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Your Horse May Issue

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This month we’ve got allsorts to share with you including a special feature focusing on men…yes that’s right, men – we take a sneak peek into the life of a male rider starting out in dressage, plus you can enjoy our up close and personal interview with carriage driver extraordinaire – Boyd Excell. You can even read up on taking a break from the norm with your horse while enjoying the best the UK has to offer on a special horsey holiday! There’s plenty to get stuck into and here’s a glimpse of what you can expect…
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BE A BETTER RIDER, GET THE BEST FROM YOUR HORSE WWW.YOURHORSE.CO.UK YOUR HORSE 360 MAY 2012 UK’S No.1 EQUINE MONTHLY MAGAZINE PERFECT SUMMER HACKING ESSENTIAL KNOW-HOW SECTION BOX REST BRAKING ADVICE SHOWING GEAR DRIVING WITH BOYD EXELL tips for 25 summer hacking perfect Put the brakes on Stop him pulling, rushing & bolting May 2012 £3.80 DRIVING WITH Boyd Exell RICHARD MAXWELL HELPS YOU TRAIN YOUR HORSE TO COPE WITH HIS PHOBIAS The only place to find everyday skills for every rider ESSENTIAL KNOW-HOW New section BANISH BOX REST BLUES Keep him thinking, healthy and happy Better riding u Using draw reins u Eventing advice u Tackling spooking u Pregnant mares u Top tack care u Groundbreaking grooming Horse care Gear guide THE BEST FOR... Our glittering guide to showing gear Bling in the ring
Transcript
Page 1: Your Horse May Issue

B e a B e t t e r r i d e r , g e t t h e B e s t f ro m yo u r h o r s e w w w.yo u r h o r s e .c o.u k

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perfectPut the brakes onStop him pulling, rushing & bolting

May 2012 £3.80

drIvINGwITH

Boyd Exell

rIcHArd MAxwELL HELpS YOU TrAIN YOUr HOrSE TO cOpE wITH HIS pHObIAS

The only place to find everyday skills for every rider

ESSENTIAL KNOw-HOw

New section

bANISH bOx rEST bLUESKeep him thinking, healthy and happy

Better ridinguUsing draw reins uEventing advice

uTackling spooking uPregnant mares

uTop tack careuGroundbreaking

grooming

Horse care

Gear guide

THE bEST fOr...

Our glittering guide to showing gear

Bling in the ring

Page 2: Your Horse May Issue

Arriving at carriage driving supremo Boyd Exell’s Leicestershire base on a cold and drizzly day, a reverent

hush permeates a yard where carriages of all sizes nestle alongside a fleet of lorries, including a 40ft monster which carries 10 horses and two carriages.It’s so quiet I’m worried we’ve got the

wrong day, but stepping inside the stable block we find everyone tucked up away from the weather, making the cosy run a hive of activity.Recently crowned the FEI’s World Cup

driving champion for a record fourth time, 39-year-old Boyd is certainly at the top of the game he first made his mark on aged just 16, when he won the national pairs championship in his native Australia.

Since settling in England in 1994, Boyd’s notched up many impressive successes as well as building a family life with eventer wife Preetha and their children James, five, and Olivia, three.We settle down for a chat in the

impressive tack room then Boyd gives us a tour of the yard and its friendly inhabitants, before wheeling out his competition carriage. Despite its compact bulk, Boyd says with

a few years’ experience the horses ‘pick it up like a ragdoll’, reinforcing the fact that guiding four galloping horses and a carriage weighing more than half a ton takes incredible skill and nerves of steel.Turn over to find out what drives Boyd to

live up to his surname, what he looks for in a horse and of course, his favourite cheese.

funDriving’s

the most you can have

WORDS Katy Islip PHOTOGRAPHY Matthew Roberts

Boyd Exell

your horse

Page 3: Your Horse May Issue

The Yard Boyd Exell

www.yourhorse.co.uk

Turn overfor Boyd’s answers toyour questions

Driving’s you can

Page 4: Your Horse May Issue

HORSEYOuR

Terms and conditions Subscriptions will start with the next available issue. The minimum term is 13 issues. This offer is open until 17 May 2012 and is only available to the first 120 new UK subscriptions received across all offer codes starting with DY. Please allow up to 28 days for delivery of your gift. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. We reserve the right to send you an alternative gift of similar type/value. We also reserve the right to reclaim the gift/value of the gift if you cancel your subscription before the end of the agreed term as stated above. Calls from a BT landline will cost no more than 4p a minute. Call charges from other landline providers or mobile phones may vary. Order lines open 8am-9.30pm (Mon-Fri), 8am-4pm (Sat). UK orders only. Overseas? Phone +44 1858 438824. Calls may be monitored or recorded for training purposes.

