, oats, etc) known as the Feed Materials Assurance Scheme (FEMAS). To be sure that the horse feed/supplements you buy conform to all these standards look for the appropriate logos that should be printed on the bag/container.

After all this rather boring regulation and excessive use of acronyms we must ask the question “Why is food hygiene important for horses”? Well most obviously the first priority is to keep our horse alive! Then it must be usable in the athletic rather than the gastronomic sense and when in competition, we do not want it to fail a drug test although there are options here for the rider...........but remember, you can be fined for being drunk in charge of a horse although the police maintain there are no defined parameters for this offence. The Government’s chief

adviser on drugs famously said in 2009 that “ecstasy was less dangerous than horse-riding” –one wonders how informed this “comment” was and, if the two should go together, would this lessen or increase the risk? Joking apart, there are several real issues of food hygiene that all horse owners must be aware of.

You must bear in mind that it is highly unlikely that you will ever purchase any manufactured feed from an accredited horse feed manufacturer that will not be of the highest hygienic standard. However, inappropriate storage can render any quality purchased feed unsafe. One of the basic requirements of good food storage is maintaining a rodent-free environment. Leptospirosis, more commonly referred to as Weil’s disease can be “caught” by persons handling rodent urine-contaminated feed or water. The bacterium enters the body via the mucous membranes or damaged skin. Rodents are also a source of Salmonella, an organism that is renowned for causing serious outbreaks of food poisoning. Toxoplasma, a protozoan parasite, causes another serious disease that can result in abortion or congenital defects during human pregnancy and can be acquired from the faeces produced

by cats. The latter are always lurking around stables in the hope that they will help control rodents but they are always looking for a convenient latrine - open bags of feed or floor-stored feed can supply this need! As women and girls are the major force around horses there can be a real risk that they could become infected. This risk of infection can be heightened if the stables keep a breeding flock of sheep as part of the pasture management programme since lambing sheep can be another source of infection. Insects such as weevils, mites and beetles are small and less obvious threats but can render feed unpalatable. Furthermore, damaged grains are more likely to mould, become oxidised and rancid and thus present a health threat to your horse. Wide swings in ambient temperature can create all sorts of problems in relation to food storage because it causes changes in the moisture content of the air. Everyone is familiar with the condensation that occurs on “cold” metal surfaces as temperature rises and when relative humidity is high. Thus, if metal containers are used there remains the risk of condensation and development of a fungal-friendly environment. Plastic is an alternative. However, you must realise that horse feed will always contain some water and if

stored in an airtight, plastic container there remains the risk of moulding following large changes in ambient temperature. Anti-moulding agents are often incorporated in compound feeds but if unprocessed cereals are used then there is no “protection”. Whilst fungal loads are reduced/eliminated during horse feed manufacture there is always the presence of air-borne fungal spores within every environment where horses are kept. They can colonise any substrate that contains some surface water. Key features of good food storage are effective ventilation and a dry environment. Thus, stables must impose a rigorous hygiene protocol around the storage of purchased cereals and compounds to avoid any of the above.

The take-home message in relation to feed hygiene is that it is false economy to buy horse feed that has not been produced by an accredited manufacturer as described above. Furthermore, you must remember that unlike wine, horse feed does not improve with keeping; like human food it has a sell-by/use-buy date. So, if a lengthy storage period is unavoidable, make sure your facilities are “up to scratch” and that any food is kept in a rodent/cat-free environment.

cont. from p.14


Cost Effective Feeding


Feeding • Have your say

The nights are starting to draw in, days are getting shorter and its time to start thinking about what to feed your horse or pony over winter. One of the main considerations in winter is maintaining a high fibre diet, this can sometimes be challenging with grass in limited supply and daylight hours reduced. It is still vitally important however to maintain a constant ‘trickle feed’ of fibre as this is how the horse’s digestive system has evolved to operate and leaving it without a supply of fibre for long periods can cause digestive upsets such as ulcers and colic and even stable vices such as crib-biting and wind sucking.

Horses and ponies that are good doers still require the essential daily vitamins, minerals and nutrients for optimal digestive health and correct gut functioning. This is why feeding a superior quality feed balancer can solve this problem. Blue Chip feed balancers are nutrient dense and are therefore fed in small quantities. Mixes or nuts can often be reduced by half the manufacturers recommended amounts, and you can rest assured that your horse is getting a balanced diet.

Blue Chip Original is the perfect everyday feed balancers for horses and ponies in light to medium work, youngsters and breeding stock. Original

contains an EU approved probiotic that has been proven to double the digestibility of fibre, meaning your horse or pony will get twice as much out of the fibre in their diet, which will be invaluable this year where good quality hay and haylage may be at a premium. Original, as with all the balancers in the Blue Chip range, contains a complete hoof and respiratory package, alleviating the need to feed additional supplements.

For veterans or those who struggle to maintain condition throughout winter, feed Blue Chip Pro which has an elevated level of vitamins and minerals and as well as the EU approved probiotic, and a MOS prebiotic which removes pathogenic bacteria from the hind gut and encourages the beneficial bacteria to thrive. Pro also contains a blood building formula to aid oxygen transportation, essential for hard working horses and ponies.

If you have a good doer or laminitic, Blue Chip Lami-light is the ideal way to ensure they still get a balanced diet without the worry of unwanted weight gain.

All Blue Chip balancers contain the revolutionary ingredients Nucleotides, which are the building blocks of DNA and RNA and are found naturally in the diet, however at low levels. Adding a purified form of Nucleotides which are included in Blue Chip balancers can aid digestion and nutrient absorption, as well as muscle recovery, immunity and stamina.

To ensure your horse or pony remains fit and healthy with a nutritionally balanced diet this winter and making the most from the fibre in their diet, feed them a Blue Chip balancer for complete peace of mind.

Benefits of feeding the Soft ‘n’ Soak Range

Have your say - Buttercups

All products from the Soft ‘n’ Soak Range are designed to be fed soaked to form a soft textured mash.

Originally produced for horses suffering from digestive upsets this range of high fibre feeds has multiple benefits from youngsters and competition horses through to veterans.

Each one of the high fibre feeds is designed to help to encourage better digestion throughout the hind gut being particularly valuable for horses requiring a diet that is sympathetic on the digestive system, helping avoid the possible onset of colic and gastric ulcers in competition horses on a high cereal diet.

By feeding a soaked feed you will be helping to increase water intake and maintain hydration whilst helping to

eliminate irritants being inhaled which may affect the respiratory system. For horses that have previously suffered an episode of choke the soft textured mash will help improve palatability, aiding chewing and swallowing.

The latest addition to the Soft ‘n’ Soak Range is one of the highest fibre, highest oil feeds on the market - Solution Mash. Designed for horses requiring a specialist diet this has a very low starch and sugar content and is combined with natural herbs spearmint, garlic and fenugreek are also included are digestive enhancers and high levels of antioxidants.

To find out how the Soft ‘n’ Soak Range can benefit your horses diet contact Rowen Barbary on 01948 880598 or visit www.rowenbarbary.co.uk

Following on from other readers’ comments in previous issues, I too have a pony who has taken a bad reaction when grazing amongst buttercups. He has no white so it is not a pigment thing, but he also had sores around the sides of his mouth. This has not happened since I’ve had my own fields but I try to keep on top of spraying for them each year, but it has not erradicated them, it is just keeping them at bay and stopping the flowering.

It should also be noted that I cut my fields for hay/haylage and even with buttercups in the bales there have been no adverse reactions to this. Susan Fairfield

Previous issues of Equi-Ads can be found on our website www.equiads.net

Winter Feeding


Health Care


Feeding

Soaked feeds explained

A solution to declining grass nutrition

Adding water to your horse’s feed or providing a soaked feed, such as one containing sugar beet, is common practice for many horse owners. But what are the benefits of providing a soaked or dampened feed? Briony Mitchell MSc, nutritionist at Allen & Page explains.

To find out why adding water to feed is beneficial, it is important to look at the role of water in the horse’s body.

Water is consumed by the horse

through both drinking and eating and makes up roughly 65-75% of the mature horse’s body. As with all species, water is essential for life, transporting nutrients and other substances around the body and helping food move through the digestive tract. Also acting as a medium for metabolic processes, water plays an important role in regulating the temperature of the horse.

How much is required?

The amount of water needed for healthy bodily function depends on a number of different factors including workload, environment (humidity and temperature), reproductive status (lactating mares will need more water for health and milk production) and the type of feed given.

The water content of horse feed varies widely, from as high as 75-80% in fresh growing grass, 10-15% in cubes and mixes, to as low as 10% in quick dried

forage (dehydrated grass or alfalfa). An adult horse at maintenance will need around five litres of water per 100kg of body weight per day, but this can often be higher depending on the individual horse. The amount of water taken in by the horse is proportional to the amount of dry matter eaten (feed minus the water content), therefore the amount of water consumed will decrease as the moisture content of the diet increases. However, the composition and

cont. on p.22

Grass nutrition declines during the autumn months due to two reasons; firstly when the grass becomes old, it forms a tough outer layer called lignin, which is virtually indigestible and challenges the most robust equine digestive system. Secondly, when the temperature constantly drops below 5 degrees Celsius, the nutritional levels drop dramatically, so even if the grass still looks green and is growing, it will

provide little feed value to the horse.

Hickstead Horse Feeds Leisure Balancer is a concentrated feed balancer, designed to be fed in small amounts, providing essential vitamins, minerals and quality protein without the energy or calories of a conventional mix or cube. It is suitable for horses and ponies at rest or in light to moderate work, particularly those who are prone

to weight gain. With a digestible energy of 9.7 MJ/kg and a starch content of 8.9% it is also suitable for horses and ponies at risk of laminitis.

Hickstead Horse Feeds Leisure Balancer also contains Yea-Sacc, which has been scientifically proven to improve fibre digestion and the inclusion of Bioplex minerals and Selplex selenium will maximise nutrient availability.

One bag of Hickstead Leisure Balancer will last a 500kg horse for a month, and it is very competitively priced at £17.99 for a 15kg bag, thereby saving on feed bills.

Please feel free to contact us via the details on our advert below, or via our Facebook page: Hickstead Horse Feeds, or via twitter: hicksteadhorsef. We really are very friendly.


Health Care


Feeding

digestibility of the diet can significantly affect this relationship, for example, increasing dietary fibre will increase water intake.

During exercise and/or when in a hot climate the horse needs water to help regulate temperature - an increase in air temperature from 13 to 21◦C can raise a horse’s requirement for water by up to 20%!

Soaking benefits

There are many benefits of providing a soaked feed or adding water to a cube or mix prior to feeding as it mimics the relatively high moisture content of the horse’s natural diet (typically based on grass).

Studies have shown that the moisture content of feed can affect chewing and time to swallow in the horse. This research suggests that increased moisture content of a feed, results in a decreased need for saliva production.

The amount of saliva produced by the horse can be as much as 10-13 litres per day, depending on the diet. The action of chewing is needed for saliva production in the horse, therefore, a diet consisting mainly of forage will produce more saliva (as more chewing is needed), than a diet mainly containing

‘hard’ feed (such as pellets or mixes).

As saliva helps to neutralise stomach acid, lower saliva production can have a significant effect on digestive health, including an increased risk of stomach ulcers, emphasising the importance of forage in the diet. However, feeds that are soaked can help to decrease this risk, even with less chewing, as saliva consists mainly of water.

Saliva also helps food that is too dry from sticking in the oesophagus (food pipe) which can contribute to a condition called choke (where the oesophagus becomes blocked with food). While feeding small amounts of pelleted products dry does not usually cause a problem, issues can arise when larger quantities are fed dry. This again reinforces the benefit of feeding a soaked or dampened feed as the moisture content can help to prevent the feed from sticking.

Although dry pelleted feeds have often been associated with causing choke in horses that bolt (rush) their feed, in reality, horses that eat too fast can choke on any type of feed. In these cases, methods to slow down the rate of eating (such as placing large smooth stones in their feed bowl, pre-feeding with forage and/or adding chaff) can be effective to extend eating time.

Soaked feeds and dental health

Another situation where a soaked feed is beneficial, is for horses with dental problems. The importance of dental health for good digestion cannot be over-emphasised: regular visits from a qualified equine dental technician or vet are essential to ensure good health and ultimately ensure maximum use of nutrients within feed. Dental problems, in particular in the older horse, can lead to weight loss, choke and digestive disturbances. For most older horses, by the time they reach their thirties, most of the tooth may be worn down to the roots, leaving them with little ability to chew and digest feeds that they would normally eat. In situations like this, offering a soaked feed can quite literally be a life saver, ensuring that the horse can still take in all the nutrients they need in an easy to manage form.

For those that struggle to manage long fibre (such as hay or haylage), some soaked feeds can also be fed as a partial or complete forage replacement. In these cases, providing soaked feeds or adding water to a pellet to create a softer consistency, reduces the amount of chewing required, making eating more comfortable for the horse.

