Be a Better rider, get the Best from your horse
• DISCOver unSpOIlt brIDlewayS • Mary kIng • hOrSebOx Spy-CaM • traInIng aCaDeMy • weStern rIDIng • get hIM Off hIS fOrehanD
Care-free hacking how to discover unspoilt bridleways
‘the advice that made me a winner’ reveals mary KiNg
horsebox spy-cam
what he really gets up to when on the move
WiN
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get him off his forehand today What you can learn from Western riding
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Your Horse 363 august 2012
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Inside August 2012 pAge 8
is this the solution to crib biting?
Every issue 6
In the spotlIght The Olympic golden oldie 8 hot topIcs What’s new in the equine world 10 our horses What the YH team have been up to 15 get Involved Your views on the horse world 57 WIn! A dressage VIP day plus Stretch & Flex training wraps 103 WIn! Tottie goodies for you and your horse 127 up for grabs We’ve got loads of freebies to give away including a Thermatex rug 146 In the hot seat... with Team GBR sports nutritionist Julia Scott-Douglas
Features 58 celebrIty IntervIeW Olympic eventer Mary King on her drive to win and her top horses 64 go hackIng someWhere neW Finding new places to ride 70 hoW to enjoy the olympIcs Even if you haven’t got tickets! 72 all the fun of team eventIng The diary of a fantastic four days pAge 58
Mary King answers your questions
pAge 12
Win a horsebox worth £28,900 – our fantastic competition starts this month
Training Academy
pAge 32
10 pages of our exclusive lessons and online training
SerieS
with Spencer Wilton and Jay Halim starting pAgE 18
Better Riding 32 prIvate lessons Event rider Gaby Cooke helps two readers solve their problems 42 off hIs forehand Anna Ross-Davies’ simple exercises to get your horse to lighten up 48 learn from the coWboys What we can all learn from the Western riders 51 schoolIng success Five exercises to help you crack some common problems
expert help for readers
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and be the envy of your yard with this FREE Charles Bentley grooming kit worth over £33 go to pagE 30
pAge 114
Find the best fly mask
Horse Care 80 carIng for hIs hooves How these vital parts of your horse work – and how to care for them 86 make catchIng easy What to do if your horse doesn’t want to be caught 88 When I groW up... What your foal’s personality tells you about his future career potential 95 happy travellIng Expert advice to make sure your horse has a positive experience travelling pAge 80
Looking after his hooves
gear guide 104 bIg test We test six pairs of technical stirrups to see which performed the best 110 fIrst look Innovative tendon and fetlock boots 112 What’s neW Our pick of the latest horsey gear 114 buyers’ guIde Find the best fly mask to keep your horse happy this summer 122 our kIt Three great products the YH team and our readers can’t live without 124 bargaIn to bloWout Add a bit of bling to you and your horse – whatever your budget
Essential Know-how pAge 135
How to place trotting poles
fInd out (or remInd yourself) hoW to... get his noseband right...look after his teeth...fit a numnah correctly...jump up and downhill successfully...check your trailer for safe travel...perfect your bandaging skills ...place trotting and canter poles...banish those nasty bot eggs...go barefoot... It all starts on page 128
Win a horsebox
Ride in style
This is your chance to win this Equi-Trek horsebox plus a fantastic Kent & Masters GP saddle worth £795
WORTH
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Win an equi-trek sonic horsebox This Sonic Horsebox is worth a cool £28,900 – and it could be yours if you enter our fantastic competition today! The Sonic is compact and easy to drive and carries two horses in total luxury. It has the added benefit of a tack/changing/sitting area, with two saddle racks, two bridle racks and two coat hooks so you can carry all your equipment with ease, totally separate from the horses’ area. There’s also additional storage over the cab. Equi-Trek has generously added a package of incredible extras including:
12 your horse August 2012
• Alloy wheels • Mud flaps • Head divider • Corner seat with storage • CCTV camera • Digital reversing camera • Padded partition • Padded walls • Extra height partition • Road tax until June 2013 As well as the fantastic EquiTrek Sonic Horsebox, we’re giving you the chance to win prizes every month from our Win a Horsebox sponsors Petplan Equine, Musto, Animalife and Kent & Masters.
How to enter
For your chance to win… Go to www.yourhorse.co.uk/win and follow the instructions. special terms and conditions apply. closing date is midday on 2 January 2013. alternatively visit Your horse Live at stoneleigh Park on 10-11 november – the horsebox will be on show for you to have a look at and you can enter while you’re there (turn to page 78 for more info about this fantastic event) • For more information on the Equi-Trek range of horseboxes, go to www.equi-trek.com or call 01484 852121 • Competition open to UK entrants only, who must be 18 or over and own a horse.
w w w.you r hor se .c o.u k
the S-Series GP saddle from Kent & Masters
win This FanTasTiC GP saddLe This month we’ve teamed up with Kent & Masters to offer one winner an S-Series GP saddle worth £795
Behind the Kent & Masters Saddlers’ name is 25 years of saddle-making experience, saddle-fitting knowledge to the highest standard and equestrian expertise proven at international level. Made in Walsall, Kent & Masters saddles offer welldesigned competition models and fitting solutions for even the trickiest conformation. Every saddle has a quick change gullet bar system, so the saddle width can be adjusted to best fit the profile of your horse’s withers.