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Page 6: Your Horse May Issue

Sarah Cohen is a four star event rider

Hacking happyOver rolling hills and eye-catching landscapes, or along local

bridleways, get your summer off to a great start with our 25 top tips for perfect, stress-free, summer hacking

Mee

t the

ex

pert

s Charles Wilson is a Natural Horsemanship trainer

Anna Ross-Davies is an international dressage rider

Melanie Watson runs Instinctive Horse Training

Whatever your discipline, hacking can be hugely

beneficial for both you and your horse, so escape from the confines of the school this

summer and embark on some great rides out. Our top tips for perfect summer hacking from the Your Horse team, natural horsemen and top riders will make your hacking a breeze.

your horse

Page 7: Your Horse May Issue

1Always tell someone where you’re

going and give an approximate return time, so that people know

where you are and when you’re due back. Try to stick to your return time and if you’re running late,

let someone know so you don’t cause unnecessary

worry.

2 Take advantage of light early mornings and cool summer

evenings - the flies are fewer, the shadows are longer, the birds are singing and it’s just you and your horse – there’s nothing better to set you up for the day ahead or to relax you after a hard day at work.

4Instinctive Horse Trainer Melanie Watson says: “Always wear appropriate tack – if you have a strong horse, using a martingale or a

flash or drop noseband will give you more control – even the most relaxed horses can get a little bit giddy now and again.”

3 If you have the time, take a picnic, leadrope and headcollar

so you and your horse can have a break.

Better riding Summer hacking

Kerry Dawson and Esther Young are Endurance GB ride organisers

Steph Croxford is a top dressage rider

Anne Ratcliffe is a BHSII riding instructor

5Go for an all-day hack somewhere new as a bit of an

adventure – why not head down to the beach, there’s nothing better than a canter along the sand and a paddle in the sea to blow the cobwebs away. Note the tide times if you’re riding on the beach, and watch out for sinking sand. Changes in the colour or texture of sand may indicate that it’s deep and soft.

www.yourhorse.co.uk

Page 8: Your Horse May Issue

Help me stop her rushing at fences

Your Horse clinic

I’ve had my five-year-old, 17.2hh, Irish Sport Horse Fraggle for six months now and she’s doing great. However, when riding to a fence she rushes with her head in the air. I lack control and I need help to work on stopping her rushing

Sharon Long with Fraggle

Page 9: Your Horse May Issue

Better riding YH clinic

Meet the expert Barrett Watson

Barrett Watson is a top show jumper and trainer who works with horses and riders at all levels. As well as

being a talented show jumper, Barrett spent many years on the eventing circuit.

www.yourhorse.co.uk

“Keep an eye on your reins and look for the middle of the fence – let the fence come to you a little bit more,” says Barrett. “Continue to approach in trot and keep her cantering afterwards – don’t pull her up like you are at the moment! A great attempt – I’ll up the height of the fences and we’ll see how she goes.”

Fraggle rushes through the higher fences and knocks them down. “You need to make her wait,” says Barrett. “She’s still rushing. If she’s arguing,

don’t approach the fence, ride a circle and calm her down first.”

Fraggle continues to knock the fences with her front feet as she’s approaching them too fast. “Take a breather and come back around in canter this time and make sure you’re composed and you’ve gathered a nice rhythm.”

Next time around Sharon and Fraggle do a perfect job. “You see, if you’re less panicked, she’ll be less panicked,” says Barrett.

Two at a timeFrom pole to fence

Top tip Improving your

control on the flat is the best way to help

with your control when you leave the

ground“I think it’s time to move onto a small upright with a placing pole to see how Fraggle tackles a fence. I want you to trot to the fence, jump it and then canter away from it,” says Barrett. ‘If Fraggle has a bit of a problem with rushing we want to approach the jump steadily.”