Aiding recovery

Soaked feeds can also be beneficial for sick horses, or those recovering from surgery, providing a palatable

way of encouraging fluid consumption. Soaked or dampened feeds can also be effective for concealing supplements and medication. Increasing moisture content through adding water to the diet also has the effect of reducing dust content, which is of particular benefit to those suffering from respiratory problems.

Making the most of moisture

A major advantage of providing a soaked feed or adding water to a cube or mix is that it can help to increase the amount of water consumed. This can be beneficial to the horse throughout the year, however additional water must always be supplied.

Water deficiency, for many different reasons, can occur during both the summer and winter months. Horses not receiving enough water (or those without access to water) are more likely to suffer digestive disturbances. If the horse does not receive enough water, feed being digested may not pass normally through the gut, which can result in impaction colic.

During the winter months, the amount of water a horse consumes may be reduced, either through horses being reluctant to drink icy cold water or due to water supplies freezing over. Providing a soaked feed (which can be

cont. from p.20

cont. on p.23


Feeding

New Great Value Range of Alfalfa Feeds From HorseHageHorseHage has launched a brand new range of Alfalfa products to its Mollichaff range - Mollichaff Alfalfa Light, Mollichaff Alfalfa and Mollichaff Alfalfa Oil.

All three products offer great value and are made with top quality, UK-grown, dust-extracted alfalfa, each complemented by other ingredients to ensure that there is an exciting new alfalfa option for every horse and pony!

Alfalfa supplies not only a great source of highly digestible fibre, but high quality protein along with naturally low levels of sugar and starch. It is also a great natural source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, including Vitamin E and selenium. All of the Mollichaff Alfalfa products contain the nutrient rich leaf as well as the stalk of the plant.

Mollichaff Alfalfa Light is a high fibre forage and can be used as a partial hay replacer. The alfalfa in Mollichaff Alfalfa Light is blended with high quality oat straw, providing a great source of highly digestible fibre. Plus it is low in sugar, starch and energy levels making it suitable for laminitics, overweight horses or those that need a low energy diet. It carries the HoofKind logo.

Mollichaff Alfalfa is a palatable, high fibre forage, providing high quality

protein that is highly digestible and of course still naturally low in sugar and starch. By providing a “slow release” energy level that is similar to medium energy hard feed, Mollichaff Alfalfa offers a far more natural feed to replace cereals in the diet. The high palatability makes it great for fussy feeders.

Mollichaff Alfalfa Oil provides controlled energy and condition for horses and ponies. Mollichaff Alfalfa Oil combines pure alfalfa with a generous dressing of pure soya oil and contains no molasses. The energy level is similar to that of a medium energy hard feed, providing ‘slow-release’ energy and will not cause the fizziness or excitability associated with grains. This makes it ideal for horses and ponies that require increased condition or energy. Plus Mollichaff Alfalfa Oil carries the HoofKind logo to denote that it is naturally low in both sugar and starch, making it suitable for laminitics.

As with all the products in the HorseHage and Mollichaff range, the new alfalfa range will be backed by our 100% quality guarantee and offers great value for money.

For more information on the best alfalfa feed for your horse or pony, please call the HorseHage Helpline on: 01803 527257 or visit www.horsehage.co.uk

soaked in warm water) will provide an additional water source. The amount of water a horse consumes can also be a concern during the warmer summer months, where water requirements can increase significantly. Additional considerations such as travelling and competing can further increase the amount of water needed, and in addition to this, create situations where the horse may be reluctant to drink. This is where being able to boost the amount of water consumed by providing a soaked feed can be invaluable.

For horses on a restricted diet or those given a ‘token’ feed, providing a soaked feed also offers advantages. Soaking has the effect of increasing the volume of dry feed. Therefore, even a small feed (when measured in dry weight) will help to keep the good doer satisfied.

Practical considerations

Although there are many benefits of feeding soaked feeds there are a few practicalities to bear in mind. Always

follow the manufacturer’s instructions with regard to soaking times, ratio of water to feed and feed preparation. It is also worth noting that when measuring out a feed which needs soaking, recommended amounts are most commonly given in dry weight: it is important to be aware of this to make sure you provide the correct amount. Soaked feeds should ideally be prepared as close to feeding time as possible, with particular consideration in very hot or very cold weather, as extremes in temperature can spoil the feed.

In summary, the horse’s natural diet would consist of a large proportion of feed high in moisture, however, modern feeding practices often mean that our horses are not provided with enough. By providing a soaked feed or mixing feed with plenty of water, you are more closely replicating the natural diet, therefore helping to keep your horse happy and healthy.

To find out more, or for helpful advice on feeding your horse or pony, visit www.allenandpage.com or call the nutrition helpline on 01362 822 902.

cont. from p.22


Feeding

Soaked and Unsoaked FeedsDr Tom Shurlock of British Horse FeedsThe obvious difference between soaked and unsoaked feeds is, of course, water. What do we mean by soaking? Why should we be concerned that soaking can make a difference as a horse will drink when it is thirsty?

Firstly, soaking is somewhat more than adding some water and leaving it for a while. Feed ingredients have different properties and this is true of their ability to take up water (Water Holding Capacity – WHC) and retaining the water when subjected to some form of pressure such as the forces involved in moving feed along the gut and those involved in absorption across the gut wall (Water Binding Capacity – WBC). Cereals, for example, have low WHC (so tend to become a mash rather than a soaked product) and low WBC whilst forages have a moderate WHC but a high WBC; this means it is held and voided out through the faeces. No problem for a grazing animal where grass oversupplies moisture, but a point to consider when feeding hay.

Secondly, drinking will obviously supply water but as it does not happen at the same time as eating the horse is losing some of the mechanical and physical properties of inherent water. Mechanical action of chewing of a soaked feed will aid cellular disruption and drive salivary juices into the matrix of the feed. The feed will have improved ability to absorb stomach acids which is an important part of the digestive process and the inherent moisture will help maintain the bulk during gut transit. Being saturated throughout, the horse’s enzymes have greater ease of access to nutrients which will improve small intestine digestibility.

Because of the tremendous reflux of water in the horse’s gut – for every litre of water ingested the body pours 4 litres into the gut by way of saliva and secretions – there is a massive re-absorption in the hindgut. For a 500kg horse, for example, up to 100 litres of water circulates through the gut daily. Free water (that drunk or present in mashes) can be more freely absorbed in the stomach and small intestine and so is lost as a medium for enzymes to circulate in the feed, compromises gut transit and reduced absorption takes place in the hindgut. Trial work has shown that water balance (that taken in as feed and drink, less that lost in urine, faeces and sweat) can vary tremendously depending on the type and state of the feed.

In order to provide a good medium for gut motility, nutrient availability and hindgut function (both for water absorption and as a medium for microbial fermentation) certain criteria should be met.

1. The feed should have a high WHC. High inherent moisture not only mimics the horses natural feed, it provides the correct basis for subsequent processes.

2. It should have a low WBC. Too much water held and released in the faeces has the potential to dehydrate the animal (although an extreme example, the physical manifestation of diarrhoea is food rushing through the gut so quickly water cannot be absorbed in time).

Whilst cereal based feeds and forages do not meet both criteria it is probably better for high WHC to be coupled with high WBC as digestion and proper gut transit can compensate for slightly damper droppings.

However Speedi-Beet may hold the solution. Beet pulp is known as an excellent basis for soaked feeds. Many fast soaking feeds contain beet pulp and the pulp draws the moisture into itself down to cellular level.

In-house trials have shown that Speedi-Beet has a high WHC, up to 50% greater than conventional pulp and – perhaps more importantly – a lower WBC. More water can be ingested with the feed and more is absorbed in the hindgut.

Fibre-Beet contains Speedi-Beet as its beet pulp source, as do a number of branded products. The inclusion of Speedi-Beet not only ensures rapid and in-depth soaking, it also helps maintain the horse’s water balance.

For more information on Fibre-Beet and Speedi-Beet contact British Horse Feeds on 01765 680300 or visit www.britishhorsefeeds.com


Health Care • Worming


Feeding

Cool things down with new SPILLERS® Cool Mix™

Haylage Balancer will maximize the benefits of roughage & help maintain a healthy gut environment…

Keep calm and carry on riding with new SPILLERS® Cool Mix™. It’s now cooler than ever before to help encourage the positive behaviour you want from your horse, when you’re out and about this winter.

The newly formulated SPILLERS® Cool Mix™ has even more carefully controlled levels of starch, to help keep your horse stay chilled. The special, non-heating formulation also contains soya oil and includes magnesium, which is known for its calming properties, to provide the perfect balance between safe energy, control and condition.

Clare Barfoot BSc (Hons) RNutr, the research and development manager for SPILLERS® said: “It’s especially difficult for riders during this time of year to find the balance between providing their horse with enough energy and condition while keeping him cool, calm and enjoyable to ride. Choosing a non-heating product with controlled starch levels, together with added magnesium should help you reduce the risk of unwanted excitability.”

Look out for the new SPILLERS® Cool Mix™ packs in-store and keep your eye on Facebook for an exciting competition for six people to win a month’s worth of SPILLERS® Cool Mix™.

For friendly feeding advice on keeping your horse cool this winter call the SPILLERS® Care-Line on + 44 (0)1908 226626, email [email protected] or visit www.spillers-feeds.com

Haylage Balancer will help your horse thoroughly digest and maximise his roughage intake, allowing him to gain full value from it, whilst helping to maintain a happy, healthy and comfortable gut.

What is Haylage Balancer?... An advanced, totally natural, nutritional support formula that will help neutralise and absorb excess acids in the gut, whilst slowing down the rate of passage of partially digested food through the gut, thus maximising the digestion of roughage. The benefits…Feeding Haylage Balancer as part of your horse’s daily diet will help to settle the gut but minimising the production of acid and any potential acidic build up. So, your horse will become more

comfortable and therefore happier and healthier within himself.

There are other advantages too - you may find you can cut back on the quantity of hard feed given, you could find your horse will be cleaner in his stable, saving you time and money on bedding…so, not only will your horse be happier, you will be too!

Haylage Balancer retails at: 1.8kg (30 days supply): £17.95; 3.6kg (60 days): £27.50; 9kgs (150 days): £55.00

Available from NAF stockists nationwide. For further details please call the NAF Freephone Line: 0800 373 106 or log on to www.naf-uk.com

As winter approaches many people will have the problem of a shortage of hay after a long wet summer. Forage will have been cut later than ideal and will analyse lower in energy and protein compared to previous years. Whilst this is great news for owners of good doers it will mean increasing the quantity or the quality of the hard feed given for the rest of us to keep our horses in correct condition over the winter.

Good-doers in light to medium work who live on ‘fresh-air’ should be fed a vitamin and mineral supplement or low calorie feed balancer like TopSpec Lite feed balancer. If necessary, hay can be fed soaked for approximately 12 hours in ample fresh cool water to reduce its calorific content. Care should be taken with autumn grazing – although most laminitis is seen in the spring and summer month’s, good doers who have put on too much condition over the summer are very susceptible to a bout of laminitis in the autumn if the grass grows rapidly. Grazing for susceptible animals should be restricted accordingly – either by limiting turnout time or by making the turnout area smaller.

If your horse is not a good-doer make

sure his feeds don’t become too big to be efficiently digested. Horses that get sharper in the winter may also benefit from smaller more digestible feeds, keeping sugar and starch levels as low as possible. A typical 16hh 500kg horse should not have more than 2kg dry weight in a feed so don’t be tempted to add lots of chaff and sugar beet to feeds to bulk the feeds up. Instead base your feeds on a conditioning feed balancer like TopSpec Comprehensive feed balancer (e.g. for show horses and performance horses), TopSpec Cool Balancer (for horses in light to medium work) or TopSpec Senior feed balancer (for elderly horses requiring the benefits of a feed balancer and a joint supplement). A smaller hard feed which will be more nutrient dense will be more effective in keeping condition on your horse. Don’t be put off by the cost of feed balancers – a 20kg bag lasts a typical 16hh 500kg horse for 40 days and a 250kg pony for 80 days. Not all feed balancers are the same – it is worth comparing the specifications before you choose so that you get the results you want.

Keeping horses rugged and warm will help to reduce the energy used by the horse and therefore reduce the amount of feed he needs. Regular

visits by a qualified equine dentist will ensure that your horse can chew his fibre effectively. In a year when most forage will be cut late, and be stemmy and coarse this will be more important than usual. And don’t forget that an effective worming program will mean that you are not wasting feed. It is vital that correct wormers are used at the right times of year for a worming program to be effective.