The new S-Series GP combines superior craftsmanship and higher specification design for a truly luxurious feel and appearance. It’s built on an adjustable tree and has changeable girthing options, so a saddle fitter can tailor the saddle to your horse’s requirements. The flaps are cut far enough forward to allow for jumping and hunting, as well as schooling and hacking. The ghosted stitching allows the kneepad to contour over the knee-roll and the hide-covered calf pad makes this a high comfort GP. Colours: Black, brown Seat sizes: 17in, 17½in, 18in Changeable Gullet Bar: SimaTree R-bar in 7 widths
the gullet Changing
Performance Nutraceuticals
when performance matters
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to enter, and for full terms and conditions, go to www. yourhorse.co.uk/win – closing date is August 27 2012. For more on Kent & Masters saddles visit www. kentandmasters.co.uk
the flocking slots
August 2012 your horse 13
Train with our experts for free
Training Academy Meet your expert trainers jumping
Jay Halim
Riding for: 24 years Current rides: VIP II, Who Boy, Master Eli Career highlights: Winning the 2007 Burghley Young Event Horse class on Eye Candy, top 5 placings at 1, 2 and 3 star, Foxhunter winner at the 2011 Blue Chip Winter Showjumping Championships, 3rd in the 2011 Grand prix at Hickstead Jay says: “We’re half way though the Training Academy now and I hope you’re enjoying it so far and making good progress but while we’ve covered a lot there’s still much more to go – let’s hope we can get everything covered!”
18x your horse AuGusT 2012
w w w.you r hor se .c o.u k
Dressage and jumping key skills this month
Shoulder control
Change gears
Master dog-legs
Perfect landings
Test your balance
TR AI NI
N
G
EMY
Ride counter-canter
jumping
AD
dressage
AC
dressage
Spencer Wilton
Riding for: 35 years Current rides: Zamboucca, Doogie, Super Nova Career highlights: Winning the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special in 2006 in Saumur with Dolendo, winning the National Champions in 2007 with Dolendo, winning the Winter Medium Open Championships in 2011 with Zamboucca Spencer says: “So far we’ve worked on everything from straightness to tempo and we’re now at a point where we can really refine and develop what we’ve learnt – I hope you’re finding the Training Academy useful and if we can answer any questions we will – just head to page 29 to find out how to get in touch.”
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AuGusT 2012 your horse x19
Subscription offer GYAA
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Easy-to-follow expert advice for beginners to advanced riders
Better riding
This month
ĂŞĂŞ
32 your horse August 2012
page 42
Get your horse off his forehand
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page 48
page 51
Learn from Western riding
Crack common schooling problems
Inside Better Riding 32 private lessons International eventer Gaby Cooke helps two riders at different levels solve their problems 42 off the forehand Top dressage rider Anna Ross-Davies’ exercises to help your horse lighten up 48 learning from the cowBoys Find out what Western riding can teach you 51 schooling success Dressage rider Darryl Thickett has five great exercises to help you crack common problems
Private Lessons PIC: NICo moRGAN
The Your Horse Private Lessons follow two pupils – one novice, one advanced – having lessons with one trainer. Each has different issues to tackle.
MEET THE TRAINER Gaby Cooke is an international event rider from Rutland. At just 21, she has already progressed from Novice to representing and competing for Great Britain at the Junior European Championships, and then on to CCI**** level thanks to the support from her trainer, Chris White. Find out more on www.gabycooke.com
LEssoN 1: NovIcE
LEssoN 2: AdvANcEd
aLison Cooke and her 10-year-old KWPN gelding, Saatchi, have been training and competing in JumpCross up to 3ft 3in and are now introducing cross-country training. They’re starting to build up confidence in show jumping, jumping up to 3ft 6in introducing doubles, trebles and bounces. Alison wants help with confidence and finding a stride.
Louise LeWendon and her nine-year-old TBxID mare, Summer, are currently competing in show jumping at 85cm and 95cm, working up to 1m at home. They’re confident at these heights but things go wrong when Summer decides to take the lead and either charges at a fence or takes off too early. She runs away from Louise after each fence.
Lesson 1: novice – aLison and saatchi
First impressions
alison and saatchi need help with confidence tackling fences w w w.you r hor se .c o.u k
“Warm up by weaving him in and out of the fences to get him supple and listening,” says Gaby. “Now send him forwards down the long side to help with his impulsion and when you reach the end, bring him around to ride a 10-12m circle. Make sure he’s bending his body around your leg – that’s really good, now change the rein and do the same on the other rein. “Remember that when you bring him back from the medium canter down the long side you need to bring him back straight – he’s just falling out of his inside shoulder at the moment. “Generally it’s good, but I’ve a few ideas we can work on in this lesson to help you.”