On their first attempt it becomes clear Fraggle isn’t jumping straight – she’s veering off to the left to evade Sharon’s aids. “Sit up straight and keep a consistent contact with her,” says Barrett. “She’s setting off too soon towards the fence and then rushing off afterwards. It’s okay, this can be fixed, you just need to shorten your reins, sit up and establish a good pace both before and after the fence.”

On their next attempt, Fraggle is still pulling Sharon to the left and rushing at the fence so they spend a few circuits working on the trot and canter paces before tackling the fences again. “Lovely, a great attempt,” says Barrett. He then asks Sharon and Fraggle to take a breather while he creates another fence, four strides apart from the first one.

Warming upOnce Sharon and Fraggle have thoroughly warmed up on both reins, Barrett starts the lesson off by asking them to ride over a couple of poles on the ground.

“Keep your hands still and try to get Fraggle going a little more forward over the poles,” says Barrett. Fraggle starts to rush and clanks the poles with her back feet so Sharon needs to keep her contact and ride her straighter over the poles.

The second time around, on the left rein, the pair do a great job. “Move onto the right rein again and remember to ride her straight over the poles and keep your contact,” says Barrett. “Much better, that was really nice.”

After a few circuits over the poles, Sharon appears to have Fraggle nicely warmed up and under control. So Barrett decides it’s time for them to leave the ground and tackle some fences.

Page 10: Your Horse May Issue

your horse

Page 11: Your Horse May Issue

Hold your horses

We’re all partial to the occasional blast to blow the cobwebs away, but there can be a fine line

between an enjoyable gallop and a helter-skelter bolt. We’ve spoken to a range of

experts to help you pull up, pronto!

Ruth Mazet Ruth Mazet has worked with problem horses for 35 years, treating each

as an individual and using their desire to co-operate to win them round, building trust and confidence along the way. Visit www.horse-talk.org for more information.

Gil RileyGil Riley is a vet specialising in equine care. A regular

Your Horse expert, he works at the Pool House Veterinary Group and Equine Clinic.

Lee Rutter Lee Rutter is one of the UK’s top Western riders and trainers, and is

the current British Reining Open Champion. For more information visit www.oakridgequarterhorses.co.uk or call 07736 430111.

Ema OdlinEma Odlin is a bitting expert who runs The Horse Bit Shop and

lectures on bitting at Bishop Burton College. For more information visit www.thehorsebitshop.co.uk or call 01405 861800.

Better riding Put the brakes on

Head ove

r the p

age to fin

d out how to

banish boltin

g and enjoy your t

ime i

n the

saddle,

whatev

er your d

isciplin

e

Mee

t the

expe

rts

Page 12: Your Horse May Issue

your horse

Private Lesson

with international dressage rider Dan Sherriff

Learning to deal with spooky, tense horses is a must if your horse is going to gain the higher

marks in the dressage arena.

D ressage star Dan has always been passionate about horses, spending much of his childhood tearing around on

scruffy ponies, much to his farmer dad’s dismay. A member of the Enfield Chace branch of the Pony Club, Dan is one of only a small number of people to pass the Pony Club ‘A’ test with honours, which he’s quite rightly proud about.

In 1986, he became the first person to win the British Dressage Supporters Club’s Talent-Spotting competition to find young riders with potential. Since then he’s been exposed to some of the world’s best trainers through various scholarship schemes, with the

most important lessons of his riding career coming from his time with trainers David Hunt and Judy Harvey, both of whom Dan rates very highly.

He returned to the Grand Prix scene two years ago after a 10-year break and now has a handful of strong horses and youngsters to keep him at this level.

Today Dan is helping Your Horse reader Jess Coltman with her lovely gelding Monty. Although a talented horse, as a 16-year-old, Monty is stuck in his ways, thinks he knows best and uses a number of evasions to avoid working correctly – he knows all the tricks! Jess is keen to learn how to tackle this so they can progress and achieve higher scores.

Name: Dan Sherriff Experience: Based in a fantastic location only 20 minutes from London, Dan has won every national title up to Prix St Georges level and is always in the top 10 when he competes at Grand Prix.

He splits his time between riding his own horses and training horses and riders of all levels from his farm.

His continual dressage

education has taught him to be meticulous when it comes to training and managing horses – Dan is particularly good with youngsters, having brought on many of his own. His current top horse is Bayford Hall Dallaglio (aka Lawrence), named after the famous English rugby captain, and he has a handful of youngsters working through the ranks behind him.