Forage should wherever possible be fed ad lib, and doing so will reduce feeding costs as by improving the amount of nutrients sourced economically and as microbial digestion of fibre acts as a central heating system for the horse to keep him warm. As a result of decreased forage quality this winter feeding a feed balancer will help to maximise your horse’s utilisation of the fibre available. This will be more cost effective and more palatable than adding lots of supplements, probiotics and oil to feeds. Feeding a balancer will also save money on specialist supplements so for example TopSpec Comprehensive feed balancer contains the following supplements at the therapeutic levels; Hoof Supplement, Vitamin E and Selenium Muscle Supplement, B vitamins, Blood Tonic and Probiotics (improve digestibility).

Straights can be utilised along side feed balancers and where, for example good quality oats are available, this may be a cost effective way of feeding. TopSpec produce a range of blends designed to be fed with a feed balancer or a supplement and are a superb alternative to straights because they are balanced for calcium, salt and magnesium; the major deficiencies of straights. If you are looking for a ‘Non-Heating’ regime look for very low sugar/starch cubes formulated without cereal grains i.e. TopSpec FibrePlus Cubes, CoolCondition Cubes or Performance Cubes. You may also take advantage of other fibre sources like unmollased alfalfa or unmollased sugar beet.

The best advice I can give you is to ring a nutritionist for advice tailored to your own horse or pony.

Free, helpful feeding advice available on 01845 565030 or visitwww.topspec.com

Cost Effective Winter Feeding

In this issue TopSpec Senior Nutritionist, Katy Mickle B.Sc Hons provides advice on feeding throughout the winter months.


Health Care • Ligaments


Feeding • Health Care • Worming

Leading equine vets and SPILLERS® join forces to help tackle equine obesity

Calming with added calcium and a money back guarantee

HORSES INSIDE OUT CONFERENCE 2013 - Assessment and Asymmetry

Nupafeed Goes Policing!

A “non soak” conditioning feedPerfect for sustaining all horses and ponies in maintenance or light work.

Two leading equine vets, in consultation with trusted horse feed manufacturer SPILLERS®, have launched a veterinary approved weight control diet for horses and ponies, under the new brand of EQUINE VETERINARY FEEDS.

Concerned about the serious equine obesity problem in the UK, Equine vets Andy Durham from Liphook Equine Hospital and Duncan Harrison from Priors Farm Equine Veterinary Surgery, found that many horse owners are receptive to extra guidance and support from their vets. With this in mind they consulted with nutrition experts at SPILLERS® to formulate a special weight control diet to be fed under veterinary supervision.

“With more horses and ponies in this country being classified as overweight or obese, there is an increased risk of associated health problems, including recurrent laminitis, equine metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and lethargy,” explains Andy Durham. “We are aware that many horse owners struggle to recognise that their horse is overweight, yet they may listen more readily to a veterinary diagnosis of obesity and take on board the benefits of feeding a specialist diet to tackle the problem effectively.”

Working with SPILLERS® to formulate the new product was the obvious choice for Andy and Duncan, given the feed manufacturer’s association with the

WALTHAM® Equine Studies Group and their impeccable research credentials in the fields of laminitis and obesity.

Clare Barfoot BSc (Hons) RNutr, the research and development manager for SPILLERS® said: “Horse owners tend to have immense respect for their vet and are thus more likely to be receptive and compliant when a weight loss diet is recommended. It’s extremely exciting to have been involved with this project, not least because it should really help to combat the problem of equine obesity.”

Duncan Harrison continued: “Dieting overweight ponies offers tremendous long-term health benefits but should be undertaken with care. The diet will only be sold via vets as it is important that the weight loss programme is monitored professionally. We expect vets to offer this diet to their clients as part of a broader weight loss plan including blood testing, portable weighbridge sessions and general management advice.”

EQUINE VETERINARY FEEDS Weight Control takes the form of a low calorie, fibre based balancer designed to balance a restricted forage diet, enabling calorie restriction whilst maintaining adequate levels of other essential nutrients.

Speak to your vet to find out more about how EQUINE VETERINARY FEEDS may be of benefit to your horse or pony.

Equimins’ popular Serenity Calming Supplement now includes a very digestible source of calcium, to help effectively calm excitable behaviour and induce a serene composure.

Serenity Calming Supplement still contains high levels of very digestible sources of magnesium, B vitamins and four carefully selected herbs (ginkgo biloba, passion flower, chaste tree berry and skullcap), but now has the added benefit of calcium.

“Serenity has been improved with calcium, and now is an even better way to calm a nervous or excitable horse,” says David Willey from Equimins. “New research shows that this has a profound influence on the brain and induces a calm, serene attitude. As you’d expect, the calcium included is highly digestible, meaning it’s of maximum use to the horse and, when combined

with the original ingredients in Serenity, it works extremely well, and doesn’t cause

lethargy.”

Equimins are so confident in this product that they offer

a money back guarantee if the horse’s owner doesn’t see a difference in their horse. This is something that the company offer on a number of products in their range, giving the customer extra confidence.

New Serenity Calming Supplement is available in 1kg, 1.5kg and 3kg tubs, where 1kg will last for 40 days when fed at a rate of 25g per day, which is the suggested dose for medium sized horses. If required, the dosage rate can be doubled for really troubled horses or those in very stressful situations. Prices start from £24.25.

For more information see www.equimins.com, email [email protected] or call 01548 531770

THE RAMADA HOTEL AND ARENA UK GRANTHAM 23RD 24TH FEBRUARY 2013.EARLYBIRD OFFER ENDS 31ST OCTOBER 2012.

“Just to say thank you for the Nupafeed MAH which I started Joey on the day it arrived. Joey had a very bad fright whilst working which set him back and he has been very nervous since, not at all himself. After just two days I could see a massive difference in his behaviour, he just seemed so much more relaxed and generally happy. Since then the Nupafeed has made a massive difference to his training progress, temperament and his attitude to work, he is so chilled out!! Having seen the improvement in Joey I will now also be using MAH on some of our other horses who returned from the Olympics looking a little tucked up and stressed. Thank you so much, Nicky and Joey!” Nicola Middlemiss, Cleveland Mounted Police It has been a true joy for everyone here

at Nupafeed to be able to help these remarkable horses that we ask so much of.

The 2013 conference will be looking at various aspects of assessment and asymmetry of both horse and rider. With world leading experts in their fields, a comfortable venue and a varied and interesting programme, this high profile conference is of interest to riders, coaches, competitors, therapists, saddlers, farriers and equine/animal/veterinary/BHS students. Speakers and TopicsDr Meike van Heel - Right and Left Handedness and the Development of Symmetrical Performance.Dr Lars Roepstorff - Spinal Movement and the Influence of the Rider on the Horses’ Back.Andy Thomas - Rider Asymmetry.

Haydn Price - Limb Differential. David Kempsell - Fitting a Saddle to an Asymmetrical Horse.Adam Kemp - Practical Demonstration of the Role of Correct Training.Caroline Moore - Practical Exercises to Develop Symmetry and Balance – a Trainers Perspective.Gillian Higgins - An Anatomical Perspective.Yogi Breisner - Reflections on the Olympics. For more information, early bird offers and how to apply for this conference, please visit:www.HorsesInsideOut.com [email protected] ring 01159 212648

Fibregest is a combination of digestible “super soluble” fibres derived from cooked sugar beet pulp, alfalfa leaf meal and lean black oats, together with added seaweed meal, bio-available minerals, vitamin E and Oatinol. Fibregest maintains the slow rate of passage of feed through the foregut.

It provides conditioning and energy reserves for light work. A 20kg bag of Fibregest retails at £11.20.

For more information or to order, please visit: www.gwfnutrition.com or call GWF Nutrition direct on 01225 708482.



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Health Care

Okay, so I looked like a dishevelled flight attendant after his night shift and I refuse to ever wear the pink and purple ever again but I’m here or was there. For the tears, the joy, the brutality, the arrogance and the nonsense that is sport. As Gore Vidal said “it is not enough to succeed, others must fail.” It is the basic premise of all sport, every success is built on the failure of others. And when it happens only once every 4 years and often only once in your sporting life, failure is pretty absolute. This is why we are drawn to competition; the mystery of the winner when “why can’t we?” This was why I was there; yes to see the horses, yes because sports medicine for me is as exciting as it gets, yes to see the flags, but yes yes to observe the human condition.

The whole process started 18 months ago with application forms and CVs filed. Shortlistings and interviews (and yes even an exam) took place, I need a minimum experience, further certification and importantly experience in treating elite competition horses, I blagged my way through. Greenwich Park was a blaze of organisational expediency, all the stables were raised to ensure an even level bed, the hospital was raised, purpose built and

incorporated everything a nuclear winter may necessitate. The gallops, training areas and even grazing fields were militarised and uniform and attended by vet, farrier, FEI official and veterinary assistant for effectively 24 hours in and out of competition. The excitement was turning to cold reality, reinforced by venue visits, equipment discussion, orientation training, test events, security training, and numerous e.mails. The first horses arrived 23rd July, welcomed by a British summer of 30 degree heat and an immaculate cross-country course I walked again and again in awe.

As a vet my role was hugely variable; checking horses in, going through passports (even Olympians get it wrong), tramping around stables at 3 in the morning, assessing tendons, providing fluids, liaising and communicating with multiple levels of organisation. It would be blasphemous to say the Olympics and Paras were boring but because of the level of excellence, my primary role here was to act as an A and E consultant. But thankfully for all concerned, true injuries and medical emergencies were few and far between giving us the envious role of adoring spectators with access to the intimacy of the Greenwich family.This is where I falter, my access was

privileged, security conscious and akin to describing your sex life. Sport is the mystery, the Olympics magnified more so. So here’s the thing, the mystery, the majesty, the poetry, the inspiration is just that, because these things require a bit to remain hidden. To retain their uniqueness, to make you question and wonder. The late Neil Armstrong understood this instinctively as he touched down on the Sea of Tranquility, he decided to say something mysterious and enigmatic, not “it feels a bit kinda sandy.” Billions live in wonder and awe because of it.

But “Inspire a Generation” is the tagline and a good one at that because, let me tell you, no-one here and no horse here is better or worse than your pony in the field. They jump, they trot, they buck and nap and do all the things every other horse the length and breadth of the globe does. The difference is expectation, they expect to jump, expect to prance, expect to win. And they train them to that end. Single-mindedly. The people are no different either, all neuroses and paranoia. Dysfunctional like the rest of us. The Brits were head of the table, the Americans had the biggest flag, the Kiwi’s had no sponsor but just cracked on, the FEI were a mixture of “box tickers” and

“get it doners,” the Eastern block had no grooms, nobody stretched or warmed up, everyone ate chocolate, indeed “if you pricked them, they bled.”

Of course there were plenty of wonderful inspirational moments, Latvias first Paralympic rider, the joy of the medals and air of celebration, the national fervour, the flags and pomp, the British ability to justify sport and Cadburys and McDonalds.

But for me, the inspiration and I hope this and the next generation, came from the normality. The fact I was there, the fact the Pony Club rules mean as much here as they do in that rough sandy arena back home, the fact it’s now normal to see someone with one arm win a medal. Don’t believe the press or the hype, the games and your sporting future is a pursuit of excellence, a truly human journey with the foil belles that make us human demonstrated across the board – preparation, hope, expectation, winning, failing, denial, excuses, rule bending, rule breaking, elation and exasperation. That’s you, and that’s me, and that’s what I did at the Olympics. You want inspiration? Know that you are no different and with dedication you too can be part of something great.

Get Inspired – Rio’s Not Far AwayBen Sturgeon, BSc, BVM&S, Cert EP, MRCVS




Health Care • Physiotherapy

My horse is 18 years old and still participates in Riding Club (RC) activities and British Novice British Show Jumping Association (BSJA) classes. He seems happy in his work and hasn’t had any recent injuries, though he did have a sore back a few years ago. My friend said I should retire him because of his age but I would like to continue with our current level of activity/ work, as I don’t feel that he is ready to retire. Could Physiotherapy help him to continue with these activities despite his age?

Yes, there are many ways that Physiotherapy could help to keep your horse flexible, strong and able to continue to compete. This will depend to a large extent on the type of work you want the horse to do and his past Veterinary history. Horses, like people, age in different ways and some will have longer working lives than others, depending on work intensity and physical demands involved.

Bear in mind that, as horses get older any injury that they sustain can take longer to heal, as their healing process can slow down slightly as they get older. Previous injuries, stiffness in a joint or tight muscles that didn’t necessarily cause a lameness could

have made the horse compensate through other joints or muscles when moving, these compensations can range from very subtle to more easily noticeable. If these compensations continue over a prolonged period, other joints or muscles could be more susceptible to injury and abnormal wear and tear.

Your Chartered Physiotherapist will always work with Veterinary referral or consent and will contact your Vet before seeing your horse. If your Vet is happy that there are no current issues requiring Veterinary attention and consents to Physiotherapy treatment, they can proceed with assessing your horse.