Lesson focus l Getting Saatchi more reactive off Alison’s leg l Improving suppleness and gaining impulsion l Encouraging Saatchi to think for himself and not rely on Alison
August 2012 your horse 33
Better Riding Off his forehand
42 your horse AuGusT 2012
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lighten up Dressage star Anna Ross-Davies shows us simple exercises to get your horse off his forehand
MEET THE EXPERT ANNA ROSS-DAVIES is an International Grand Prix rider and trainer. She trained for five years with German rider Ulla Saltzgeber and has since had great success both here and abroad. She trains riders at all levels and is based at Altogether Equestrian in Wiltshire. For more information visit www.altogetherequestrian.com
OUR MODELS ThE bAby Southern Cross Cloudy Bay is four and newly backed. He’s very green and is with Anna to further his education. At 18hh he’s a big lad and, because of this, he won’t find taking weight on his quarters easy to start with. It’s important that nothing is rushed with a horse of this age – you’ve got to find ways to help him along without over stressing him, physically or mentally.
ThE wISE Owl 15-year-old Pegasus MK is a Grand Prix horse (and cheeky with it). Bought as a three-year old from Brightwells auction, MK has had huge success on the national and international circuit. Anna describes the Dutch gelding as a bit of a hot head, but she loves him to bits. He has no problems taking weight on his quarters, but Anna still uses exercises to ensure it stays that way.
OFF THE FOREHAND EXPLAINED Without his rider, a horse carries 75% of his weight over his forelegs – that’s just his default setting. Add the weight of a saddle, bridle and a rider and he’s immediately out of balance and will dive onto his forehand more than ever. However if you watch a horse at liberty, he’ll carry himself gracefully and with a sure foot, taking weight on his quarters if needed – changing direction cantering in the field for instance – and they can show incredible movement when moving on their own. So they’re able to do it, we just have to train them to do it when we’re on board – to work correctly they have to take more weight behind. The aim of all good training therefore is to ensure our horse can carry us with ease. We need to make sure he’s balanced throughout all of his training and not hinder him along the way. A balanced horse is capable of good movement, even if his paces are not the best in the world. It’s not just about your horse being off his forehand because w w w.you r hor se .c o.u k
that’s what’s required of him in competition although a horse who can take weight behind will find dressage movements and jumping much easier – therefore you should be more successful in the long run. But it’s also very much to do with his welfare. A horse who’s ridden constantly on his forehand is at risk of developing soundness issues, particularly as his workload increases and he starts to attempt the higher-level movements or collection.
what does it feel and look like?
A correctly working horse who’s off his forehand and taking his weight behind will be a joy to ride. He’ll feel light, easier to manoeuvre – particularly noticeable during tight turns or lateral work – and more responsive to your aids. Viewed from the side, his withers will be higher than his hindquarters – almost like he’s sitting down a little. It will feel a bit like you’re on a plane that’s taking off – as if you’re going slightly uphill.
BUYING HORSES without a doubt, buying a horse who’s built naturally uphill (withers higher than croup) will tee you up for an easier time when it comes to training him to take his weight on his quarters. So, when viewing potential purchases bear this in mind. however, don’t dismiss a horse if his conformation is not quite spot on if you like him in every other way. Instead, seek advice, think about what you’re aims are for him and then make a decision.
AuGusT 2012 your horse 43
Celebrity interview
Mary King
Selected for her sixth Olympics, eventing legend Mary King talks about her drive to win, her top horses and hidden talents Words Katy Islip Photography Simon Hipperson
T
hey say you should never meet your heroes, but within five minutes of arriving at the home of eventing star Mary King, she’s shown herself to be everything I imagined and more – friendly, driven and possessed of an innate passion for horses. Stepping into the five-time Olympian’s impressive living room, I’m thrilled to be told I’m now standing in what was, before a fairly massive conversion project, the stable of King William, who carried Mary to her first Badminton victory in 1992. While Mary makes us all a cup of tea, she explains how the building was transformed into a dream home for her, husband David and their children Emily, 16, and Freddie, 13, with her horses now stabled just the other side of her driveway – the famous faces waiting to greet us include Imperial Cavalier, Kings Temptress and Apache Sauce, whose retirement from four-star competition is announced the day after our visit. In pursuit of her sixth Olympic team place – now confirmed – and a gold medal to complement the silver and bronze she already has, Mary’s been busy getting out to events whenever the ground has allowed. But despite having only returned from
58 your horse August 2012
Houghton Horse Trials at 1am on the day of our interview, she’s bright-eyed, bushy tailed, and happy to chat about everything from her impressive career to her favourite meal and seeing Emily follow in her footsteps.
Tell us about your early riding memories
I started at Axe Vale Pony Club, and was always very competitive. As a child I rode the vicar’s pony and I got my own at 12. It was a Pony Club coach trip to Badminton Horse Trials that got me set on being an eventer, and from then on Badminton was my aim in life. It seemed impossible I’d be able to do something like that because everyone seemed to be so rich and so brave, galloping over such huge fences, but it was my dream and goal.
What were you like at school?
At primary school I was always horses, horses, horses. I was mad keen and they were all I thought about. I talked a lot, all my reports said ‘Mary would do better if she didn’t talk so much’! But at senior school I wasn’t as chatty – I got seven O-levels and was quite lucky I could cope with the work fairly easily, especially as I was riding like mad. However I had no inclination to stay on and I knew I was leaving as soon as I was allowed!