Dan is passionate about his dressage career and works like a trooper to make it all happen.

Expert fact file

Monty knows all the tricks and Jess is keen to tackle this

Page 13: Your Horse May Issue

www.yourhorse.co.uk

Meet the pupil

Turn

ove

r to fin

d out

how

Jess

lear

ns

to de

al w

ith M

onty’s

spookin

ess

and

get h

im lis

tenin

g to

her

Better riding Private lesson

Page 14: Your Horse May Issue

What’s all the fuss about… draw reins?

Draw reins are a controversial subject, but why has this training aid been demonised by some while others happily use them? We bring

you the facts so you can make your own informed decision

Tara Osborn Tara Osborn BHSAI is a dressage trainer and rider who runs Long Drove Dressage Centre, in Huntingdon, Cambs. For more information visit www.longdrovedc.co.uk or call Tara on 07971 187955.

Sue PalmerSue Palmer is a chartered veterinary physiotherapist and a member of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy. Find out more at www.holistichorsehelp.com or call 07976 413488.

D raw reins are intended to encourage a horse to come rounder in his outline, work nicely over his back,

maintain a consistent contact and carry himself in balance.

They run from the rider’s hands, through the bit rings to one of three points, allowing the rider to apply pressure through the bit to encourage the correct outline. The aim is to ask your horse to lower his head, then release the draw reins when he’s in a position to carry himself.

Dressage trainer Tara Osborn explains: “You use draw reins to strengthen and develop the correct muscles so your horse can hold the

position on his own, not to force him into a shape and hold him there.”

In inexperienced hands, or if used incorrectly, draw reins can cause lasting physical damage – it’s this potential for harm combined with the confusion surrounding how they should be used that has fuelled the debate.

Tara says: “Draw reins are a difficult topic because there are lots of question marks and a lot of grey areas, and that’s why people can get it wrong.”

Read on to find out how to fit and use draw reins correctly, and to recognise and avoid common pitfalls if you decide they’re right for you.

your horse

Mee

t the

ex

pert

s

Page 15: Your Horse May Issue

Better riding Draw rein debate

www.yourhorse.co.uk

Page 16: Your Horse May Issue

Back by popular demand…the Training Academy

is here!Get ready for six months of top training as we prepare to launch the

2012 Training Academy and this year we have a few surprises in store!

L ast year you all loved the Your Horse Training Academy (so did we!) so this year we’re bringing it

back and with brand new instructors - dressage star Spencer Wilton and international event rider and show jumper Jay Halim.

Over the next six months, Spencer and Jay will take you through everything from the basics to competing at a one-day-event, so if you’re a budding dressage rider, a keen eventer or a show jumper they’re here to help you and your horse become the best you can possibly be – and the real clincher – it’s all absolutely free.

Plus you can watch all of our Training Academy videos online at your leisure every month and again you won’t have to pay a penny or even register to view.

The first instalment of the Academy will be on shop shelves (or coming through your letter box if you subscribe) on May 17.

Win top training!This year we’re even offering you the amazing opportunity to win training with one of your

Academy instructors. To find out how, don’t miss the first instalment next month.

Get all six issues for just £12!Subscribe to Your Horse now for just £12 and you’ll never miss an instalment of the 2012 Training Academy plus you can ensure that your copy of Your Horse is delivered free to your door every month!

To subscribe, call 0845 601 1356 (Quote the code: YHTA) or subscribe online at www.greatmagazines.co.uk/YHTA

Save 50% on your subscription

and get six months of top training for the price of takeaway

pizza!

To find out more go to

www.yourhorse.co.uk/ta

Page 17: Your Horse May Issue

The only place to find everyday skills for every rider

NEW sEctioN

Essentialknow-how96 Opening gates safely and easilyFollow our step-by-step guide to this essential skill for happy hacking – plus countryside safety tips

98 Mount up and save his backCheck out our physio’s advice to make sure you’re not putting his back under strain

99 Take his temperature......and his pulse and respiration

plus Working levelsFind out just how much work your horse is doing – it’ll help get his feeding right

100 Girth upNot too tight, not too loose – get his girth just right

plus Benefits of deep litter beddingKeep your horse snug – and save on mucking out

plus Take the stress out of sprayingIf you struggle to get fly spray

on your horse, you’ll love our step-by-step guide to stress-free spraying

101 Sewing up a successful plaitSix steps to an eye-catching mane for the show ring

102 Perfect hands every timeTips from the top to make sure you have your hands in the right position

96 101 102

For more top tips, help and advice go online towww.yourhorse.co.uk

Page 18: Your Horse May Issue

your horse

Page 19: Your Horse May Issue

Getaway!

www.yourhorse.co.uk

Fancy swapping your dull arena for a blast over the moors, or enjoying a week’s intensive training with the UK’s top instructors?