Your Physiotherapist in their assessment will observe your horse’s posture, muscle development and conformation in standing, the way he moves both in a straight line and on a circle through walk, trot and canter, they will palpate yours horse’s soft tissue and assess movement at his joints. They will form a problem list of any findings and a treatment plan of areas to work on during treatment sessions and in the exercise/ maintenance programme provided for the owner/ rider.

Treatment will be to release any tight or restricted muscles, mobilise any stiff joints and to strengthen any weak muscles. The overall aim is to help keep your horse flexible, strong, and able to continue with his current level of activity for as long as possible.A key part of Physiotherapy treatment for the older horse is the exercise/ maintenance programme, which can include stretches, strengthening, or range of movement exercises for the owner/ rider to work on with the horse between visits. The aim is to help maintain flexibility, muscle strength and co-ordination; the success of this programme will depend on the compliance of your horse to participate and on the frequency that you complete the exercises with your horse.

Just like you would service your car at regular intervals to keep it running well and pre-empt problems, a physiotherapy assessment for your horse, (at any age) can help to keep him flexible and moving well – the basis of all disciplines as well as to help prevent problems or to catch any developing problems early and treat them before they become established. Visit frequency can be customised

according to your horse’s needs and if, as the horse’s owner/ rider, you feel that more frequent visits are beneficial these can be arranged.

Horses are staying in work much longer these days, possibly due to improved diet, conditions and workload over their lifetime, so your question will be relevant to many horse owners. As long as you and your horse are enjoying what you do I see no reason for you to retire him, I wish you and your horse well with your ambition to continue competing with Riding Club and BSJA.

Emma McCaghertyChartered Veterinary PhysiotherapistBSc(hons) Physiotherapy, MCSP, ACPAT category ATel: 07841 522301E-mail: [email protected]: www.centralscotlandanimalphysio.co.ukBased in South Lanarkshire, covering Central Scotland.For more information on Veterinary Physiotherapy, or to find a Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist in your area go to ACPAT website: www.acpat.org

Physiotherapy Problems Emma McCagherty

Another 18 year old continuing to enjoy his work.


Arenas • Field & Stable


It can be very distressing for an owner to experience a horse or pony with choke. The most important thing to remember is not to panic.

What is choke?Choke in horses is not the same as choke in humans. Choke in humans involves a foreign body e.g. a piece of food becoming lodged in the trachea (windpipe), which makes breathing almost impossible. Choke in horses involves feed or a foreign body becoming stuck in the oesophagus (food pipe). Horses can breathe normally in the event of choke. Horses may choke for several reasons. The most common causes include dental disease (causing incomplete chewing of food) and horses that rush their feed or are fed inappropriately prepared feed (e.g. unsoaked sugarbeet flakes).

What does a horse with choke look like?The horse will cough frequently with a great deal of force and may appear quite

distressed. Large amounts of saliva will be produced and you may see green or brown nasal discharge that contains food particles.

What can I do?Although choke looks rather distressing, the majority of cases resolve without veterinary help within 20-30 minutes. If the condition does not resolve by itself, then you must call your vet for advice. It is really important not to let your horse continue eating when an episode of choke occurs. This means removing any hard feed, hay and even bedding that may be near him.

What will my vet do?When your vet examines your horse, they will feel along the horse’s neck to see if the obstruction can be pinpointed. The inside of the horse’s mouth may be examined to see if the obstruction is in the mouth or in the area of the throat. The horse may have to be sedated. The effect of the sedative drugs will make the

horse lower its head so that any build up of saliva and nasal discharge can drain away. Once food material becomes lodged in the oesophagus, the muscles around it spasm and tighten. A drug can be given to specifically counteract this spasm and relax the oesophagus, allowing the blockage of food to pass. Sedation can also aid this muscle

relaxation. Your vet may also give the horse an injection of antibiotics in case any nasal discharge or food material has been inhaled and entered the horse’s respiratory tract. In cases of prolonged choke where the risk of inhalation has been high, the horse may also be at risk of a secondary pneumonia developing within the lungs.

There are a small number of cases of choke that last for up to 24hrs. These horses may need to be sent to hospital for treatment and for closer observation as persistent cases of choke will cause dehydration and derangement of blood electrolytes. Fortunately such extreme cases of choke are rare and most cases will resolve by themselves or after brief veterinary treatment. In horses that have an episode of choke last beyond 48hrs, the lining of the oesophagus will become inflamed and may ulcerate. These ulcers heal with scar tissue which will cause a narrowing of the oesophagus. This will cause the affected horse to be at high risk of choking in the future. Any horses suffering from repeated bouts of choke, where a likely primary cause cannot be identified, need to undergo further investigation. This will usually involve passing a camera (endoscope) into the oesophagus to look for any abnormalities, as well as other tests.

Once the cause of the choke has been identified, then this can be corrected. Your vet will usually advise to feed small volumes of soaked/sloppy feeds for a period of time following an episode of choke.

Health Care

Choke Peter Fenton BVM&S, MRCVS

Happy Tummy® Charcoal is capable of clearing up problems like loose droppings because it takes toxins out of a horse’s system. This reduces acidosis, normalises digestion and helps rebalance its metabolism. The result is a healthier horse, drier droppings, a better smelling stable and less work for you mucking out.

The knock on effect of a better balanced digestive system is a greater resistance to illness, which is brought about by a more vigorous immune system.

Happy Tummy®Charcoal clears up the cumulative effect of toxins (toxic build up) and in doing so enables everything to work better. It’s particularly effective in helping prevent gastric ulcers.

Economical in use and very effective, Happy Tummy® Charcoal can make life a lot easier for you and your horse. Please look at our website for more information (and lots of appreciative testimonials), or call 01600 712496 for help and advice, or to order.

Mucking out made easy!


Field & Stable • Horse Behaviour

cont. on p.36


(THIS series is based on a glossary of equestrian and scientific terms presented at the First International Equitation Science Symposium, 2005. The glossary description is given in inverted commas, followed by Susan’s discussion.)

AGAINST THE LEG: ‘A description of a horse that is not straight in its body and is continually flexing its thorax against one of the rider’s legs. Such a horse drifts or attempts to drift sideways. In addition, the horse may be against both legs (i.e. not going forward).’

BASICALLY, the first part of this definition involves a lack of straightness in the horse’s body such that he moves off the line or direction the rider wants. This can happen on straight lines or bends. The rider can usually feel the horse pressing against one of his or her legs with his ribcage, and firmer pressure from the leg often does not prevent it or straighten the horse. There are several reasons why horses do not travel straight, whether on a straight line or following the curved line of a bend or circle, so let’s examine a few of them.

INCORRECT DISTRIBUTION OF THE RIDER’S WEIGHT is a very common one. Where you put your weight (and where you look) your horse will almost always go, unless you are giving aids to the contrary. The rider should generally try to sit with her seatbones one on each side of the horse’s spine. Of course, our seatbones (the lowest part of the pelvis) are quite close together, but even through the saddle, whether it is treeless or has a tree, the horse can feel where they are and will move accordingly. If the rider, therefore, is sitting to the left, the horse will probably drift left, and vice versa.

Also, in general, the rider’s weight should be evenly shared by each seatbone. If one seatbone feels heavier to the horse than the other, the horse will move in the direction of the heavier seatbone. A guideline to help you sit straight is to always try to align an imaginary line running straight down the front of your body with the horse’s crest on straight lines.

‘Weight aids’ such as these are a major

keystone of classical riding and very valuable aids. Horses want to stay on their feet: this is their instinct formed from millions of years as prey animals. Therefore, not only do they prefer to feel balanced so that they can carry themselves and their riders safely, but also they pay great attention to weight aids because they want to retain their balance. Weight aids are a brilliant, natural way of turning and straightening a horse. Even horses who have never experienced correct weight aids before learn quickly to respond to them. But, of course, all the horse wants to do is stay as directly as possible under his rider’s weight. He soon learns that a shift in weight is a message, when he is ridden by a competent rider who knows how to use weight aids (and it’s not difficult to learn).

However, even when he is ridden by a rider who does not know about weight aids, the horse will still respond to where he feels the rider’s weight going, and will usually follow it because it is easier for him to carry that rider when he is directly under his or her weight. So, we need to be very careful where we put our

weight and need to learn to sit still and centrally as far as possible. A horse may well be ‘against our leg’, that is, drifting off a straight line and falling in or out on bends, through the shoulder or not, because we are actually, unwittingly, telling him to do that.

Weight aids fundamentally require the rider to place weight on one or both seatbones, depending on what is needed. If the rider wants to turn left, she can (keeping her torso up straight and NOT leaning over) put some extra weight on her left seatbone or, as Sylvia Loch of the Classical Riding Club describes it,

Horse Behaviour • Insurance

Speaking the Language, Part 5A series by SUSAN McBANE explaining equestrian and scientific terminology in relation to equine behaviour and psychology, and its effects on horses and training

cont on p39


Insurance

October 2012www.equiads.net38 September 2012www.equiads.net38

Field & Stable • Horse Behaviour • Insurance

October 2012

‘step down into the stirrup’. In practice, this involves stretching your leg down a little which weights your seatbone, your stirrup and, via the stirrup leather looped over the stirrup bar, places weight on the part of the horse’s back under it. You can support your weight aid by asking for a slight flexion of the head and neck towards the (in this case) left and using an indirect turn aid – that is, you apply the right (outside) rein sideways against the neck to ‘push’ the forehand over, or ‘knock’ gently on the right side of the withers with your knuckles, which may have more effect in a horse unused to these aids. You can get more details of the value and efficacy of weight aids in Sylvia Loch’s book, ‘Invisible Riding’.

AN ILL-FITTING SADDLE may be a cause of a horse being against the rider’s leg and drifting off line because it may be distorting the effects of the rider’s weight and confusing the horse. In cases where the saddle is actually causing discomfort or pain, the horse will understandably not want, or be able to move well and naturally, and will almost certainly use ‘compensatory movement’ to escape the pain. He uses different muscles from usual and uses his body in a different way from what is natural to him, to compensate. This unaccustomed use strains and can injure the muscles quite quickly.

Badly fitting saddles, or those not put on in the correct position, and either girthed up too loosely (allowing the saddle to move around too much) or too tightly (restricting breathing and causing severe discomfort and possibly pain) can also cause horses to hollow their backs with everything that involves, squirm around, go crookedly, nap, buck and various other behaviours, all of which are perfectly natural and understandable. Girths can cause much more trouble than is generally realised: they should be applied well back from the elbows (which isn’t possible on a saddle placed too far forward) and fastened so that you can get just the flat of your fingers between them and the horse’s side.

RIDING WITH ONE STIRRUP LONGER THAN THE OTHER (unless your physique demands this) usually throws the rider over slightly to the side with the longest stirrup, therefore weighting that side of the saddle and ‘instructing’ the horse to go that way. On the other hand, some riders seem to know sub-consciously that they are not straight in the saddle, and put more weight on the shorter stirrup.

INJURY can obviously cause the horse to use compensatory movement as well, and go crookedly, against the leg, falling in and out and so on. Some horses have old injuries which no longer cause them pain but create a ‘mechanical’ lameness due to the body having learnt to go in a different way from its natural one, and continuing to work this way after the injury has healed and the pain subsided. Rehabilitation and remedial exercises, almost always involving physiotherapy,

can be very successful in these cases, even long-established ones.

LACK OF STRENGTH AND FITNESS can be responsible for a horse being poorly balanced under a rider. Just like us trying to become competent at a new sport, dancing, or anything involving a measure of physical strength so that we can actually move as necessary, so the horse, when burdened by an upright, top-heavy, moving, unpredictable, heavy weight on his back, finds it difficult to move as precisely as he would without that burden. It is particularly difficult to carry an unaccustomed weight on bends (corners, circles or other exercises involving changes of direction), particularly when the rider is rather heavy and not good at keeping balanced and still. Often as a horse strengthens up the problem lessens.

POOR SCHOOLING is a common reason for horses continually going against the leg and not following the direction. If the horse has not been taught methodically (see below) the correct responses required for turning aids, for slowing down and stopping, and for going forward, he will not have acquired the habit of going straight. Inconsistent, differing pressures (aids) from trainers confuse horses, who are not sure just how to respond and do so in any way they think fit. Straightness is not yet part of their mind-set. They cannot be blamed for this but are often harshly man-handled around by determined, even desperate, riders, and very firmly held ‘in place’ by bit and legs which is the same as being told to go and stop at the same time, and which, of course, is impossible. This kind of handling makes no sense to them, and they cannot know that their way of going annoys their riders. This is a vicious circle because horses will then often become frightened, feel helpless, anxious, nervous and go in a defensive, tense way just to try and cope with what really amounts to abuse.