Mary with Olympic ride Imperial Cavalier, known at home as Archie w w w.you r hor se .c o.u k
Turn over for more of Mary’s answers to your questions w w w.you r hor se .c o.u k
Brilliant bridleways
Ride Britannia Venture further afield with your horse by exploring the UK’s bridleways – we show you how to find new places to ride, and help preserve ridden routes Words Katy Islip
H
acking is great fun, but it’s easy to end up using the same routes time and time again, despite the UK being criss-crossed with hundreds of miles of bridleways. There are also many other types of routes horse riders can use, from
70 your horse july 2012
byways to unsurfaced, unclassified roads, which can really help you get away from it all with your horse. To help you unlock the hidden gems of our countryside, we’ve enlisted the help of Catriona Cook, the British Horse Society’s (BHS) regional access officer for the Yorkshire region. Catriona’s also
chairman of the Byways and Bridleways Trust, which seeks to protect public rights over the UK’s ancient lanes, whether they use them on foot, horseback or bicycle. She enjoys setting out for the day with her New Forest mare Tally. Read on for her tips to find new places to explore with your horse.
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july 2012 your horse 71
Enjoy the Olympics
No tickets? No Just because you didn’t bag olympics tickets doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the excitement entirely – here’s how to get involved if you won’t be at the games
The organised among us might have put in their applications to hold street parties in celebration of the Olympics – a great idea if you fancy letting your hair down with friends, family and neighbours. But for the rest of us the next best thing could be a yard party! Hang up the bunting, pack some sarnies (and maybe some Pimms!) and get behind Team GBR with your horsey friends at your yard.
Raise money for charity
The Olympics are also a great excuse to organise charity fundraisers. “There are lots of simple ways to fundraise for charities like World Horse Welfare 70 your horse august 2012
(WHW) and the Olympics provide a great opportunity for people to get together and do just that,” says Louise Chapman of WHW. “People could bake Olympicthemed cakes and sell them at yard parties, they could hold a photo competition, a raffle or even an Olympicthemed quiz.” Dressage rider Anna Ross-Davies decided to run a special Olympics style sports day at her yard for a charity called The Horse Boy Foundation, but assumed she’d probably struggle to get people to come. “200 people later and we were competing in everything from welly wanging, and whip javelin to a saddle deadlift, a Dodson & Horrell sack race
and a Jackson’s Shavings hurdle relay,” Anna said. “It was absolutely hilarious and a great way to raise money for such a great foundation. We don’t yet know how much we raised but think it’s a least a couple of thousand pounds!”
Watch the Games live!
All over the country live Olympic and Paralympic coverage from the BBC and Channel 4 will be aired on big screens at Live Sites – why not go along to one near you, join in with the cheering crowds and watch the action for free, go to www.london2012.com/join-in/ live-sites to find out more! w w w.you r hor se .c o.u k
Pic: Nico MorgaN / alaMy
Hold a yard party
problem!
Individual Dressage 2-3, 7 and 9 August Individual Jumping 4-6 and 8 August Individual Eventing 28-31 July Team Dressage 2-3 and 7 August Team Jumping 4-6 August Team eventing 28-31 July Paradressage starts 30 August and runs until 2 September
Your medal predictions We asked you which medals you think Team GBR will be bringing home from the Olympics and Paralympics:
Pic: BoB laNgriSh
What’s on when?
William Fox-Pitt competing at the Olympic test event at Greenwich in 2011
How to watch
Get in on all the Olympic action without the trauma of having to get to the Games by simply watching them online or on TV – keep an eye on www.yourhorse.co.uk as we’ll bring you up to date TV listings when we get them! w w w.you r hor se .c o.u k
jumPing
dressage
eventing
Para dressage
■ gold 28% ■ Silver 11% ■ Bronze 4%
■ gold 21% ■ Silver 9% ■ Bronze 2%
■ gold 15% ■ Silver 8% ■ Bronze 2%
■ gold 90% ■ Silver 5% ■ Bronze 5% august 2012 your horse 71
There’s no ‘I’ in team or some people, going out competing can be a lonely affair, but there is another way to enjoy your events – with the support of a team around you! Read on to discover the benefits of team competing and follow four riders as they embark on their first event, helping each other with everything from cleaning tack, going clear cross-country and of course, having a good natter.
From left to right: Boysie, Tilly, Laura, Natalie, Helen and Mouse 70 your horse july 2012
Meet the team
Your Horse magazine ran a competition for two teams to win free entry to the Milton Keynes unaffiliated three-day team event – Tilly Latimer and her crew won one of these places. These four friends have known each other for
years and ‘jumped’ at the chance (if you’ll pardon the pun) to compete as a team at this exciting event. YH writer Larissa went along to find out the pros and cons of team competing. Meet Team Somerset: l Competition winner Tilly Latimer and her horse
Boysie – competition name Burr Oak l Laura Paschka with Charlie l Natalie Hall with Victor – competition name Uphill Birch Barnaby l And Helen Marsh with Mouse – competition name Maximum Magic
Paul Smith – ultimate imageS
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Your Horse writer Larissa Chapman finds out how competing with your best mates compares to going solo
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Team eventing
Dressage 1 day
Clockwise from left: Laura and Charlie head to the warm-up with Tilly. Boysie gets his studs put in. Tilly and Helen watch nervously as Laura and Charlie ride their test
saTurday day
9:30am Pulling up at Milton Keynes Eventing Centre, the typical changeable British weather has let us down once again – dirty grey clouds are rolling in and the wind is starting to ripple the roofs of the temporary stable block. But the dismal deluges aren’t about to dampen the spirits of Team Somerset. As is often the case on Your Horse photoshoots, I grab my cagoule and head through the lorry park maze to meet the team. When I find them, spirits are high as they gather their tack, ready for a hack around the grounds. 10:30am As I meet the team’s steeds, I’m already beginning to see the benefits of team competing vs competing as an individual. Hearing cries from the different stables and seeing exchanges of brushes, sprays and bits of tack, it’s clear that whatever one person is missing another is likely to have! 11:30am After the ride we head back down to the lorry park, passing Union Jack flags and bunting strewn over stable doors to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. By now the place is starting to come alive with people and stalls and the smell of bacon sandwiches wafting from the catering vans. 12:00pm I go with the team to the organiser’s office as they collect their numbers and goody bags. Once again they work together to find out the different arenas they’re competing in. 12:30pm By this time team members are starving and congregate in Tilly’s lorry for lunch. They have a good gossip before reading over their dressage tests – another bonus of being in a team is having people to have a good natter with to calm the nerves.