Time then to box up as we reveal Britain’s best take-your-horse-along riding holidays. Your horse will love the change of scene and it will give your relationship a real boost, whether you want to improve your dressage skills or B&B-hop on a jaunt round the countryside

WORDS Helen Milbank

Holiday with your horse

Page 20: Your Horse May Issue

Inse

t pi

c: B

ob

Lang

rish

Help him fight his fearThey say elephants never forget, but horses have pretty

good memories when it comes to traumatic events. Here equine behaviourist Richard Maxwell shows

you how to help your horse conquer his fears

Richard Maxwell Richard Maxwell, aka Max, served in the Household Cavalry, training both horses and riders. After leaving the Army, he worked with Monty Roberts, and has combined conventional and natural training methods to develop his own style, which he describes as ‘practical horsemanship’. For more information visit www.richard-maxwell.com, email [email protected] or call 07793 651300.

Horse Care Equine phobias

When we have a scary experience in our riding we’re able to talk through and understand what

happened, put it into perspective and develop coping strategies for any after-effects.

It’s not so simple for your horse – his instinct tells him that, if a situation was scary or painful, he’s far safer to refuse to get involved next time. This can mean a one-off traumatic experience shapes his future expectations, leaving you fighting both instinct and memory as you try and reassure him things aren’t as bad as he thinks.

Read on to discover how you can help your horse overcome his fears so you can both enjoy your time together, whether on the ground, out hacking or in the show ring.

How do phobias start?Max explains all horses are naturally phobic to some degree, ranging from the almost bombproof characters to those who spook at every leaf.

Horses learn by experience so if something frightening or painful happens, as a prey animal this memory

will stand out because they can’t afford to let it happen again.

Max says: “Horses are one-time learners in these situations, they remember the fear and pain. For some it only needs to be one or the other, but if you have both

it’s a double-whammy. “It all comes down to

self-preservation. The memory means they’ll

resist repeating the experience – the way your horse sees it, he has the right to use his size, strength and speed to avoid it.

That’s when he starts to become unruly, so we

have to show him through training that these things

aren’t an advantage.”

So how do you crack a phobia?Tackling an equine phobia isn’t simply a matter of exposing your horse to the thing he’s scared of in the hope he gets used to it.

Max says: “If you were scared of snakes and I tied you up and covered you with them it wouldn’t help, and it’s the same for horses. If a phobia overtakes your emotions and you can’t cope, then you just can’t cope – the adrenaline is surging and you can’t do anything other than panic – in your horse this means his

your horse

Mee

t the

ex

pert

Why punishment

isn’t the answer“Punishing a horse who

refuses to do something he’s unsure of will only make things

worse because it creates an association of pain and

fear,” says Max

Page 21: Your Horse May Issue

www.yourhorse.co.uk

Horses learn by experience so if something frightening happens, this memory stands out

– they can’t afford to let it happen again

Page 22: Your Horse May Issue

your horse

Page 23: Your Horse May Issue

What to expect when she’s expecting…If you’re thinking about breeding from your mare, vets

Charlie Briggs and James Crabtree guide you through the ups and downs of pregnancy, foaling and

beyond, in our two-part special

James R Crabtree James is an associate consultant at Equine Reproductive Services, near Malton, Yorkshire. He holds the RCVS certificate in Equine Stud Medicine and is an associate lecturer at Liverpool University.

Charlie BriggsCharlie is an equine vet who works for the Hale Veterinary Group in Wiltshire. She’s also team vet for the GB Endurance Development Squad.

Horse Care In-foal mare

The biggest journey you can support your mare through is the one to motherhood – here we give you all the information you need to ensure it’s plain sailing from the beginning to the successful birth

Whether your mare is put in foal by a process of natural covering, artificial insemination

(AI) or embryo transfer, the early days of pregnancy can be worrying.