INCORRECT USE OF NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT. Negative reinforcement is an expression coined by animal behaviourists and behavioural trainers and is at the root of all horse training and riding, whether or not we realise it, or want to. It simply means that, as well as applying an aid for a particular movement in as consistent a way as possible (the same every time), we must be meticulous about stopping it (subtracting or taking it away, hence ‘negative’) the instant we get the result we want. This trains the horse to learn how to respond to our aids. Applying the aid stimulates him to do something but stopping it trains him how to respond. At first, the untrained horse will respond because he is trying different ways to get away from the pressure of the aid, say bit pressure when being asked to stop or turn. If we simply patiently keep applying the correct aid, the horse before long will come up with the movement which stops it, in his mind. That means he has done whatever we want (turn or stop, say)

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Horse Behaviour • Training

Facebook Equitation Science Page

and we have instantly stopped the aid. If we stop applying it before the horse ‘gets it right’ he will never learn that that movement stopped that pressure. As the schooling continues, the horse comes to regard the aid/pressure as a message and will reply quickly and lightly because he associates that message with a particular movement, whereas in the early days the aid will be heavier and his response slower.

A classical saying goes something like this: ‘At first you must shout the aid and the horse will whisper the response. Later you can whisper the aid and the horse will shout the response.’ That is, if we apply and stop the aids correctly! If we don’t, it will never happen like that.

To sum up, any signs of discomfort or pain in a horse need investigating. The tack, teeth, back and feet, as the most common sites of trouble, should be thoroughly checked by people who know what they’re doing and have a mission to make horses comfortable. If these investigations don’t improve matters, a vet should be consulted, who may give a referral to, perhaps, a physiotherapist, chiropractor or other therapist. The rider needs to be assessed by a competent trainer and be prepared to accept ‘bad news’ such as ‘it’s your riding’, presented more tactfully than that, and given remedial methods to correct their balance and actions.

A point worth remembering is that horses don’t go ‘against the leg’ in the field, not because there isn’t a leg to go against in an unmounted horse but because, physical problems apart, there is no reason for them not to go straight to wherever they want, whether that’s the water trough, the gate, the hay, the shelter, a particular friend or something interesting happening over the fence. It can be quite an eye-opener to spend some real time watching horses at liberty together as a learning project, taking in their ways of going, their movement patterns, their favoured leg in canter, their ability to ‘turn on a sixpence’ (or a 5p) or to jump tree trunks. If a horse has a problem under a rider, it is almost never the horse’s fault.

(The Equine Behaviour Forum published the full glossary in its magazine, ‘Equine Behaviour’. For your copy, send a cheque for £3.50 made payable to ‘Equine Behaviour Forum’ to the editor, Dr Alison Averis, 6 Stonelaws Cottages, East Linton, East Lothian, EH40 3DX.)

SUSAN McBANE has an HNC in Equine Science and Management, holds the Classical Riding Club Gold Award and is a Practitioner Member of the International Society for Equitation Science. She co-publishes ‘Tracking-up’ with Anne Wilson (see advert this issue). For lessons and clinics in and near Lancashire, ring 01254 705487 or email [email protected]

A new group for researchers, professionals and students has started on Facebook, focused on Equitation Science. It has an impressive line-up and will be of great interest to anyone seriously interested in the management and training of horses and ponies.

The introduction to the page is by Professor Paul McGreevy who is co-founder and former President of the International Society for Equitation Science, and Australasian Correspondent of the Equine Behaviour Forum. His professional role is as Professor of Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science at the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Veterinary Science.

He says: ‘Equitation Science provides a refreshingly clear and horse-centered approach to understanding how horses interact with humans on the ground and in the saddle. It undertakes the measurement and interpretation of the interplay between horses and their riders, and, most importantly, it explores the welfare consequences of training and competing horses in all the disciplines from the Olympic sports of dressage, show-jumping and eventing through to racing, reining, endurance, driving and pony club activities. Equitation science is non-denominational. It unifies novel and traditional horse training practices by analysing what works and what doesn’t, and why. ‘After ten years of equitation science, it is wonderful to see the discipline

gaining a foothold in social networking activities. Much has happened in the past ten years and the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) is now taking its rightful place as a leader in evidence-based debates considering ethical and sustainable equitation. Most ISES scientists ride or compete on a regular basis, so we see our discipline as an investment in our passion for horses. We use data to inform our position and practice.

‘As a society of eager volunteers, we are developing a corporate understanding of how to deliver the sort of conferences our members want. Every year we see improvements in the delivery of content and the greater inclusion of participants at all levels of training, competition and research. This evolution hinges entirely on feedback from interested parties, so please take time to let the society know how it is going. You can contact the membership secretary Dr Lesley Hawson on [email protected]

‘At this year’s annual conference, we had far more abstracts submitted than ever. This increase speaks of the growing interest in and maturity of our young discipline. I hope it ensures that you all have an enjoyable and edifying interaction with equitation science.’

The links to get you on to the page are:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/equitationscience/ andhttp://www.exampler.com/testing-com/writings/reviews/moore-chasm.html

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Bombers Equestrian Equipment bits are handmade in South Africa from sweet iron, and include hundreds of bitting solutions, incorporating different mouth and cheekpieces. The range is renowned for its blue sweet iron metal, which oxidises easily and encourages salivation.

Eight new bits from the Bombers Bits range are now ‘dressage legal’, and can be used in affiliated dressage competitions.

The eight approved bits are - · The BC45 Loose ring - priced £55.26, and Full Cheek – priced £71.05. Ideal for horses that use their tongue to push against the bit, and gain control.

· Buster Roller in Loose Ring - priced £63.14 - and Full Cheek, priced £78.95. Best suited to horses with a low head carriage that lean on the bit.· Snaffle in Loose Ring – priced £55.26 - and Full Cheek – priced £71.05. The curved mouthpiece reduces both the nutcracker action and pressure points on the tongue.· Elliptical snaffle in Loose Ring – priced £55.26 – and Full Cheek – priced £71.05. This mouthpiece wraps across the tongue, creating tongue pressure and reducing bar pressure.

Call 01825 840002 for regional stockists or visit www.worldwidetack.com to order.

Tack & Turnout

DID you know you could be putting your horse under extreme pressure when you are trying to climb into the saddle?

In a recent research study conducted by the Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) a range of mounting techniques were tested in relation to saddle movement and pressure on the horse’s spine.

Using a Pliance system under the saddle to measure the pressure exerted, the research also looked to establish the effects of different riders when mounting and develop the best practice for getting into the saddle.

Equine and human physiotherapists would be quick to say mounting from the ground isn’t recommended, but what is really the best way to mount?

Tested

The six different mounting techniques tested were: • Unaided from the ground• Supported from the ground (right-hand stirrup leather held)• With a leg up• From a low block (22.5 inches high)• From the low block supported (right-hand stirrup leather held)• From a high block (38 inches high)

For each an average pressure reading was calculated for the different method, showing how each technique affected the horse and the saddle.

Results

The most pressure on the horse’s back came from mounting unaided from the ground, which is no surprise. The least amount of pressure came when mounting from a high block and putting no pressure on the stirrup.

Another finding from the results was the amount the saddle actually moved across the horse’s spine when mounting. The most movement was seen again when mounting unaided from the floor.

The technique used was considered the most important factor rather than the rider’s fitness. Less pressure was exerted when riders pushed up with their legs rather than pulling themselves up with their arms. The position of the rider’s hands also proved influential when mounting. The worst readings were seen when the left hand was on the pommel and the right hand on the cantle. The best results were seen when the rider placed their left hand on the withers and right hand on the offside of the saddle behind the flap. Lengthening the stirrup leather to help mounting was also found to increase the amount of pressure, as did bouncing to help build up momentum in mounting from the ground. This caused more leverage on the saddle and increased pressure on the horse’s spine.

Best Practice for Mounting:

• The best way is to mount from a high block so you can more or less step across on to the saddle.• Mounting from a low block is better supported with the right stirrup being held.• A leg up is best supported at the knee and ankle. • Holding the withers with the left hand and the offside of the saddle with the right hand – this prevents the amount of saddle distortion. • Try not to ‘bounce’ and reduce the length of time ‘hanging’ from the stirrup if mounting from the floor.

For more information on the Society of Master Saddlers visit www.mastersaddlers.co.uk

Are you piling on the pressure as you mount?

Bombers Bits


Tack & Turnout • Schooling • Winter Survival

www.midkinleith.comWide range of quality tack & clothing at bargain prices

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When you watch good showjumping you will see that after a jumping effort the horses either land on the correct canter lead for the direction they will be going in; or if they are on the wrong lead, they switch leads smoothly and with little alteration to the balance and rhythm of the canter.

To dressage purists these changes of lead often lack expression or are late behind or are not straight – they wouldn’t all get high marks in a test! But to the showjumper what matters is that the horse remains in front of the leg and in balance.

This exercise will help you work on your changes – whether they are simple changes through trot or flying ones. Set up the two jumps as shown on the diagram so they are on the short diagonals, the height is up to you but uprights will work best for this exercise.

Which canter lead does your horse prefer? Let’s say it’s the left as in so many horses. So the first jump you are going to work over is what I’ve called jump 1. You are approaching in canter on your horse’s less preferred rein. Pop over the jump and make sure you STAY STRAIGHT. Head towards E, don’t tip in to the left (red line) just because you’re

intending on turning left. If you are on the wrong lead, trot before E and pick up canter left. The fact the new lead is the “favourite” one should make it easier for the horse to start switching of his own accord, hence giving you an opportunity to really praise him.

Changing lead through trot.Try to learn to feel your lead (lots of practice with your eyes shut!), or if all else fails, glance down at the horse’s shoulders – the leg reaching forward the furthest is the leading one. If you need to change lead through trot, don’t haul your horse back to trot with the reins. Sit down, bring your weight back and use your voice (you are training, it’s fine, it’s a natural aid) and a light rein aid. You only want to break the canter for a second to get the new lead, so when your horse trots, don’t go rising. Stay sitting and ask for the new lead and praise him with a pat and your voice when he canters off on the new leg. “Smooth and swift” is what you’re trying to make your change, even if it is through trot.

Once you have done this a few times you can link both fences together. Hopefully your horse is now landing and listening for your next instruction – ready to come back to trot and change

leads if necessary. Some horses by this point are automatically landing on the lead they need to be on – brilliant - that means that as long as you look up and where you are going your horse should land on the correct lead! If your horse

still needs a bit of assistance try the following:

Asking for a change of lead as you jumpThe aids for this are quite simple – it’s the timing that’s the challenge. As your horse is in mid-air you need to be a) looking where you intend to go, b) have your weight on your “new” i.e. soon to be inside stirrup (So if you want to turn left after the jump it’s weight on the left stirrup), c) “new” outside leg goes back as in a normal canter transition, d) inside rein open but soft e) outside rein against the horses neck.

This sounds like a lot but think of it as merely the same aids you would use if asking your horse to strike off into canter on a curving line – turning the shoulders and asking for canter at the same time.

Do try to land straight whichever option you choose to change leads!! It’s no good being able to change leads if you swing your horse through 45 degrees with the reins if the next jump is right ahead of you! When going around the arena check that the canter is upright and balanced. This exercise can easily be done in a 20x40m arena, but just check the horse doesn’t start to lose balance, and if he does go large and straight and start again.

Schooling Exercises - JumpingRowan Tweddle BHSII (SM) B.Sc Hons

A F K 2 B X E 1 M H

C


Tack & Turnout • Winter Survival

Mud Block SupplementEquimins’ Mud Block Supplement helps to support the skin from the inside out during cold, wet weather, and can be used in

conjunction with other products in the Equimins range.

The high specification supplement includes minerals, essential oils, dried herbs and roots, all selected for their properties in terms of maintaining skin integrity and promoting skin health in wet, muddy conditions. This is one of the most recent products to join the Equimins range.

Mud Block Supplement is available in 600 g, 1.2 kg, and 2.8 kg tubs, and prices start from £16.50.

Mud Slide LotionMud Slide Lotion is easy to use and can be applied to the horse’s lower leg before turnout, to provide a barrier between the mud and skin.

The product contains pig oil, which acts as an excellent barrier, along with flowers

of sulphur, which is antibacterial. This combination helps to protect the lower leg in very wet, muddy conditions and can be used with supplements such as Mud Block Supplement.

Mud Slide Lotion is available in 500 ml and 1 L bottles, and prices start from £4.40.

Mud Block LotionEquimins’ Mud Block Lotion is ideal for horses with feathers who suffer with

mud related issues.

The product contains colloidal silver, which has a powerful action against bacteria. The silver particles are held in suspension in the lotion to ensure even distribution, to maintain the product’s effective action. This product has been tried and tested by the company and been shown to work very well.

Mud Block Lotion is available in 500ml bottles which have a RRP of £10.70.

Winter Leg Scrub ConcentrateWinter Leg Scrub Concentrate can be used to wash the horse’s legs after a day in the field.

The anti-bacterial, anti-fungal leg wash can be used in conjunction with other products, such as Mud Block Lotion, or on its own, to either remove product or mud from the horse’s legs at the end of the day. The product should be diluted before use and doesn’t require rinsing, just dilute, sponge onto the legs to remove the mud, and that’s it.