1:30pm Nat and Laura are the first to ride so they start plaiting up their horses. Victor doesn’t look too enthused about proceedings but his laid-back approach makes Nat’s life much easier when it comes to the plaiting (see below). 2:00pm Laura and Charlie head down to the warm-up, with Tilly. Unlike the others Laura and Charlie don’t normally event.
Left: At the trot up Above: Victor takes it easy as Nat starts the plaiting
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For them, this is a particularly nerveracking occasion, so to have the team’s support is a real help. The warm-up area is buzzing with riders, stewards and nervous onlookers – there’s an undercurrent of excitement as the numbers are called for people to enter the arenas. 3:00pm Crunch time – Laura’s number’s called and she makes her way to the far end arena. Mark (the team’s photographer come groom for the weekend), Helen, Tilly and I all go over to watch. As someone who hasn’t competed since the days of the local show many years ago, I feel rather nervous for Laura and Charlie. 3:15pm 15 minutes later and the test is over – they do very well, so while Laura tries to figure out how to get out of the arena, the rest of the team give her a big thumbs up and dash off to get their horses plaited up and ready to go, closely followed by me and my camera. 3:30pm The hustle and bustle of the stable block is intensifying and the area’s awash with hoof oils, coat shines and plaiting bands – despite having their hands full, when Laura returns, the team are all there to congratulate her on her test. 4:00pm Nat and Victor set off for the arena to do their dressage test and Mark goes along to offer support and take pictures. 5:00pm Tilly and Helen are the last dressage tests of the day and they emerge victorious, with scores of 34.5 and 31.5 respectively. AuGusT 2012 your horse 73
horse care
Keep your horse healthy and happy page 86
Make catching problem-free
This month
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External, skeletal and soft tissue structure of the foot long pastern bone
common digital extensor tendon
short pastern bone coronary band coronary corium
Original pic: nicO mOrgan illustratiOn : samantha J Elmhurst Ba hOns www.livingart.Org.uk
sensitive laminae insensitive laminae collateral ligament of coffin joint hoof wall periople
pedal (coffin) bone encased by laminar corium
solear corium
white line
80 your horse August 2012
sole
Frog
Bars
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Inside Horse Care
page 88
What his personality shows
page 95
Make travelling a positive event
80 InsIde hIs hoof Find out how this amazing structure works, and how to protect it 86 catchIng made easy Expert advice on avoiding traumas catching your horse 88 When he groWs up can you tell what a foal’s ridden future will be from his young personality? 95 happy travellIng make sure your horse’s journeys are safe, comfortable and leave him fit to perform when he arrives
Best foot forward Extensor branch of the suspensory ligament Deep digital flexor tendon
lateral cartilage plantar or digital cushion navicular bursa navicular bone impar ligament
Your horse’s foot is a complex structure. we delve into its anatomy, explain what each part does and show you how to avoid common problems Words katy islip
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horse’s foot is a fantastic piece of natural engineering, that supports his entire weight over just a few square inches. Every horse is different, but the ideal foot should be well-rounded and expanded to support his weight, and preferably be a match with the opposite number. As a horse’s front limbs take around 60% of his weight, the front feet are wider, and the hind feet longer and more pointed to allow the hind limbs to propel him forward effectively. At a gallop, each foot might have to withstand forces equating to a weight of 1000kg, which they do by changing shape, flattening and expanding to spread the pressure of each footfall and absorb concussion – the shock of the foot hitting the ground. Our expert vet Gil Riley explains: “The hoof capsule is the armour plating of the horse, protecting and supporting the part of him that strikes the ground.” Read on to find out more and to get Gil’s advice on preventing some common problems.
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External structure BARS OF THE FOOT 1 At the heel, the hoof wall
bends forward and in to meet the frog, forming an upright partition of horn which along with the upright wall of the heel creates the bars of the foot. As the frog takes the weight of a footfall it forces the bars open, supporting the weight and stopping the heels caving in.