That said, it’s not necessary to completely wrap your pregnant mare in cotton wool, but as James recommends, you should employ some commonsense management changes.

Care of your mum-to-beAlthough fertilisation rates in normal mares reaches 90%, the incidence of Early Embryonic Death (EED) before day 40 of the pregnancy is estimated to be in the region of 5-24%. In mares who have

low fertility, this rate can be higher. There are a number of factors that may contribute towards EED, including stress, the presence of a twin pregnancy, mare hormonal deficiencies and an abnormal uterine environment.

Reassuringly, once past the 60-day mark, the majority of mares will carry their foal to term. “The pregnant mare can stay in light exercise for the first four months and racehorses can race until they are four months pregnant, so ridden exercise should be ok,” says James. “However, it’s worth discussing with your vet what you can do, based on your mare’s individual circumstances. Avoid exhausting her, and heat stress, as this may compromise the pregnancy.”

WORDS Charlie Briggs

www.yourhorse.co.uk

Mee

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expe

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Page 24: Your Horse May Issue

Focus on specific

frustrations such as

providing food

he can trickle feed

your horse

Boxing cleverWORDS Andrea McHugh

Everyone hates box rest but there are lots of ways to make it as stress free as possible for you and your horse. Read on for expert advice

Horses are herd animals and the more natural a lifestyle their owners can provide them with, the happier

they will be. Ideally all horses should have the opportunity to roam freely, graze, shelter, drink fresh water and enjoy social contact with other equines, but in reality there are times when box rest, with its periods of isolation, becomes a necessity.

Box rest may be needed to help your horse recover from illness, reduce the risk of infections, provide protection from injury or simply to avoid adverse weather conditions. Duration can vary from days, to weeks and months and, while some horses cope well, others find it extremely stressful, developing physical problems such as respiratory ailments, and behavioural problems such as weaving or cribbing.

So how can you help your horse survive box rest?

Fighting frustration“The impact of box rest will vary from individual horse to individual horse,” says Professor Daniel Mills, from the University of Lincoln, who specialises in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine,

Animal Behaviour, Cognition and Welfare. “If your horse is usually turned out for much of the time, it may take him a while to adapt. Similarly if he’s been working hard, he may start to weave or box walk in frustration, particularly if he is predisposed to this.”

However, when it comes to the idea of a confined horse experiencing boredom, Professor Mills has some reservations. “Boredom is a non-specific term and, from a horse’s point of view, I am not sure how ‘bored’ a horse will get. Rather than thinking in terms of alleviating boredom, it’s better to focus on specific frustrations your horse may experience, such as a lack of equine interaction, or frustration at being unable to graze.”

Adapting dietThe lack of grazing means your horse will have different nutritional requirements on box rest. Seek veterinary or nutritionist advice on how to safely make adjustments and avoid dietary problems such as impaction colic.

“A horse on box rest needs plenty of good quality forage, but doesn’t really need concentrates, so it’s important to adjust his diet,” advises Professor Mills. “You can put hay into smaller mesh nets to reduce the rate at which forage is consumed, and hang nets in different areas of the stable.

“However, I prefer ground feeding, which is much more natural for your horse whose respiratory system is adapted to this rather than forcing him to eat higher up. If possible, at a later stage, it may be a good idea to look at providing restricted grazing, creating a small pen you can move around the field.”

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www.yourhorse.co.uk

Horse Care Box rest

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your horse

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www.yourhorse.co.uk

Men in the saddle

Let’s hear it for the boys!

There may be plenty of male riders in top-flight competition, but at grass-roots level they’re

something of a rarity. We chat to a couple of chaps who are starting out in riding to find out what it’s

like being the new boy on the (stable) block

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your horse

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Follow theleader

Learning from horses

WORDS Imogen Johnson PHOTOGRAPHY Matthew Roberts

We’re constantly looking for new and inspiring ways to teach our horses, but how often do we let our horses teach us?

One dull day last year the weather was truly depressing, money was tight and some of us on

the YH team weren’t achieving our riding goals. We were looking for a new and inspiring way to get us all back on track – in life, in the saddle, as individuals and as a team. Enter Sarah Kreutzer and a little pony called Black Jack.