The product is very safe to use and is free from harmful chemicals.

Winter Leg Scrub Concentrate is available in 500ml and 1 litre bottles- prices start from £8.90.

For more information see www.equimins.com,

email [email protected] or call 01548 531770.

Ride-Away’s new autumn/winter catalogue is available now and has over 250 pages packed with the best products that the equestrian industry has to offer.

The latest version contains a host of hand picked country clothing items and riding wear from leading manufacturers such as HV Polo, Musto, Joules, Ariat, Horseware, Jack Murphy, Mountain Horse and more. For horses, over 20 pages of this season’s rugs from manufacturers such as Horseware, Shires, Weatherbeeta, Masta and Mark Todd ensure that horses and riders are well dressed and warm during this autumn and winter.

“Our latest catalogue is broken into nine sections: country clothing, riding wear, footwear, horsewear, horse and stable care, saddles, saddlery, dog equipment and giftware,” says Angela Clark from Ride-Away. “We have many new products in this issue including two new saddles from the XCH range from GFS, new releases in our DVD and book section, and the most stylish clothes and accessories we could find. Our range is selected from manufacturers across the UK and beyond to ensure that our customers get the best from one place. We look for innovative design but practicality and price are key when we decide

what lines to carry.”

In addition to the catalogue, customers can also order through the telephone, by fax, online, through the mobile website, by post and by visiting the store which is ten miles north of York. In addition to the twice yearly catalogue, Ride-Away also distributes bimonthly e-mail promotions featuring the latest products and special offers, and has an active Facebook page where over 2000 fans interact with the company.

“Our catalogue remains a staple in many people’s tack rooms and houses,” says Angela. “We know lots of customers like to shop online, and we have a comprehensive online store to help people do this, but sometimes, you just want to sit down with a brochure and look at what’s available.”

There’s another benefit to ordering a catalogue, as Angela explains: “There is nothing quite like the catalogue for circling products you like and leaving pages strategically around the house, in sight of loved ones as Christmas approaches!”

The new autumn/winter catalogue is available now and can be obtained, for free, by visiting www.rideaway.co.uk or by phoning 01347 810443.

Ride-Away from home with this season’s catalogue

Beat the mud with Equimins

ConditionsOf Publication

All material submitted to Equi-Ads will be subject to the following conditions. The placing of an advertisement or editorial copy will be deemed to be an acceptance of these conditions.1. Typewritten contributions accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope for return are invited, however, no responsibility will be taken for photographs, transparencies, illustrations or literary contributions.2. The publishers cannot accept liability for any loss suffered directly or indirectly by any readers as a result of any advertisement or notice published in this magazine. Nor do they accept liability for loss arising from the non-inclusion or late publication of any advertisement.3. All advertisements are accepted subject to our standard conditions of trading (a full copy of which is available by sending a stamped addressed envelope to the editorial offices.)4. The publishers reserve the right to refuse, amend or withdraw any advertisement without explanation.5. Cancellation must be received in writing 14 days prior to the publication date.

6. All copyright reserved by Equi-Ads. No part of this publication may be recorded, or reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the publishers. Equi-Ads is a registered Trade Mark, which is the property of Stable Productions.7. The opinions expressed in literary contributions are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher.8. The publishers reserve the right to revise advertisement copy to conform to the standards of Equi-Ads’ house style.9. Advertisers should notify the publishers of any errors immediately after the appearance of the first insertion to allow subsequent insertions to be corrected. The publishers will not accept responsibility to correct all insertions ordered if the error is not reported immediately after the advertisement’s first appearance. Furthermore we trust that advertisements comply in all respects with obligations and duties to 3rd parties e.g. rights relating to Copyrights, Intellectual Property, Trade Marks and this list is not exhaustive.10. The advertiser warrants that his advertisements comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice and do not contravene the Trade Descriptions Act 1968.


Winter Survival

As another winter approaches it’s time for us to put our minds to preparing for the winter months. Here are some of my ideas to make life easier, safer and more comfortable when the cold weather arrives; both for ourselves and our horses:-

1. Hay/Haylage -The most obvious provision is that of hay or haylage and bedding. There should be an abundant supply of hay in the UK this year. The rain in early summer made the grass grow like mad, then followed some really hot sunny days which enabled the farmers to make hay whilst the sun shone. If you have enough storage room, try to stock up as much as possible well before Christmas. If my contacts are correct, the price may even come down a little this year! If you don’t have much room, try speaking to a good supplier who can hopefully agree to supply you without fail. Giving your supplier a good idea of how much and how often you will require deliveries should go a long way to securing your supply.

2. Short/Supplementary Feed – This is normally easy to obtain throughout the winter, but it may still be worth bearing in mind that you may find it difficult to get to the feed shop yourself, should you suffer a minor illness such as flu, or if the

weather is freezing; so make sure you have a few bags. It’s never wise to run down to the last bag.

3. Reducing Hard Feed - Please bear in mind that if there is a ‘big freeze’ and your horse has to be kept in the stable instead of going out as he normally would, and possibly not being ridden, then you will need to drastically cut down his short feed. It will do no harm to cut it out altogether during an enforced rest; just provide ad-lib hay and water. Last winter during such a time of bad weather my farrier told me of several cases of laminitis caused solely by well meaning owners continuing to feed hard feed when their horses were stabled, with the idea that they needed the extra heating properties because of the extreme cold. It’s much better to keep him warm with clothing and feed extra hay.

4. Bedding is usually fairly easy to come by, especially if you use baled shavings. Nevertheless it is never a good idea to run down to the last bale, just in case there is a big freeze, making delivery or even collection in your vehicle, quite difficult. So think ahead and buy as much as is practically possible before winter sets in – you only have to buy it once, and it may save you money if the price goes up, as is

sometimes the case, during the winter.

5. Water - The provision of drinking water for our horses is one of the most difficult problems during freezing weather. Make sure your water pipes, stand-pipes etc. are as well lagged as possible. However, we all know that when the temperatures drop enough below zero for prolonged periods even well lagged pipes will freeze. The acquisition of two or maybe three large water containers

with securely fitting screw tops will be a superb help in these circumstances. You can then transport water from the house, via wheel-barrow or car, to your thirsty horse. Remember horses still need a great deal of water in cold weather and if you normally soak your hay you may have to cease this practice temporarily, and this will mean they will need even more water than usual to replace the moisture in the fodder.

Top Tips for Winter Survival

Loveson Allpro Turnouts – made to cope with winter weather

Anne Wilson

For value for money and quality combined, the Loveson Allpro Rug Range is unbeatable and includes both combo rugs and standard rugs which have optional neck covers, which can be purchased separately.

The rugs come in lightweight, medium and heavyweight versions to cover the entire seasons weather.

The Allpro Heavyweight Combo Rug is ideal for the cold winter months. It is a very competitive price and is tried and tested to beat the worst of the winter weather. The heavyweight combo is made from a 600 denier rip-stop outer fabric which is warm, durable,

waterproof and breathable. It has a 400 gm filling with a polycotton lining, with non rub rayon at the neck and shoulder and along the mane within the combo neck to protect the coat from abrasion. The rug has cross surcingles, shoulder gussets, leg straps and a buckle and strap front fastening.

Available in sizes 5’ to 7’ in Navy at an RRP of £59.99 (The Allpro medium weight 200 gram, is sized from 4’ to 7’ in the standard fit at £46.95 ideal for smaller ponies)

Loveson Rugs from Tagg Equestrian Tel: 01636 636 135www.taggequestrian.co.uk

cont on p46


Tack & Turnout • Winter Survival

Why do yard boots not last as long nowadays?Up to about 10 years ago almost all boots were produced in the UK, Western Europe and the USA.

Due to low production costs most of that production has moved to the Far East. To make a good quality boot one has to use the right type of materials for the product, have a workforce with the correct skills and management with a mind-set that understands the demands on the product when in use.

Although the use of the product was well understood by factory managers in the Western World, this is not so in the Far East where riding and yard boots are often made in large footwear factories where mostly fashion footwear is made. There is little or no knowledge of the riding world and as a consequence the materials used often do not stand up to the harsh environment of the stable, which is one of the harshest environments around.

Grooms and riders frequently walk through bedding that is full of urine and manure and one’s boots must be able to stand up to this and any weather condition throughout the year. The ammonia in urine will degrade most soles and leathers very quickly and that

is why your boots do not last that long.For these reasons, all Equitector riding boots are still produced in the UK.

To make a robust product that meets the wearer’s needs we use urine resistance soles, high quality waterproof leather and stitching that does not rot away easily. We are riders as well as manufacturers and we fully understand the equestrian environment. For these reasons Equitector boots often outlast a comparable import by 2 to 3 times.Therefore if you want boots that truly last, take a look at the range designed by Team GB.

For more information www.equitector.com or telephone: 0208 0904029


All time that is saved during these short winter days is very precious. Filling hay nets is a job we all dislike and it is also very time consuming. Mucking out time is also reduced as there is less time spent trying to sort out the mixed forage and bedding. This in turn helps to keep the costs down as any form of waste is proving to be very expensive this winter.

Keeping a horse stabled for long periods of time - it is important that we feed in the natural way as this helps to slow down their intake and keep the airways and the sinus draining down. Feeding from the floor helps to ensure that their teeth are evenly worn and that they are using the correct back and neck muscles as they feed in the grazing position.

Hay Bar is now widely used in top competition, livery and veterinary yards where it is recognised as the correct and most efficient way of feeding. It is available for horses and ponies in

the traditional black and in posh pink for the children’s ponies. The initial outlay is soon recouped by saving our precious forage and bedding. The Hay Bar system is truly part of our survival kit this winter.

Contact; Park Feeders Ltd. Email; [email protected] Web www.haybar.co.uk Tel : 01723 882 434

6. Clothing – now is the time to make sure that your winter rugs are cleaned, re-proofed, repaired where necessary and adequate for the coming season. If the weather is particularly cold and your horse is clipped, you will probably need under-garments for him. You don’t necessarily have to spend a fortune on an under-rug (but you can if you want to); a well fitting cotton rug will be fine. You can then adjust his warmth comfort by the use of in-between layers, such as a blanket, old sleeping bag or on extremely cold nights, a duvet. I find this system works well because you can use different warmth layers for different temperature – it’s not just a matter of one or two rugs suits all. Of course both under-rug and top rug need to fit well, without any rubbing on shoulders, withers etc. The top rug will need to be spacious in order to accommodate the extra thickness of under-garments, but should not be uncomfortable providing they are not too heavy or used indiscriminately. Obviously any blanket or duvet will need to be secured by the use of an elastic surcingle. If everything fits well I have not found any problem in slipping and moving around during the night, and the surcingle does not need to cut into the horse or be in any way uncomfortable. Similar principles apply if your horse is to winter out, hopefully with the provision of a man-made shelter. You can still keep him comfortably warm by the use of under-rugs underneath his outer waterproof rug. Make sure you have an extra outer

rug to use as a spare. When one rug is soaked, you can dry this one whilst he wears the other. In the case of a horse living out, you may not be able to use blankets, sleeping bags etc., as they may be more inclined to slip, but if he is living out, then he should not be clipped, so the need for such warm layers underneath is not so vital.

7. Leg Warmers - The use of stable bandages on legs during winter nights seems to have largely gone out of fashion. This is understandable due to the fiddly job of applying them. I think it is quite good that they are not widely used nowadays, since it is so easy to apply them badly and cause either interruption to the circulation or have them too loose, when they can come undone and become a danger. However, the old adage of “stable bandages are worth the warmth of an extra rug” is probably very true. These days bandages have been largely replaced by leg wraps, which I think are brilliant. They are easy and quick to put on, very rarely fall down and if they do, don’t seem to present the same tangling and tripping danger. Not only do they appear to keep the horse warm, often without the need for extra layers, but I believe it is very beneficial to prevent the horse’s legs from becoming too cold on winter nights. Keeping the lower legs (cannon bone area) warm seems to prevent the knee and fetlock joints from becoming too cold. This is particularly important for elderly or arthritic horses, and I believe in severe weather is good for all horses; probably aiding in the prevention of arthritis in the long-term. I would not leave them on

all day, even when the horse is stabled, due to the fact that I would hope that the horse has enough room and inclination to move around more than during the night.

8. Stables – Now is the time to make sure your stabling and/or field shelter is adequate. The roof is something which may be forgotten during summer months and often a leak is not noticed until the first heavy rains of winter, or an autumn gale lifts up or tears the roofing felt. Try to check any vulnerable areas before that happens. If you cannot do it yourself, then enlist a helpful handy-man. Now is also the time to re-proof the outer panels of your stable is made from wood. Make sure you use a non-poisonous wood preserver. If your horse normally winters out, I would strongly recommend that you make enquiries for provision of a stable should the weather become too inclement. Even the hardiest pony can suffer in conditions where the snow is extremely deep; added to which it is almost impossible to provide a constant water supply if the day-time temperatures stay well below zero. Also there is always the possibility of illness which may require him to be stabled. It’s much better to consider these possibilities now, even if it never happens, than to have a panic if it does.