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FROG
The frog is a wedge of keratinised tissue, which is around 50% water. It helps bear weight, provides grip and serves as a shock absorber.
our eXpert GIL RILEY is a vet specialising in equine care. he works at the pool house veterinary group and Equine clinic and is a regular Your horse expert. w w w.you r hor se .c o.u k
Keep the sole and the clefts of the frog clear of debris
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WHITE LINE
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HOOF WALL
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PERIOPLE
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SOLE
The horn of the hoof wall and sole meet here, and this line shows where the insensitive and sensitive laminae interlock. It should be visible in a freshly trimmed foot and, despite its name, tends to be yellowycoloured. This bears the majority of the horse’s weight. The horn is made from a type of collagen called keratin and consists of millions of tiny tubes running longitudinally down the hoof wall, with a water content of around 25%. Keratin can be dark or light coloured, but there is no difference in strength. The inside surface of the hoof wall is covered with the leaves of the insensitive laminae, which interlock with the sensitive laminae and absorb the pressure of your horse’s weight and spread it across the foot. This thin layer covers the outside of the hoof wall and balances the moisture of the hoof. Also made of horn, the sole is slightly concave to give it strength and lift it off the ground to help prevent bruising. Similar in structure to the hoof wall it’s made up of vertical tubules of keratin secreted by papillae in the corium of the sole. Around 2cm thick, it’s softer than the hoof wall as it’s around 30% water. August 2012 your horse 81
Horse care Your foal’s future
‘When i grow up...’ Whether naturally inquisitive or shy and reserved, every horse is born with his own personality – but what can a foal’s natural character tell you about his future ridden career? We ask the experts Words: Helen Milbank Photography: Matthew Roberts
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hile a young horse’s future career path may well be mapped out before he’s even born – especially if he’s destined for a life as a top dressage horse or eventer – no amount of genetic guesswork can guarantee for sure what he’ll really be like personalitywise. Sure, a foal’s sire may be hot stuff in the dressage arena, but will he inherit the talents needed to follow in dad’s footsteps? Only time and training will tell. However, from the moment they’re born, every foal is very much an individual, and to the expert eye there’s lots to be gleaned about what the future may hold for them. “Even as tiny foals they’re so different, and it’s fascinating to watch their body language,” says Bernadette O’Sullivan, who runs Woodcroft Stud in
Cambridgeshire with her partner Tim Harris. “Some will come straight up to you as newborns as bold as brass, while others will hide behind mum.” So does an inherent boldness stand youngsters in good stead for whatever life throws at them as they get older? “As well as the foals we’ve bred here, we get horses in for training – usually as yearlings or two-year-olds in preparation for the BEF Futurity gradings, or as three- and four-year-olds to back – and the ones with a natural-born confident streak tend to be far more relaxed about the whole thing and easier to work with,” says Bernadette. “It’s all a lot more stressful for the naturally highly-strung types, especially if they haven’t been handled a great deal.” And while a horse’s in-built character may be influenced
our experts Tim Harris & BernadeTTe O’sullivan run Woodcroft Stud in Cambridgeshire. They breed and produce warmbloods for a career in dressage, eventing or show jumping. Visit www.woodcroftstud.co.uk 88 your horse August 2012
if i carry on eating like this, i’m going to be big and strong
Or perhaps show jumping will be my forte
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did someone say Burghley Horse Trials? sounds good to me
maybe dressage might be more me – i’m a bit of a show off
now this is the life, chilling in the field
What’s that? a camera – can i eat it? i’m learning new things every day
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August 2012 your horse 89
Horse care Travelling your horse
On the road again Travelling can be a big part of your horse’s life so we’ve taken expert advice to help you make his journeys as safe and comfortable as possible Words Larissa Chapman Photography Matthew Roberts w w w.you r hor se .c o.u k
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e all know how draining a long journey can be and it’s just the same for our horses. Your Horse has enlisted the help of MD of Science Supplements Ltd Dr David Marlin, equine vet Gil Riley and award
winning travelling groom Jenny Ellis to help us understand the stresses and strains that travelling puts on our horses. Read on to find out how we can make his experience as good and stress-free as possible so he’s raring to go when he arrives at his destination.
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WIN Tottie goodies Your Horse has teamed up with Tottie to offer five lucky readers the chance to win fantastic gear for you and your horse
WORTH £304.47
The prize consists of: • Gardenia polo top • Heliconia rugby top • Peony hoody • Jenni jeans • Floral wellies • Vegas headcollar & leadrope • Vegas saddlecloth • Vegas fleece show rug
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he Gardenia short-sleeved polo shirt is great for summer riding and staying cool. Colours Navy, sapphire, claret Sizes XS-XL The new Heliconia is essential leisurewear and is a classic look featuring three-quarter length sleeves – perfect for everyday wear or at the yard. Colours Claret, plum, light grey marl Sizes XS-XL The Peony is a comfy oversized hoody to keep you warm and cosy. Colours Blue marl, plum marl and pink marl Sizes XS-XL The Jenni skinny jeans are a must for this season, they’re cutting edge on the high street and you’ll also be comfortable riding in them. Colours Cerise, navy, white, lemon Sizes 8-14 The Tottie floral wellies provide a practical and funky option for the wetter months. Colour Lavender Sizes 3-8 The Vegas Headcollar & Leadrope pack is unique and will ensure your horse stands out. It has twin-coloured polyester webbing and a matching
tri-coloured leadrope. Colours Navy, pink Sizes Pony, cob and full The Vegas saddlecloth is in quilted cotton and offers a fresh new look with bright Tottie embroidery. Now you can look and feel part of Team Tottie, with your own special saddlecloth. Colours Navy, pink, black, white Sizes Pony, cob and full
The Vegas fleece show rug is a real show stopper and ideal for keeping your horse warm and clean at a show or while travelling. Colours Navy, pink Sizes 4ft 6in-7ft 3in For more information please contact Tottie on 01247 711101 or visit www.tottie.co.uk
To enter visit www.yourhorse.co.uk/win and answer this question...