With her team, Sarah runs Learning to Listen in North Yorkshire. She

delivers numerous programmes where individuals can work with horses, alone or as a part of a group. Her aim is to help people develop their leadership and coaching skills, ability to work as part of a team or simply for personal development. We were probably looking for help with a bit of everything, but we opted to visit Sarah as a team for some Equine Assisted Team Building – or in layman’s terms, working with horses to unveil our shortcomings!

www.yourhorse.co.uk

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your horse

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Gear guide Competition shirts

Competition shirtsA smart shirt will help you make a great impression when you're competing, so

we've tested 11 to find the one to give you the winning look this season

Big Test

A smart, well-fitting competition shirt complements the rest of your competing outfit.

There's loads of choice now with different, modern materials that can help you stay cool and comfortable while riding. Many fabrics have some stretch in them which helps with comfort and stops you feeling restricted – leaving you free to concentrate on your riding.

We selected 11 competition shirts for our test, to help you choose the right one for you. Each shirt was worn for

approximately one hour, riding on the flat and over a few small show jumps. We washed them, following the manufacturer’s instructions, and we included comments on their ease of care.

To simulate riding at a competition, we wore our competition jackets over the top then assessed each shirt under the following criteria. Fit – We assessed how well each shirt fitted and the overall appearance including whether it was long enough to tuck neatly into our breeches.Comfort – We considered how

comfortable each shirt was to ride in, both on the flat and over jumps, whether it was easy to ride in with a competition jacket over the top or if we felt restricted and uncomfortable.Value for money – Finally, taking into account our comments on fit and comfort, we considered whether each shirt was good value for money and whether we'd recommend you buy one.Allison Lowther Gear test editor

TestersYour Horse gear

editor Allison Lowther wore each shirt apart from the

Fuller Fillies shirt which was tested by

Cathy Wood

I wasn’t too sure about this shirt at first, but it definitely looks better on – the ruffled front is actually quite flattering. It fits nicely and the lightweight fabric is comfortable to wear. It has a nice amount of stretch in it so there is no restriction when you move. It’s easy to wash but quite fiddly to iron. I found I was prone to static when wearing it, but it does look smart. Probably a little more than I would pay compared to others in this test.

This is a pull-on style top with no fastenings. I wouldn’t say it’s my favourite style, but once it was on, it was comfortable. The stretch material moves with you so there's no feeling of restriction. I got a little warm wearing it compared to some of the others made of cotton-mix, but it washes well and needed very little ironing. It needed to be longer – what small amount I could tuck into my breeches quickly came un-tucked once I was riding. It also wasn't really suitable for a stock.

Flattering and comfortable but a little dear Easy on the ironing, but should be longer

Gersemi Functional top £44.99

Caldene Walden show shirt £39.50

Colour White Sizes XS to LContact 01352 763350 or www.zebraproducts.co.uk

Colours Pink, white Sizes 10 to 16Contact 01274 711101 or www.caldene.co.uk

Total = 24/30 Total = 24/30

Fit100 2 4 6 8

Comfort100 2 4 6 8

Value for money100 2 4 6 8

Fit100 2 4 6 8

Comfort100 2 4 6 8

Value for money100 2 4 6 8

www.yourhorse.co.uk

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your horse

Tack cleaningCleaning and conditioning your leather

tack correctly will keep it soft and supple, and it’ll last for ages! Take a look at our selection of products that will help keep

your tack looking great

Buyers’ Guide

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Gear guide Tack cleaning

www.yourhorse.co.uk

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Next month in Your Horse

On sale17 May

DON’T MISSThe first instalment of the 2012 Training Academy with new chief instructors dressage Spencer Wilton and eventer and show jumper Jay Halim – to find out more, turn to page 51

BE INSPIRED!Discover how to rehome a rescue horse and find out why it could

be the best option for you or your child

Read our one-to-one celebrity interview with top endurance

rider Beccy Broughton

Find out what happens on a King’s Troop holiday and learn more about life in this

famous regiment

Take a sneak peek into the life of star female jockey Hayley Turner who’s giving the men

a run for their money

Read all about Trec and see how Your Horse writer Katy Islip gets

on when she gives it a go

PLUS…Read top tips from dressage

rider, trainer and judge Stephen Clarke, advice on modern feeding and enjoy the second of our two-

part foaling series to ensure you’re ready for your mare’s

birth and beyond


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