9. Rock Salt – Buy a bag of salt for use in the stable yard to prevent accidents during icy weather.

10. Torches – Make sue you have a couple of good torches with charged-up batteries in case of a power failure at your yard, or for general use if your horse lives out.

11. Feet and Legs – Make sure you have a supply of Vaseline or zinc and castor oil cream for application to the heel and pastern areas of your horse’s legs to prevent cracked heels in wet weather. If your horse suffers from mud fever you will need some preventative treatment produced specifically for that purpose.

You may consider protecting his legs whilst out in the field with field-safe waterproof leg wraps which protect most of the lower legs, but will still require a barrier cream on the heels and lower pasterns. Vaseline is also sometimes useful for application to the underside of the feet to prevent snow from balling up. A jar of Sudocrem is always useful to apply to very minor cuts or cracks. It is soothing, aids healing and has good antiseptic qualities. It is also useful in the summer to apply to insect bites.

12. Tack – Give your tack a good clean and an extra thorough application of leather preserver prior to winter, to make sure it is waterproofed and supple for the coming season.

Provision for YourselfIt almost goes without saying that you will need a set of warm, waterproof clothing. Make sure you have boots that don’t leak and have good slip resistant soles. It maybe worth considering the anti-slip additions which you can buy to add to the sole of your boots in icy conditions. Your vehicle may need a pre-winter service and top-up with anti-freeze etc. before winter. It’s no good making all the above provisions if you cannot reach your horse.

I find it useful to have a supply of Vitamin C capsules and Echinacea, as well as other cold remedies to ward off any nasty viruses. Remember to look after yourself, so you can continue to care for your horse in the manner he has become accustomed.

Anne Wilson is a freelance classical riding trainer, based in Bedfordshire; trained with Sylvia Loch and holder of the Classical Riding Club Gold Award Certificate – Phone 01234 772401 or email –annewilsondressage@hotmail.co.ukwww.classicalridingannewilson.com

Winter Survival

cont from p44

Essential Hay Bar


Tack & Turnout • Transport


Winter Survival

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Equine supplements most often take the form of liquids, powders or pellets, but that isn’t always the case, as Rockies’ licks prove.

MagnacalmMagnacalm is a hard-pressed lick, manufactured by Rockies, which provides a viable alternative to powder or liquid calming supplements; ideal for those who don’t receive a bucket feed.

The product contains purified Cheshire salt in addition to bioavailable magnesium and cerelose dextrose. The magnesium included is easy for the horse to utilise whilst the cerelose dextrose content creates a sweet taste to ensure intake. The product’s main aim is to address magnesium deficiency in horses, something that has been linked to hypertension and nervous, excitable behaviour. By offering a lick, such as Magnacalm, in a free access manner, horses and ponies can help themselves to their daily magnesium supplement without the need for hard feed.

Magnacalm is available in 1.8 kg licks, which fit in conventional salt lick holders, and have a RRP £4.99.

5 StarRockies’ 5 Star contains a blend of trace elements and herbs that can be fed all year round, in the field or stable.

The lick contains a carefully formulated mixture of high quality trace elements and herbs, all selected for their specific qualities when it comes to horse health. The high levels of Bioplex zinc in the product help to keep coat and hooves in great condition, whilst the rosehip aids respiration, seaweed helps to improve skin condition, cod liver oil works to retain a good coat and improve condition, and fenugreek can aid digestion and coughs. 5 Star is available in 5 kg blocks, which have a RRP of £6.99.

For more information, see www.rockies.co.uk, email [email protected] or call 01606 595025.

NAF have launched a fresh new premium skin care range for horses. It’s called ‘Love the SKIN he’s in’.

The ‘Love the SKIN he’s in’ products are all totally natural and have been formulated to complement each other in their actions and work from the inside and out to address the increasing number of skin problems that affect our horses, including lumps, bumps, rashes and irritations, ‘Love the SKIN he’s in’ Skin Wash – a totally natural, effective wash that offers gentle, yet effective cleansing to damaged and/or challenged skin, however you choose to use it:• As a hot towel wash following clipping or for a deep clean.• A cold wash for a refreshing cleanse to lift sweat, grease and dust from the coat.• Applied directly in concentrated form to the affected area of skin.

And the bonus… every 1 litre bottle of ‘Love the SKIN he’s in’ Skin Wash comes with a FREE luxurious Deep Cleansing Towel. ‘Love the SKIN he’s in’ Skin Wash is supported by: ‘Love the SKIN he’s In’ Skin SupplementIf your horse’s skin is challenged in anyway at all, feed this unique natural formula, rich

in naturally sourced anti-oxidants, especially during times when seasonal irritations are likely to occur. ‘Love the SKIN he’s in’ Skin SprayGently mist over irritated areas of flaky skin, lumps, bumps and rashes, to soothe, comfort and help relieve any itching sensation. The benefits will be felt by your horse, almost immediately. ‘Love the SKIN he’s in’ Skin SalveSoothes and comforts irritated areas of skin, itchy flaky patches and minor abrasions. This light water based salve absorbs easily and leaves no superficial residue. Says Emile Faurie, Gold medal winning International British Dressage Rider “I cannot sing the praises of ‘Love the Skin he’s in’ highly enough, the products totally transformed Corbiere’s (Charlie’s) skin. Following a horrible reaction to clipper oil, he broke out in sore patches, lumps and bumps which caused him a great deal of discomfort and sensitivity all over. We simply couldn’t touch him or even attempt to put on tack or rugs. We made a timely call to NAF for help, as the ‘Love the SKIN he’s in’ range was being prepared for launch. We used the products in combination - we fed Charlie the Skin Supplement and treated his skin topically with Skin Wash and Skin Spray.

The products worked so well that within one month, Charlie’s skin was soft and his coat took on an amazing shine. I was able to ride him again and get him back out to competitions, where he looked and felt great. The ‘Love the SKIN he’s In’ range will be available from your nearest NAF stockist from October 2012. For more details please call the NAF Freephone Advice Line: 0800 373106, email [email protected] or go to www.naf-equine.eu/ukNAF have launched a fresh new premium skin care range for horses. It’s called ‘Love the SKIN he’s in’. The ‘Love the SKIN he’s in’ products are all totally natural and have been formulated to complement each other in their actions and work from the inside and out to address the increasing number of skin problems that affect our horses, including lumps, bumps, rashes and irritations, ‘Love the SKIN he’s in’ Skin Wash – a totally natural, effective wash that offers gentle, yet effective cleansing to damaged and/or challenged skin, however you choose to use it:• As a hot towel wash following clipping or for a deep clean.• A cold wash for a refreshing cleanse to lift sweat, grease and dust from the coat.• Applied directly in concentrated form to the affected area of skin. And the bonus… every 1 litre bottle of ‘Love the SKIN he’s in’ Skin Wash comes with a FREE luxurious Deep Cleansing Towel. ‘Love the SKIN he’s in’ Skin Wash is supported by: ‘Love the SKIN he’s In’ Skin SupplementIf your horse’s skin is challenged in anyway at all, feed this unique natural formula, rich in naturally sourced anti-oxidants, especially during times when seasonal irritations are likely to occur. ‘Love the SKIN he’s in’ Skin

Spray Gently mist over irritated areas of flaky skin, lumps, bumps and rashes, to soothe, comfort and help relieve any itching sensation. The benefits will be felt by your horse, almost immediately. ‘Love the SKIN he’s in’ Skin SalveSoothes and comforts irritated areas of skin, itchy flaky patches and minor abrasions. This light water based salve absorbs easily and leaves no superficial residue. Says Emile Faurie, Gold medal winning International British Dressage Rider “I cannot sing the praises of ‘Love the Skin he’s in’ highly enough, the products totally transformed Corbiere’s (Charlie’s) skin. Following a horrible reaction to clipper oil, he broke out in sore patches, lumps and bumps which caused him a great deal of discomfort and sensitivity all over. We simply couldn’t touch him or even attempt to put on tack or rugs. We made a timely call to NAF for help, as the ‘Love the SKIN he’s in’ range was being prepared for launch. We used the products in combination - we fed Charlie the Skin Supplement and treated his skin topically with Skin Wash and Skin Spray. The products worked so well that within one month, Charlie’s skin was soft and his coat took on an amazing shine. I was able to ride him again and get him back out to competitions, where he looked and felt great. The ‘Love the SKIN he’s In’ range will be available from your nearest NAF stockist from October 2012. For more details please call the NAF Freephone Advice Line: 0800 373106, email [email protected] or go to www.naf-equine.eu/uk

Winter Supplements

Looking good and feeling great - Love the SKIN he’s in!


BedHaysoft_HP.indd 1 04/09/2012 10:42

HaySoft is a quality haylage for horses and ponies produced from quality rye grass grown specifically for haylage.

HaySoft haylage undergoes a state of the art dust extraction method designed to prevent horses and owners from being exposed to potentially harmful spores. HaySoft Original and HaySoft High Fibre are heat sealed to retain goodness and maintain high levels of vitamins, minerals and proteins.

The high quality content of HaySoft products make it a cost effective alternative to hay and allows the amount of hard feed to be reduced. It is packaged into 3 manageable sections making it easy to handle and distribute.

For more information and to find your nearest stockist, please visit www.haysoft.co.uk or call 01277 375647.

Quality haylage

Robinson Animal Healthcare continues to lead the way amongst equine healthcare specialists. A successful manufacturer of a wide range of quality, innovative wound care and first aid products, the company’s wealth of knowledge stems from more than 170 years experience, since the founding company Robinson and Sons first started in 1839.

• Management – most winter skin conditions result from a dirty coat which provides the ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive. Keep coats as clean and as dry as possible with suitable rugs or shelter and regular grooming.

• Hygiene - rugs, tack, grooming and stable equipment can spread contagious skin conditions or repeatedly re-infect the same horse unless you eliminate infectious agents by disinfection and cleaning (veterinary surgeons can advise on suitable products that will not harm your horse).

• Correct Nutrition – poor diets, especially those lacking in essential vitamins and minerals, can have dire effects on the skin health. Consult an equine nutritionist if you suspect current dietary intake is not aiding a healthy skin and coat.

• Vigilance – check horses daily for signs that a skin condition may be imminent. Thick winter coats can easily mask problems such as mud fever, rain scald, ringworm and lice.

• Prevention – if it is known that an individual horse is prone to certain winter skin conditions then preventative measures should be taken. For example, horses prone to mud fever may benefit from a barrier cream or regular treatments with an anti-bacterial cleansing wash such as Activ Wash.

• Clipping and Trimming – it may help to trim or clip horses coats during winter to make them easier to keep clean and dry. Skin problems will often be more evident when coats are clipped and horses in work will be more comfortable as they will sweat less and dry off quicker.

• Treatment – a skin condition must be correctly identified in order for treatment to be as effective as possible. If you are in any doubt or if the condition has appeared for the first time always seek advice from your veterinary surgeon.

• Washing – continually washing and bathing horses can weaken the skin structure removing essential oils. This can lead to the skin becoming chapped and sore and irritated by particles of soil, leaving it more susceptible to infection. Avoid excessive bathing during winter; grooming will remove dirt and scurf without stripping the coat of its natural oils.

• Products - anti-bacterial washes can be used prophylactically on susceptible animals or to treat existing skin conditions caused by bacterium. They will help to remove any encrusted debris such as scabs.

• Healing - removing scabs carefully using an anti-bacterial cleansing wash (if bacterium is the causative organism) will remove any existing bacteria and dirt held in the scabs allowing new clean scabs to form and heal. It is very important that any sponges that are used in the washing process are clean and that the area washed is rinsed well with clean water and then dried thoroughly.

For more information contact Robinson Animal Healthcare on 01909 735000 or visit www.robinsonhealthcare.com

Ten Top Tips for Preventing Mud Fever from Robinson Animal Healthcare


With winter well on the way, Masta is offering expert advice on rugging up. With help on hand to understanding a horse’s ideal temperature, making sure he isn’t too hot or cold; showing how to find the perfect rug for winter and avoiding the struggle of how to choose the best rug. Whether it be stable or turnout, lightweight or heavyweight, whatever the shape and size, we will find the best rug for your horse.

Whatever the season, the weather remains unpredictable, so it is important to have a variety of rugs covering light, medium and heavyweight, to ensure your horse is fully protected. The filling of the rug will be shown in grams or ounces, ranging from lightweight with 90g/3oz to heavyweight rugs with 340g/12oz of filling.