What is the name of the Tottie jeans? a) Poppy b) Sammi c) Jenni Closing date: 9 August 2012
Terms & conditions: If the product is not available a suitable alternative will be provided. For full t&cs go to www.yourhorse.co.uk
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august 2012 your horse 103
Expert advice on buying wisely
GEAR GUIDE
page 110
Innovative new boots
This month
êê
BIG TEST
The awards
The scores ●●●●●●●●●● ●●●●●●●●●● ●●●●●●●●●● ●●●●●●●●●● ●●●●●●●●●● ●●●●●●●●●● ●●●●●●●●●● ●●●●●●●●●● ●●●●●●●●●● ●●●●●●●●●●
Perfect Excellent Very good Good Fairly good Average Below average Poor Very poor Waste of money
104 your horse AuGusT 2012
We take our testing very seriously – look out for the Your Horse awards in the mag, and as swing tags on products in the shops. If it’s good enough for an award, it’s good enough for your hard-earned cash Only awarded to the very best products in our comprehensive gear tests
Products that offer great value for money and perform well
A product that performs well, but just missed out on the winning position
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Inside Gear Guide
page 114
Beat those pesky flies
page 122
Tried and tested gear
Stirrups We test six pairs of technical stirrups – find out which ones will help you achieve that perfect riding position
104 BIG TEST Find out which stirrups will do the best job for you 110 FIRST look The tendon boots that give your horse more protection than ever 112 WhAT’S NEW Great new equine products 114 BUyER’S GUIDE Protect your horse this summer with one of these fly masks 122 oUR kIT Essential gear the YH team and readers can’t live without 124 BARGAIN To BloWoUT Get a touch of bling this summer – whatever your budget
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he six pairs of stirrups we tested were chosen for their technical features and we asked a number of readers and members of the Your Horse team to use the stirrups for hacking, jumping and flatwork. Each pair of stirrups was tested under the following criteria: Design anD fit The stirrups were assessed for their design and how easy they were to fit and use Performance Our testers considered how comfortable the stirrups were to ride in and whether they delivered all that the manufacture claimed they would Value for money Finally, taking into account their comments on design, fit and performance our testers decided if the stirrups were good value for money and if they’d recommend them to you
What to look for Size
Ensure there is a ¼in gap either side of your foot for safety and to help you maintain balance
Flexibility
Some stirrups have flexible inserts that reduce pressure and impact and can help if you have stiff or sore joints
Grip
Check treads for wear and tear and change them if they look worn – lack of grip may cause your feet to slip
Materials
Stainless steel and synthetic are the most popular materials – the synthetic ones tend to be lighter – it’s your choice
Treads
A number of different tread designs are available from the traditional rubber material to metal cheese grater style. If you’re looking at different types, take your riding boots along so you can assess how each feels and pick the ones that are best for you
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AuGusT 2012 your horse 105
Gear Guide
Fly masks Fly masks do more than stop those pesky pests buzzing around your horse’s face – they help protect him from infections and harmful rays from the sun. Read on to find out what’s available this summer
Flies can cause eye infections
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our horse’s head is a vulnerable target in summer – once the temperature warms up flies and midges come out, and can make his life a misery. Face flies seek out mucousmembrane moisture that irritates his eyes and can trigger infections or allergies. Biting flies can attack the thin, tender skin, often out of sight under his jaw, while nasty gnats creep into his ears, leaving crusty scabs and making him uncomfortable and irritated. A fly mask will also help give protection from the sun to horses who have pink or particularly sensitive skin. Some designs come with an extended area to cover the muzzle to give extra coverage. A good quality, well-fitting fly mask will help make life for your horse much more bearable.
114 your horse august 2012
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buyers’ guide
Non-horsey people may think they look odd – but we know how important fly masks are
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august 2012 your horse 115
Essential everyday skills for riders of all levels
essential know-how
This month
ĂŞĂŞ
Using the right noseband will help you control your horse
128 your horse AuGusT 2012
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page 130
Fit his numnah correctly
Inside Essential Know-how 129 noseband know-how What different ones do, and how to fit them 130 dental care Keep his teeth in top condition between dentist visits 130 fitting a numnah The right way to put on this essential piece of kit 131 jumping on a slope Expert advice on up and downhill jumps 132 safe travel Essential trailer maintenance checklist
134 exercise bandaging Step-by-step tips to perfect your bandaging skills 135 pole work How to place trotting and canter poles correctly 135 bot eggs The best and easiest ways to remove these nasties 136 going barefoot What you need to know before deciding to dump his shoes
Get your horse’s noseband right
What the most popular four nosebands do and how to fit them
Cavesson
This plain noseband is often worn to make a bridle look complete but you can attach a standing martingale to it. It should sit two fingers’ width below his facial crest (the bony spur down the side of his face), and be loose enough to fit two fingers between it and his nose.
Grakle
Drop
This noseband is designed to prevent a horse crossing his jaw, and is fitted one hand’s width from the upper edge of his nostril, on the bony part of his face. It should be buckled around and under the bit, and done up tight enough to keep his jaw closed but not so tight that it pinches. Don’t let it sit too low or it’ll rest on the soft skin over his nasal passages and interfere with his breathing. w w w.you r hor se .c o.u k
Flash
This also helps prevent a horse crossing his jaw and opening his mouth to evade the bit. The main section fits like a cavesson and supports a second, thinner strap which fastens around and under the bit. Unlike a cavesson, the main noseband should be tightened to fit close around his nose, with the second strap done up tight enough to keep his mouth closed but not so tight it pinches.
This consists of two straps which fit together to make a figure of eight which crosses over your horse’s nasal bone. Because it acts over a large portion of his head it helps stop your horse crossing his jaw and can be useful on strong horses, especially going cross-country. There are two types of grakle – the Mexican (pictured), which has rings holding the upper straps together and sits around two fingers’ width above the facial crest, and the traditional English, which doesn’t have rings and should sit in a similar position to a flash. For it to do its job, both upper and lower straps should be fastened quite tightly. AuGusT 2012 your horse 129
Up for grabs
Win great equine products courtesy of Your Horse!
For a chance to get your hands on these goodies, visit www.yourhorse.co.uk/win Summer style
Keep him warm and dry
lucky winners will each receive a Townend Gorsehill ladies polo shirt – visit www. battles.co.uk/townend or call 01522 529 206 for more information
lucky winners will each receive a navy Thermatex rug with red binding – visit www.thermatex.co.uk or call 01239 614648
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This stylish polo shirt is part of the Townend range and is ideal for summer riding and even casual wear. It has a contrast collar, No. 11 embroidery and oversized buttons, which add some funky touches to a practical top. It also features subtle Townend branding to finish off the cool polo. The Townend range is brilliant quality and this 100% cotton shirt is great for summer as it’s breathable. It comes in sizes 8-16, in coffee liquor, honeysuckle or purple plum.
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Thermatex SHR rugs are constructed using three layers of fabric – natural wool and acrylic are blended to provide the ‘wicking’ element while
the polypropylene middle layer provides essential warmth. The fabric draws away any excess moisture before releasing it into the atmosphere. The rugs are made from a single section of fabric so there’s no spinal seam which helps achieve the perfect fit. Thermatex rugs are ideal for use after exercise, while travelling or as a stable rug.
Worth
Worth
£34.99
£140
Perfect your paddock
Comfort for your horse
lucky winners will each receive 4 x 20kg sacks of Suregrow for one trial acre – visit www. suregrowuk.com or contact the technical support line on 05601 126627
lucky winners will each receive a Sue Carson Saddles Snaffle-only Comfort Bridle – visit www. suecarsonsaddles.co.uk or call 01629 540343 for more information
Grass is the most natural of feeds and, like any other living organism, needs the right balance of trace elements and minerals for strong, healthy growth. Suregrow fertiliser, which can be applied from early spring and throughout the growing season, is a unique formulation designed specifically for horse paddocks. It has a slower release form of nutrients, proven in trials to
Worth
£68
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and other features to reduce pinching, poll pressure, resistance, head tilting, rubbing and sliding. Available in cob or full sizes, in black or brown, with padding in black, brown, white, gold, silver or tan.
This bridle is a revolutionary and flexible design that can be quickly and easily converted between a snaffle and a double bridle and from a crank to a cavesson noseband. It’s a really cost-effective option for riders moving up and down dressage or eventing grades – or just for different horses. It’s designed to offer exceptional comfort and includes a padded headpiece
Closing date 9 August 2012
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produce sustained, better quality grass growth over a longer period of time. This means your horse can use all the nutrients essential to his wellbeing.
Worth
£150 August 2012 your horse 127
extra
Issue three
First For buying and selling
Sell your horse the fastest and easiest way
We have more than 180k buyers waiting!
Find your next perfect partner with Horse Deals
8 pages packed full of everything equine from horses to property Just a taste of what’s for sale every month in Horse Deals magazine or online at
www.horsedeals.co.uk
On sale August 9
See how two Your Horse readers get on in our special ex-racehorse Private Lessons with trainer Kath Pinnington of the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre We go behind the scenes at Redwings – find out what goes on at the UK’s largest horse sanctuary
AI N I
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AD
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EMY
Your Horse writer Katy Islip gets her ‘L-plates’ and tries driving for the very first time
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We interview top event rider and Chinese pin-up Alex Hua Tian Perfect timing – get to grips with cross-country timing with our simple tips and tricks
Teach your spooky horse to hack with expert advice from the man who knows how – Richard Maxwell What are your options when it’s time to retire your horse? We take a look
Training Academy part 4
Your Academy instructors up the ante as Spencer Wilton gives you the building blocks for half-pass – renvers, travers and leg-yield – while Jay Halim introduces some technical elements of jumping to help you in the arena and on cross-country w w w.you r hor se .c o.u k
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