It is crucial your horse maintains the correct temperature; common signs that a horse is cold are, if he looks uneasy, shivering or has hair standing on end, with his tail tight down or has cold ears. If he is too hot, your horse will be sweaty, have an increased pulse and respiration, or may seem anxious.

The breed, age, fitness of the horse and clip needs to be taken into consideration. A mostly indoor kept competition thoroughbred will need a thicker rug than an outdoor hacking cob.

Layering rugs and adding a neck cover is a great way to ensure your horse stays warm and comfortable. Neck covers are ideal to help keep extra warmth in during those cooler periods, as well as keeping mud off your horse’s neck. Detachable covers allow the rug to be used in warmer or colder conditions.

Finding the perfect rug

With the dramatically changeable winter weather, it is ideal to have a variety of rugs covering, light, medium and heavyweight so your horse is fully protected. Alternatively a cost effective solution is to have a medium weight rug, then have a rug lining for those colder days.

Try not to simply follow size guides - always measure your horse first. The guides usually work from the height of the horse, but the weight of a horse will make a difference on the sizing, therefore a lightweight 16hh horse will need a different size rug to a 16hh heavyweight horse.

When looking at turnouts, it’s important to take into consideration the nature of the horse when in the field, so you can find a rug that lets the horse have the freedom it requires in the field.

It is crucial to ensure that the rug fits correctly at the withers. This will avoid excessive rubbing and pressure. Making sure the rug is cut fairly high helps, and use an anti-rub vest if required.

When ensuring a secure fit for a turnout rug, it must feature two front straps. The straps need to be tough to hold the weight of the rug together and flexible to enable quick fastening. The straps should fit neatly at the chest without pulling.

Look for rugs that have cross surcingles, as this will eliminate any pressure to the spine. For further information please contact Masta on 01274 711101 or visit www.masta.co.uk

Rugging Up for Winter

Winter Survival

it won’t be long before the colder weather starts to bite and fingers and toes need a bit of extra wrapping up – so why not be organised and get thinking about those few clothing essentials that will help you get through the autumn.

I tend to find layering up is the best way. It allows you to be flexible in cases where the weather is variable and two thin layers can be warmer yet lighter than one thick layer as the air trapped between layers serves as thermal insulation.

With rider fashion ever changing following in the footsteps of the high street fashion there are plenty of great items that are practical yet also stylish. Look out for key autumnal colours crossing over from the high street. Mixing and matching key items can make for a totally different look and have your friends thinking you have an extensive wardrobe to choose from!

A couple of new items can really help you freshen up your wardrobe without breaking the bank. Again try and tie new clothing in with your current styles to make the most of your spend.If you want to look warm and snugly this winter you can’t beat a fleece for that soft to the touch feel. It is worth looking at the fabric before you make your new purchases as everyone has their favourites!

Must-haves for autumn:

• A couple of pairs of thick warm gloves for pottering about the yard and an extra pair in case they get wet as well as gloves for riding in. I hate having wet gloves!

• A good waterproof jacket suitable for even the worst of weathers.

• A pair of lined boots or wellies with a good tread on them, ideal for icy and wet weather conditions, especially when you have to trek down the field after the horse.

• Don’t forget thermal socks!

• A hat and scarf to keep the ears and neck warm. I have found a snood pretty useful for riding in; I can pull it up around my ears and you don’t have any flapping bits that need tucking in.

• Thermal jodhpurs are a great addition to the wardrobe too, keeping your legs warm whilst riding and also suitable for layering up.

• Finally I definitely couldn’t be without a pair of waterproof trousers or chaps. What with the British weather these are handy all year round!

For further information visit www.equestrianclearance.com

A Fashionable Winter WardrobeWrap up warm this autumn with some great advice and fashion tips from Team EquestrianClearance.com rider Harriet Morris-Baumber.



Events • Winter Survival

Shorter days and darker nights can put your horses and ponies at more risk from the thieves.

Unwanted intruders can prowl around unseen so much more easily.Therefore, it is very important to take all precautions to ward off these people and protect your horses.

The best way of doing this is to get them freeze marked as quickly as possible. Freezemark travel all over the country and bookings are carried out as soon as there are sufficient animals in and around an area.

Mary Awre of Freezemark impresses on people to plan ahead to beat the thieves. “Unfortunately, there seems to

be an upsurge in horses going missing and premises being broken into, so act now to protect your animals. Freeze marks deter theft and if the worst happens you have a much greater chance of recovering them”

As Mary continued – “We feel that in the present economic situation that there will be an increase in thefts, so to help horse owners we are giving 10% discount off our freeze mark charge until the end of November.”

For details and bookings, contact Freezemark on 01295 788226 or visit their website www.freezemark.biz

DON’T DELAY – TOMORROW MAY BE TOO LATE…..

Kelly Marks founded intelligent Horsemanship, with the encouragement of her mentor Monty Roberts, as an association to enable horse owners to share ideas and get practical help at exceptional value. Intelligent Horsemanship is not a rigid set system, but instead owners are encouraged to utilise an understanding of equine psychology and behavioural science alongside effective training techniques. This deeper insight empowers students to develop their own solutions to help horses overcome quirks or fears, developing a fair and consistent trust-based relationship. Help and support is offered to all horse owners, and IH have a network of highly trained ‘Recommended Associates’ who specialise in helping clients with an exhaustive array of ridden and in-hand problems. Based on Intelligent Horsemanship’s goal to be affordable, accessible and achievable, they are specialists in training not only horses, but their owners too! Clients can learn how to deal with everyday problems such as refusal to load, catching, clipping, napping, bucking, or simply to

get help with backing a young horse. There are also a range of popular courses available to enable owners to study these techniques for themselves, and students often describe their experiences as ‘life changing’. If you would like to see these highly effective techniques for yourself, why not grab the opportunity to see the world famous horseman Monty Roberts, who is back in the UK this autumn for a series of live demonstrations across the country. For a list of dates turn to page 38. Monty Roberts and Kelly Marks have helped countless leisure and professional riders alike, in various disciplines from Dressage, Eventing and Show Jumping to Racing. Why not join them and see how they can help YOU improve your performance and relationship with your horse, both in and out of the saddle? For more information on courses, horse help and demonstration tickets go to www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk or call 01488 71300.

As the EquestrianClearance sponsored riders gear up for the winter months, we get some top tips on rugging horses for the winter, keeping them cosy and warm. Harriet Morris-Baumber - EventingI find layering rugs is best, you can easily add a rug or blanket if they are cold or take one off if they get too hot. My horses will still be in light work and be out in the field for a couple of hours a day, this means lots of rugs, clean indoor ones and durable waterproof ones for the field. I love the Mark Todd rugs as they never seem to slip, they stay in place and fit really well, the best place to buy them is EquestrianCleanance.com as they are very competitively priced and have a great selection.Victoria Hesford - Showing

I have a pet hate of badly fitting rugs; rubbing at the withers, loose belly straps and no fillet string. I prefer rugs without neck covers as sometimes they can rub out the manes and this is definitely no good for the show ring. I would definitely recommend a Lycra hood as they really help to save the mane. They lay the mane flat and keep the coat fine without rubbing at the withers. Some also help protect the shoulders from rubbing too. This is most important when you are preparing for the show ring in the new season, you can’t hide the bald patches!

Andrew Davies – Show jumping Whether my horses are in work and stabled at night or turned away to grass they are checked

at least twice a day.Rugs are removed and replaced to ensure their coats are not being rubbed away and to check for any injuries.We always have a few spare accessories handy in case of any breakages or added fittings are needed such as leg straps, fillet strings, elasticated surcingles and chest expanders. Laura Robinson – Show jumpingDifferent horses get hotter than others so we use lots of layers and each horse will have a different number of layers depending on what they require to keep them warm. Remember it is important to keep checking they are not too hot or too cold. Also the bottom rug needs to be well fitted so that the horse does not get unsightly rug rubs. A well fitting summer sheet under the rug is easy to wash and keeps the top rugs clean and promotes a clean and shiny coat on the horse. Visit www.equestrianclearance.com

The nights are closing in and so are the thieves!!

Could intelligent horsemanshipchange your life too?!

Winter Rugging Tips



Healthcare • News


Horses for Sale


What was the lead up to the olympics like for you?“Very busy – I had two international competitions in the lead up –one in France and the other in the UK at Hartpury where JP my horse felt amazing. Both were the best possible preparation for the Paralympics”

Were you nervous and if so how do you control your nerves?“I was more excited to be honest than nervous, we work closely with a sports psychologist so I was well prepared for it. I was actually more nervous about how relaxed I was feeling!”

We would imagine that winning gold is your proudest achievement to date, what other events in your equestrian career have made you proud?“It was the best experience of my life however the 1st international competition that I ever did in France when I was 16 where I won all three classes on my first horse Charlie was pretty amazing –that is really what inspired me to take things further”

What is the thing you like most about competing?“I love the relationship that you have with horses –it’s the relationship that you build with the horse, who becomes your best friend. Competing brings this all together”

What is the most bizarre horsey situation you have ever been in?“I went to an able bodied competition on Charlie and he was rather cheeky and he bucked me off and the judge ran out of the box and rushed over to check I was OK, then later on another para rider came in who was an amputee and her prostetic leg came off and then judge had a heart attack!” Who was your first horse?“My first horse was called Charlie Never-the-less and I had him when I was 14. He was quite cheeky”Why did you get involved in riding?“I’ve always ridden, my mum was into horses and I’ve always been brought up around them, but I was also encouraged into other areas as well: Brownies, playing musical instruments and

swimming, but riding was always there and it was just something that I always wanted to do. I went along to my local RDA center and was talent spotted aged 11 and then started competing at national competitions and then progressed up the levels and then the Europeans were my first championships in 2011. Have you had a favourite horse?“Sooo hard, I love JP to pieces, he’s won me my four Gold medals but my horse Woody really sticks in my mind –he was my horse from 2006 -2009 and he was the one who I leapt onto the international stage with and he got me out there and got me seen and he made me into the rider I am today”

Horses can at times be unpredictable –have you fallen off and what’s your attitude to getting back on?“Horses are horses and I have had times where I have fallen off but you just have got to get back on again. Mum always used to say that I had to fall off 7 times and to get back on for 8 to make me a good rider. I think now we are looking at 18 or even 28!” How many horses do you ride?“I have three horses in ridden work: JP (My Paralympic horse), Woody (Who is now semi-retired) and Bam Bam. Bam Bam is sponsored by Golly Galoshes and is my exciting youngster who is six years old and a real dude – he is a real rebel and very special to me and very talented and my hopeful for Rio 2016 ” Who do you admire and why?“I love Charlotte Dujardin – she’s a really good friend of mine and also a fantastic rider and I love her story: Going to Carl (Hester’s) as a stable girl and is now an Olympic champion!” Can you see yourself being involved with horses indefinitely?“Yes forever!!”

What would you like to be doing in 5 years time?“Doing what I am doing now, hopefully even better and winning more Gold’s at Rio and I would also like to compete at higher levels at able bodied competitions also!”

if there was a horse past or present you wished you could own, what would it be?“Valegro –he is so stunning and the harmony between him and Charlotte is so obvious. That’s hopefully what I have with JP, again he has so much power but is relaxed as well –which is something I really love about him” What is the best lesson you have learned through being involved with horses?“Horses are great levellers and they teach you not to be too big for your boots, they soon bring you back down to earth and that’s what I think I love most about them!!” www.gollygaloshes.com

Photographer

Face to Face with a Gold Medalist - interview with Natasha BakerCourtesy of Golly Galoshes, the equine gaiter, Equi-Ads caught up with one of their sponsored riders: Gold Medalist Paralympic dressage rider Natasha Baker to discover more about the superstar behind the headlines….

Equi-Ads launch new websitein June 2012 the new Equi-Ads website went live, boasting a whole host of new and exciting features including a competition section and an Equi-Homes section.

It has also retained all of the features from the previous site such as the Advertisers Directory and the Events section. So whatever your equestrian need, Equi-Ads online will be able to fulfil it. To thank our readers for their continued support throughout the years, Equi-Ads are running a number of special offers on their website,

including free classified adverts for a limited time.

To see what the new website has to offer go to www.equiads.net

Photo by David Miller

For more details please go to your local NAF stockist or call ourFreephone Advice Line: 0800 373 106 or email [email protected]

www.naf-equine.eu/uk

Supports thorough digestion of haylageNegates acid build up in the gutResult: A healthy, happier horse

Less poo, better pooCleaner, tidier bedResult: Time saved mucking out

Feed less hard feedUse less beddingResult: Save money

If Haylage Balancer does not save you timeor money please let us know, return your proofof purchase and we will fully refund your money.For full details see www.naf-uk.com/haylage

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MONEY BACK GUARANTEE*

Box Cleverwith Haylage Balancer - save time and money

GUARANTEED*

haylage-balancer-boxclever-12:0 11/9/12 15:37 Page 1

Date post:	25-Mar-2016
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Equi-Ads October 2012

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